JEMS South America Department shares its condolences with the family of Paul Yunouye. Paul served with JEMS as a short term summer worker in Brazil and Paraguay in 1997.
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| Paul, front row second from left |
Friday, September 25, 2015
Too Soon
JEMS South America Department shares its condolences with the family of Paul Yunouye. Paul served with JEMS as a short term summer worker in Brazil and Paraguay in 1997.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Online messages: Facing Depression?
West Los Angeles Holiness Church is now making Sunday messages available online. The link may be found here.
One of my recent messages dealt with the subject of clinical depression. I began the message with these thoughts:
This morning, our scripture lesson is from 2
Corinthians 7:5-7.
If depression is something you might be facing, take a moment to listen.
One of my recent messages dealt with the subject of clinical depression. I began the message with these thoughts:
Believe it or not, like it or not, depression
is a common experience among Christians.
It may seem like a contradiction.
We ask how it can be that someone who has received Jesus Christ and who
has access to the power of God can be depressed? There are those who would even say that it is
evidence of sin in that person’s life.
While that may sound like a reasonable thing
to say, it does not stand the test of scripture, of personal experience or the
truths of psychology.
If depression is something you might be facing, take a moment to listen.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Brazil connections
I was very happy to pay a visit to Pastor Hitoshi Yamada this week. Hitoshi is one of the pioneers of Brazil mission work among the Nikkei in northern Brazil. Together with his wife, Kathy, they served for 40 (Kathy) and 32 years respectively. It was a privilege to share stories about the challenges of working in the Amazon, although admittedly, his challenges of fifty years ago far outweigh mine.
Fiz uma visita para Pastor Hitoshi aqui em California central. Foi um dos pioneiros do trabalho missionarío entre os Nikkei no Amazonas. Postei essa foto no Face e muita gente ficou bem animada em vê-lo de novo! A vida de Sr Hitoshi e Sra Keiti foi bem marcante!
Fiz uma visita para Pastor Hitoshi aqui em California central. Foi um dos pioneiros do trabalho missionarío entre os Nikkei no Amazonas. Postei essa foto no Face e muita gente ficou bem animada em vê-lo de novo! A vida de Sr Hitoshi e Sra Keiti foi bem marcante!
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Tamie Kawashima homegoing
JEMS announces the homegoing of its former career missionary, Tamie Kawashima. Ms. Kawashima served as a JEMS missionary with a number of Brazil Evangelical Holiness churches during much of the 1990's. The notification comes from Kiyoshi Gushiken of the Makiki Christian Church:
"On August 22, 2015 (Saturday at 15:30 - Hawaii Time) Ms. Tamie Kawashima, a former JEMS missionary to Brazil, passed away peacefully. She was well and able to talk with visitors until a day before. On the last day she woke up, and yet she slept in at noon - then she went into glory with a smile on her face."
The memorial service will be held on Friday, October 16th at 10am at the Makiki Christian Church in Honolulu, HI. Pastor Rick and Pastor John will be in attendance representing JEMS.
We pray that God will comfort and sustain the family through this time of mourning.
"On August 22, 2015 (Saturday at 15:30 - Hawaii Time) Ms. Tamie Kawashima, a former JEMS missionary to Brazil, passed away peacefully. She was well and able to talk with visitors until a day before. On the last day she woke up, and yet she slept in at noon - then she went into glory with a smile on her face."
The memorial service will be held on Friday, October 16th at 10am at the Makiki Christian Church in Honolulu, HI. Pastor Rick and Pastor John will be in attendance representing JEMS.
We pray that God will comfort and sustain the family through this time of mourning.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
R & R
I'm grateful for the opportunity to rest and recuperate after 2 months in South America. It was a special treat to see friends who I normally see only occasionally. Many of them I've come to know through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook! They also enjoy "talking story" and good food! My kind of folks. haha!
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| A chance to see former Brazil missionary, Machiko, who served in Londrina Brazil |
Mahalo for the many kindnesses extended during my stay! Aloha!
Monday, August 10, 2015
Post Summer Mission Report (video)
Much appreciation is expressed to my financial supporters, prayer partners and friends for uplifting the ministry of JEMS this summer in South America.
In addition to PJ's ministries in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Asunción, Paraguay, there were four separate teams serving throughout the country of Brazil.
JEMS Sports Ministry Team with John Lee, Sara Hakamada and Pastor John
Holiness Youth Choir (JEMS partner) traveled in the states of Parana, Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo.
JEMS Belém team composed of American and Brazilian team members, serving at the camp of the Igreja Cristã Evangélica of Amazônia (ICEA) and at the ICEA itself.
JEMS Pompéia team, which included families from Dallas Texas and from Southern California.
The (re-edited) video below provides a brief summary of Pr John's summer ministries:
In addition to PJ's ministries in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Asunción, Paraguay, there were four separate teams serving throughout the country of Brazil.
JEMS Sports Ministry Team with John Lee, Sara Hakamada and Pastor John
Holiness Youth Choir (JEMS partner) traveled in the states of Parana, Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo.
JEMS Belém team composed of American and Brazilian team members, serving at the camp of the Igreja Cristã Evangélica of Amazônia (ICEA) and at the ICEA itself.
JEMS Pompéia team, which included families from Dallas Texas and from Southern California.
The (re-edited) video below provides a brief summary of Pr John's summer ministries:
Em casa!
Sou grato pelas orações e pelo apoio que foi dado pelo ministério da JEMS durante os mêses de junho, julho e agosto. Viajei bastante na América do Sul, inclusive duas semanas em Buenos Aires, Argentina e Asunción, Paraguay. Mais do que isso tinhamos quatro equipes servindo em várias regiões do Brasil. Por favor, clique em baixo para assistir um vídeo que dá um resumo da missão.
Não sei se ficou sabendo que eu fiz uma decisão para não ir ao Japão neste mês. Durante a última parte da minha viagem na América do Sul, minha coluna estava dando muito dor até eu não conseguia andar sem dores nas pernas. Ouvindo de desafios em relação a clima japonesa e também a necessidade de caminhar bastante, eu mudei a cabeça. Depois de fazer essa decisão, meu amigo e diretor executivo anterior, Rev Sam Tonomura, concordou comigo. Ele falou que ele achou que eu tenho trabalho suficiente para fazer na América do Sul sem adicionar mais coisas servindo no Japão, mesmo com os brasileiros.
Tem razão. Eu pensei também que com as forças que eu precisaria para começar um novo trabalho, Deus já tem concedido muitas oportunidades para mim para O servir em Argentina, Paraguay e Brasil onde as portas estão abertas e as amizades e redes estabelecidas.
Eu estou orando - e peço suas orações que eu possa saber a vontade e o tempo certo de Deus em relação ao meu ministério e as coisas de minha saúde.
Que Deus abençoe ricamente,
John Katagi
Não sei se ficou sabendo que eu fiz uma decisão para não ir ao Japão neste mês. Durante a última parte da minha viagem na América do Sul, minha coluna estava dando muito dor até eu não conseguia andar sem dores nas pernas. Ouvindo de desafios em relação a clima japonesa e também a necessidade de caminhar bastante, eu mudei a cabeça. Depois de fazer essa decisão, meu amigo e diretor executivo anterior, Rev Sam Tonomura, concordou comigo. Ele falou que ele achou que eu tenho trabalho suficiente para fazer na América do Sul sem adicionar mais coisas servindo no Japão, mesmo com os brasileiros.
Tem razão. Eu pensei também que com as forças que eu precisaria para começar um novo trabalho, Deus já tem concedido muitas oportunidades para mim para O servir em Argentina, Paraguay e Brasil onde as portas estão abertas e as amizades e redes estabelecidas.
Eu estou orando - e peço suas orações que eu possa saber a vontade e o tempo certo de Deus em relação ao meu ministério e as coisas de minha saúde.
Que Deus abençoe ricamente,
John Katagi
Monday, July 27, 2015
Youth Camps: Serving outside Belém
The setting at the Palavra da Vida (Word of Life) Bible college in the town of Benevides is beautiful. But pictures don't easily convey the heat and humidity of the region.
We began our ministry at the ICEA (Igreja Cristã Evangélica de Amazônia) church by meeting with our Brazilian team counterparts from the city of São Paulo. JEMS' program of combining national and international teams still needs some tweaking as we lacked adequate time for team-building and prayer together.
We began our time together with a half-day boat cruise on the Amazon River. We were blessed to be able to share this time with members of the West Covina Christian Church team, which was here on another separate project. That was also the infamous boat cruise that PJ struggled with, but got a horse ride as a prize! Although our programs were separated by only three miles, this boat trip was the only occasion we had to see the other US team.
It was also a special blessing to introduce two Iwanagas to each other: one from the US and the other from Brazil. West Covina team leader, Cameron, on the right, and JEMS Team member, Jessica from São Paulo, on the left.
At the end of the boat cruise, the JEMS team was able to enjoy a special treat at Cairu, an ice cream shop that specializes in tropical fruit.
The next day, some were already at work, serving in the Sunday morning worship service in ICEA.
On Sunday afternoon, we were on the bus to the campsite with a number of the staff members and cabin leaders.
After a day and a half of staff training, we received the first week of campers, ages 6 to 11.
Of course, camp would not be complete without an accident or two. (I missed a step and fell on the concrete at 4AM on my way to the restroom).
By Wednesday, we were providing the arts and crafts workshop. The team members were also integrated into other task groups and committees, such as worship team, programs, games and others. All were quite busy.
Friday Noon marked the end of Week One of Childrens' camp. After a half day of rest, we were ready to receive the youth (ages 12-18) on Saturday morning for Week 2.
Please pray as week 2 is underway. It will run until Thursday noon.
I will also be preaching in Portuguese at ICEA on Sunday, August 2 before catching an afternoon flight back to São Paulo. On August 5th, I will be boarding a flight home to Los Angeles.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
A major change of plans
Dear friends and supporters,
Since the beginning of the year, my plan has been to end the summer with a fact-finding trip to Japan. It was to be my first visit to that country. My purpose was to visit the ministries of the Brazil Holiness and Free Methodist churches and their work among the dekasegi (South American Nikkei workers in Japan). As optimistic as I have wanted to remain, the reality is that I am daily having to endure pain and take the necessary pain relievers to allow me to move from place to place here in South America.
I may have also been somewhat psyched out by a co-worker's comments about the amount of walking I would have to do in Japan, the rush to catch trains or other transportation, the multitude of stairs and lack of basic access. In anticipation of the time that I'll need to spend on my feet in Japan, at this point I find that upon serious prayer and reflection, I am less inclined to undertake this trip.
The difference for my service in South America is that I am blessed to have the networking here where long-time friends and pastors have kindly provided transportation. Being my first visit to Japan, conditions and relationships are not the same.
Please be assured that I am not afraid of any work, ministry-wise (I've been invited to preach and teach Bible in Portuguese, as well as provide English classes), but the simplest of tasks, such as walking, has become very difficult for me. I've spent this last week at a youth camp in the Amazon area. It's really a nice facility, but I have found it painful to walk even the shortest distances from place to place. As Clint Eastwood said in the movie "Magnum Force," 'A man's got to know his limitations.'
On the first full day in Belém, our team was treated to an Amazon River excursion. It included an unexpected hike of twenty minutes in the sand, in 90 degree weather, in 95 percent humidity, to arrive at an island restaurant. Needless to say, it was quite the chore to get from Point A to Point B. I mentioned to my hosts that because of my back issues, I would find it difficult to return to the excursion boat. As a result, he went off to find a resolution to my problem. By God's grace, this is what he came up with:
You know, I hated being a burden to those who traveled with me that day. As a result of my experience, I have spoken to JEMS Executive Director, Pastor Rick Chuman, and upon discussion have decided that I would not pursue this exploratory trip to Japan. I have subsequently written to the two pastors in Toyohashi and Eichizen with many apologies, describing my situation and they have agreed to permit me to withdraw from this ministry commitment in Japan at this time.
Rick is still researching the possibility of his continuing the trip in my absence. This contact with the Brazilian Nikkei in Japan is an important networking contact for JEMS. Please pray that doors that have been opened may provide good avenues of ministry. I also appreciate prayer for my own physical situation.
Tenho passado uma semana e meia na cidade de Benevides no Pará no norte do país. Durante esses dias eu fiquei consciente do estado da minha saúde. Tenho sofrido com problemas de coluna que estão causando dores em minhas costas e em minhas pernas. Tenho uma condição médica chamada "spinal stenosis" em inglês e a situação está piorando. Diariamente estou tomando remédios para aliviar o dor.
Até agora tenho aguentado esses problemas em outras cidades do país por ajuda dos amigos que me leva pra qualquer lugar de carro. Mas aqui pela estrutura normal do acampamento eu não estou conseguindo andar nem mesmo nas distâncias curtas. Estou descobrindo que estou sofrendo com mais e mais dores de costa e de perna.
Alguns dias atrás durante uma conversa com pastor Rick Chuman, eu falei sobre minhas dúvidas sobre uma viagem planejada para conhecer o Japão. Eu tenho o receio de ser uma carga para outros e não quero atrapalhar o ministério no Nihon. Por este motivo, estou achando melhor para desistir e não ir mais ao Japão em agosto. Não tenho nenhum problema com trabalho entre as igrejas (fui convidado pregar, ensinar a Bíblia e mais em português, e também ensinar aulas de inglês). Mas tenho bastante ansiedade andando e ficando muito tempo em pé.
Estou pedindo mil desculpas porque eu sei que os pastores tem arrumado seus calendários para receber Pastor Rick e eu. Mas pra mim está ficando claro que eu não posso fazer viagens para lugares desconhecidos com essas problemas de saúde e dor.
Pastor Rick falou hoje que ele esta ainda disposto para visitar os ministérios entre os dekasegi. Pedimos suas orações pela orientação de Deus neste sentido.
Since the beginning of the year, my plan has been to end the summer with a fact-finding trip to Japan. It was to be my first visit to that country. My purpose was to visit the ministries of the Brazil Holiness and Free Methodist churches and their work among the dekasegi (South American Nikkei workers in Japan). As optimistic as I have wanted to remain, the reality is that I am daily having to endure pain and take the necessary pain relievers to allow me to move from place to place here in South America.
I may have also been somewhat psyched out by a co-worker's comments about the amount of walking I would have to do in Japan, the rush to catch trains or other transportation, the multitude of stairs and lack of basic access. In anticipation of the time that I'll need to spend on my feet in Japan, at this point I find that upon serious prayer and reflection, I am less inclined to undertake this trip.
The difference for my service in South America is that I am blessed to have the networking here where long-time friends and pastors have kindly provided transportation. Being my first visit to Japan, conditions and relationships are not the same.
Please be assured that I am not afraid of any work, ministry-wise (I've been invited to preach and teach Bible in Portuguese, as well as provide English classes), but the simplest of tasks, such as walking, has become very difficult for me. I've spent this last week at a youth camp in the Amazon area. It's really a nice facility, but I have found it painful to walk even the shortest distances from place to place. As Clint Eastwood said in the movie "Magnum Force," 'A man's got to know his limitations.'
On the first full day in Belém, our team was treated to an Amazon River excursion. It included an unexpected hike of twenty minutes in the sand, in 90 degree weather, in 95 percent humidity, to arrive at an island restaurant. Needless to say, it was quite the chore to get from Point A to Point B. I mentioned to my hosts that because of my back issues, I would find it difficult to return to the excursion boat. As a result, he went off to find a resolution to my problem. By God's grace, this is what he came up with:
You know, I hated being a burden to those who traveled with me that day. As a result of my experience, I have spoken to JEMS Executive Director, Pastor Rick Chuman, and upon discussion have decided that I would not pursue this exploratory trip to Japan. I have subsequently written to the two pastors in Toyohashi and Eichizen with many apologies, describing my situation and they have agreed to permit me to withdraw from this ministry commitment in Japan at this time.
Rick is still researching the possibility of his continuing the trip in my absence. This contact with the Brazilian Nikkei in Japan is an important networking contact for JEMS. Please pray that doors that have been opened may provide good avenues of ministry. I also appreciate prayer for my own physical situation.
Tenho passado uma semana e meia na cidade de Benevides no Pará no norte do país. Durante esses dias eu fiquei consciente do estado da minha saúde. Tenho sofrido com problemas de coluna que estão causando dores em minhas costas e em minhas pernas. Tenho uma condição médica chamada "spinal stenosis" em inglês e a situação está piorando. Diariamente estou tomando remédios para aliviar o dor.
Até agora tenho aguentado esses problemas em outras cidades do país por ajuda dos amigos que me leva pra qualquer lugar de carro. Mas aqui pela estrutura normal do acampamento eu não estou conseguindo andar nem mesmo nas distâncias curtas. Estou descobrindo que estou sofrendo com mais e mais dores de costa e de perna.
Alguns dias atrás durante uma conversa com pastor Rick Chuman, eu falei sobre minhas dúvidas sobre uma viagem planejada para conhecer o Japão. Eu tenho o receio de ser uma carga para outros e não quero atrapalhar o ministério no Nihon. Por este motivo, estou achando melhor para desistir e não ir mais ao Japão em agosto. Não tenho nenhum problema com trabalho entre as igrejas (fui convidado pregar, ensinar a Bíblia e mais em português, e também ensinar aulas de inglês). Mas tenho bastante ansiedade andando e ficando muito tempo em pé.
Estou pedindo mil desculpas porque eu sei que os pastores tem arrumado seus calendários para receber Pastor Rick e eu. Mas pra mim está ficando claro que eu não posso fazer viagens para lugares desconhecidos com essas problemas de saúde e dor.
Pastor Rick falou hoje que ele esta ainda disposto para visitar os ministérios entre os dekasegi. Pedimos suas orações pela orientação de Deus neste sentido.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Arrival in Brazil and John Lee
The final days of June marked my ministry transition to the country of Brazil. The transition of my Portuguese speaking ability was delayed as I struggled with the Spanish which refused to un-imbed itself from my brain.
The day after my arrival in São Paulo, I welcomed John Lee, JEMS newest staff member: Director of Sports Ministry.
Our partnership would continue for eleven days as we traveled through the length of São Paulo state. We visited seven cities in that very brief time period and covered over 700 miles.
Our team grew instantly and providentially on our second day of travel as we invited the participation of a volunteer interpreter to serve with us for the week of ministry. With my Portuguese delayed, I needed help with the English to Portuguese interpretation needed for John Lee's presentations. Sara Hakamada was a Godsend. She is a self-taught English speaker, who was initially discipled by one of our past JEMS workers, Justine.
This newly organized team traveled throughout the state to introduce John Lee and to explore potential sports ministry partnerships.
PJ, Sara and John Lee in Bastos, SP
Returning to the city São Paulo and presentation of JEMS Sports Ministry:
Alessandra (pictured), came to faith in Christ through a JEMS English Camp in the 1990's
Throughout the state, opportunities were afforded to preach and teach from God's Word.
Sara returned to her home in Marília on July 8th after serving faithfully for a week of ministry with PJ and John Lee. John Lee returned to Los Angeles on July 11th after a fruitful ministry visit. Thank you for your prayers.
The next step for PJ is a camping ministry in the city of Belém in the Amazon rainforest.
The day after my arrival in São Paulo, I welcomed John Lee, JEMS newest staff member: Director of Sports Ministry.
Our partnership would continue for eleven days as we traveled through the length of São Paulo state. We visited seven cities in that very brief time period and covered over 700 miles.
Our team grew instantly and providentially on our second day of travel as we invited the participation of a volunteer interpreter to serve with us for the week of ministry. With my Portuguese delayed, I needed help with the English to Portuguese interpretation needed for John Lee's presentations. Sara Hakamada was a Godsend. She is a self-taught English speaker, who was initially discipled by one of our past JEMS workers, Justine.
This newly organized team traveled throughout the state to introduce John Lee and to explore potential sports ministry partnerships.
PJ, Sara and John Lee in Bastos, SP
Returning to the city São Paulo and presentation of JEMS Sports Ministry:
Alessandra (pictured), came to faith in Christ through a JEMS English Camp in the 1990's
Throughout the state, opportunities were afforded to preach and teach from God's Word.
Sara returned to her home in Marília on July 8th after serving faithfully for a week of ministry with PJ and John Lee. John Lee returned to Los Angeles on July 11th after a fruitful ministry visit. Thank you for your prayers.
The next step for PJ is a camping ministry in the city of Belém in the Amazon rainforest.
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