Setsu Kuroda
International Director

Receiving: The Starting Point
　JCFN was started by one student who "sensed God's leading and simply received it." The founding process was simple: the young man became a Christian, met with other believers at Urbana '90, and discovered the need for networking among Japanese Christians. The invitation into JCFN was extended to other students, host families, and churches, and soon JCFN was born. It was indeed a grass roots movement, which has become one of our core values.

　When I was a seminary student, I learned about JCFN and became involved because I thought I could help by sending newsletters or serving as a receptionist. Who would have thought I would someday become a full-time staff member!

　Shinichi, who has his testimony in this edition, has a similar story. He didn't know what his future held; he just knew that God was leading him to take the next step. He too "sensed God's leading and simply received it."

　Once again, Shinichi is taking a new step forward, and I would like to give thanks to God for sending him to JCFN. We are grateful to Shinichi and his family, friends and church families who have prayed for him and supported him. Thank you! It is our prayer that his seminary studies and his immediate future would be blessed. Although he is no longer a staff, in different capacity, we look forward to continuing to serve God together for the ministry of returnees.

Knowing and Obeying God's Call
　You hopefully have heard by now about the 4 C's. These four C's describe principles of what each returnee needs "to be equipped for mission": knowing and obeying God's Call; continuously being transformed to reflect Jesus' Character; being Commissioned to make disciples of Jesus; and being a part of Jesus' Community.

　Our salvation is not just about obtaining a ticket to heaven. If so, when we were saved, we should have gone to heaven right away. The reason we still exist on this earth is that God still has work for us to do as we participate in His purpose. Knowing that purpose is the first C: Calling. Only when we "sense God's leading and simply receive it" will we see God-size miracles in our work here on earth.

　In order to obey God's Call, we need to face the unknown and our lack of abilities with faith and trust. We also need to acknowledge our limitations, surrender them into God's hands, and ask help from our brothers and sisters. To obey our Lord is a "dangerous adventure." This "dangerous adventure" can only begin by "sensing God's leading and simply receiving it."

Improving follow-up with new returnees
　We had our annual joint staff meeting in Tokyo at the end of March. We officially included our associate staff members, making 11 of us. We thank you for your prayers.

　It has been three years since we first began to follow up with returnees through small group ministries. The small group is a "Safe Landing Place" for returnees. In such small groups there are other returnees who understand without explanation re-entry culture stress. For new returnees, knowing there are people who understand and identify with them proves to be great encouragement and support.

　By providing the returnees with a place where they can process their returning experiences in an environment of believers, their faith is protected, encouraged, and nurtured. We have seen God at work through small group follow-up, so we want to continue pursuing this. There are 37 small groups in Japan and the U.S. with about 72 people involved. With these numbers, we have hit 37% of our goal for this year so far.

　Last year, we tried to introduce small groups to the returnees, so we hosted several seminars dealing with interesting topics for returnees. The seminar attendees had opportunities to experience small groups while there, but this did not result in increasing numbers of small group participants.

　 Last year we followed up with more than 120 returnees, but only about 20 were able to find small groups. This was because either we didn't have small groups in the locations to which the people returned, or we began small groups in locations where returnees did not end up.
　
So, this year's goal for the Japan side of the ministry is "Improving follow-up of new returnees." We are eager and excited about connecting new returnees to small groups, and that is our focus when developing this year's activities.

　It is our hope and prayer that new returnees would be connected to the fellowship of Christ right after their return, would continue to grow in the Lord, and would "sense God's leading and receive it".

　If you are interested in starting small groups, want to participate in one, or are simply curious about it, please contact smallgroup@jcfn.org.

Enhancing Leadership Development
　Although it is all under the same umbrella of JCFN ministry, depending on which side of the ocean you are on, the ministry approach is very different. This year's goal on the U.S. side is "enhancing leadership development."

　You have likely heard the saying, "You can give a man a fish and feed him for a day, or you can teach him how to fish and feed him for a lifetime." In many different locations throughout the U.S., there are opportunities for Japanese ministry. However, in places where there are few or no Japanese churches or fellowship, believers who are young in faith and age need to be equipped to lead.

　I meet wonderful young leaders. They have been Christians for a short time, but they strongly desire to grow and to be a faithful disciple of Jesus who would in turn make more disciples. Since they know that one day the Lord will send them back to Japan, they realize their need to be equipped starting now.

　 Their passion and hearts encourage us so much, and we really want to give them a firm Biblical foundation. We are convinced that when their burning passion for Christ starts to bear fruit in their lives and among their church families, schools, workplaces, families, and friends, then Japan and the world will be transformed!

　In order to send out "equipped Christian Returnees," we are focusing on leadership development. Last year we began WIT, a leadership training camp, and this year, we have several participants from the previous year leading and preparing the camp with us. Our hope is that through WIT, leaders will learn to develop the next generation of leaders, and when these leaders move back to Japan, this process of raising up new leaders can continue.

　EC is another yearly JCFN event which future returnees attend in order to be equipped for their return to Japan. We are planning this year to focus on leadership development.

　We are excited about this new year (we start in April)! Another thing we are excited about is the All Nations Returnee Conference (please see the article about this conference for more details), which will be held March 20-22, 2009. Please remember this in your prayers and come and join us!

　What is your next step as you "sense God's leading and simply receive it"? I encourage you to take that step. Maybe it is to read the Bible regularly. Perhaps it is to intercede for someone or to send your testimony to your parents. Maybe it is to be involved in a ministry by helping send out the newsletter or by serving as a receptionist. Whatever it might be, God gets excited and it is His joy to see your step. He will bless you, guide you, and allow you to witness "God-size" ministry.

　We want to invite you to take that step in JCFN ministry. Below are areas where you can be involved with JCFN ministries. Please pray about this opportunity, and if any of the areas interest you, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

　Follow Up (meeting with returnees)
　SG participant
　SG leader
　Homepage designer
　Database Input
　Prayer Warriors
　Prayer Warrior Coordinator
　Translation, Proof reading
　Finance Audit
　Campus ministries
　JCFN Partner (Financial Supporter)
　Intern
　Staff

Rev. Masao Uenuma
Chairman of JCFN Board
　
For the first time, all the board members were present at this meeting: Rev. Yonai & Mr. Morisaku from Japan, Mr. Mikami from Toronto, Mr. Reynolds from Atlanta, Rev. Durston from Denver, Rev. Kuroda from Hawaii, Rev. Arai & Rev. Uenuma from Sacramento. Together with JCFN staff members Ms. Kuroda and Ms. Nakamura we went to a resort which Rev. Arai knows well, about two hours from Long Beach via San Francisco. We are deeply grateful for those who came such a long way.
　
We started the meeting with thanks for the meeting of JCFN's essential expenses last year in terms of raising the staff's support and reexamining and constructing its salary system. We also talked about the All Nations Returnees Conference (AN) which will be held in March next year and about the responsibilities which JCFN would need to carry in the future. Meeting of the staff's financial needs is vital for carrying out JCFN's ministry and purpose. The financial board members worked very hard on this. Next year, we are going to focus our efforts on the work of AN from the financial point of view.
　
AN will be a first-time experience. We hope returnees from all over the world will come to this conference. The center of JCFN's work is in North America, though in Japan there are many returnees from all over the world. They are learning the world of the Bible by experiencing overseas life and cultural differences. They have experienced unexpected difficulties or trials, and they now live in Japan. I believe that God has a deep plan in this, and I also hope it will come to be a benefit for the churches in Japan. JCFN has a new task and responsibility.
　
As last year, the Equipper Conference will be held in North America again this year. Its theme will change to "peace" from "reconciliation". The role of the staff is to arrange for many volunteers and for producing the next group of leaders. In Japan, JCFN has put its emphasis on fellowship in small groups and training leaders.
　
Rev. Durston and Ms. Kuroda talked about the days of JCFN's foundation when it was called "Urbana-kai". There were many sacrifices and a sense of life being offered as a grain of wheat. We had a time of reaffirming the huge responsibility, the solemn role which is given to us, and our hope for the future.
　
With our thanks and prayers...

Shinichi Kayama
Former JCFN Japan Staff
　
Why did I get involved in JCFN? I think it was the answer to my prayer.
　
One day, I got challenged when I was listening to a sermon. Quoting Bill Bright's words, the speaker said, "There are 3 different responses to revolution (God's revolutionary work): those who notice it, those who notice, but not join it, and those who join it.
　
When revival comes to Japan, I do not want to miss noticing it. I do not want to live without knowing it. And when revival comes to Japan and I do know it, I do not want to be a bystander. I do not want to watch it coolly from outside. When revival comes to Japan, I want to live right in the middle of it and experience it ? that has been my prayer and desire. I want to live right in the middle of God's work and experience the Lord's work. Meeting JCFN was one of the answers to these prayers.
　
Ever since the Honolulu Conference in 1995, I had gradually begun walking with JCFN My work place moved to Tokyo, so the focus of my life also moved there. From then on, I started to help in JCFN's ministry as a core member. At that time, the Japan office did not yet exist, and there were no staff working in Japan, so the ministry consisted of many volunteers.
　
I was led to become one of the executive committee members of the Returnee Conference in 1999. I remember starting the ministry as a team with Eriya Takahashi (associate staff), Kana Hasegawa (former office staff), and Yuko Ozeki who, at that time, was just starting to visit churches before becoming a full-time staff.
　
At that time the "intercessory prayer meeting" in Tokyo changed its name to the JCFN Tokyo meeting, and Eriya Takahashi and Kana Hasegawa were leading it as coordinators. Hiroyuki & Mami Sasaki were also leading the JCFN Kanagawa meeting as coordinators. These coordinators wanted to have a joint meeting with Tokyo and Kanagawa, and then we were led to have a meeting called "Flame!", which is a joint meeting of JCFN Tokyo and JCFN Kanagawa. We have a worship time and the "Demae" (delivery) project to Utsunomiya and Fukuyama. Meeting with the members of the worship team there is still my big treasure.
　
In Kansai, the meeting was at risk of stopping, but then Yuko Ozeki who was living in Kansai area at that time, and Rev. Tomoyoshi Yamanaka who now is serving as pastor at Yokohama Onnuri Christ Church worked to start the meeting again.
　
Without formal staff in Japan, we had to strengthen relationships with churches to work together. I keenly felt the importance of my position as not just a volunteer but a member of staff formally appointed by JCFN. I asked the board meeting to set up a new position of associate staff and have served as one of them since 2001.
　
In 2002, I was led to retire from the company where I had worked and continued to serve as full-time associate staff, which was a tricky situation. However, in the Lord's wonderful leading, I was led to get married and have children. it was a big change for me, in comparison with the time when I was a single, not being able to pour my time, interests, and energy into JCFN ministry.
　
In 2004, God called me to become a full-time member of staff and I started visiting churches to raise financial support and prayer. It was a hard struggle; however, supported by many prayers, I joined the staff on April 1st, 2006.
　
When I became a staff member, my wife and I started studying at a seminary. I spent the two years of my first term with so many roles and responsibilities as JCFN staff, a seminary student, a student serving at a church, a preacher at a church which had no pastor, a husband, and a father.
　
After joining the staff, I actually started praying for guidance after my first term. Then, by the time of my second year on the staff, I started praying concretely, with the thought of focusing for a time on my seminary studies. To tell the truth, there were so many battles and troubles that I cannot write about them all in this article.
　
As I finished my first term, I finally chose to leave the work of JCFN for the time being and to focus on my studies at seminary. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of you for your prayer and support.
　
From this April, looking for "financial support" as a full-time seminary student, I am starting out on a new road. My son also starts going to a kindergarten attached to a church close by this April, and all of my family steps into a new life-style.
　
I am hoping to finish my basic course and start specialized courses in the second semester. Now I have already taken some specialized classes, and especially in the ministry class, I am thinking through JCFN's ministry and finding myself assessing and reexamining it from a new point of view. I am concentrating on my studies, hoping to graduate in two years, then I will start praying for guidance once more after graduating from seminary.
　
I still do not know how God is going to lead me to live in the place where He is working, but in the midst of all this, I am hoping to walk with JCFN again. I appreciate your continued prayer and financial support.

Setsu Kuroda
International Director
Last year, again, I was working hard in the post of International Director. With much support from colleagues, I learned a lot and God has shown me much guidance throughout the year. This year, too, will be filled with trips, meetings, networking, and speaking engagements. I am excited about leadership training, the EC in America, the All Nations Returnee Conference in March, 2009 and its kick off meetings throughout the year in Japan. Without faith, we would not go far!
1) May God guide us and make us faithful without limiting His work or overestimating our ability.
2) May God equip me as a person with constantly renewed vision and passion from God, sharing and obeying them.
3) May God help me to manage time and health.

Maki Goto
Japan Staff

It's been already 4 years since I returned from the States. I have been able to see how God has protected all the work that JCFN has done and expanded the ministry in Japan. Meanwhile, JCFN Japan is in desperate need of more workers since Shinichi Kayama resigned from JCFN staff in order to devote himself to study at a Bible school at the end of last March. As for the Gotos, we are expecting another addition at the end of this year. All of us have been so much blessed by the new life in our family.

1) Despite lacking workers in the Japan ministry, we have so many things to do in our work. Please pray that God will grant us His wisdom so that we can do the things which are most necessary.

2) Pray that more volunteers and workers will be added.

3) Pray for the protection over my family, for my wife Mitsuyo, for the growth of my son Mel, and daughter Miri, and the new life in Mitsuyo's womb.

Yuko Ozeki
US Staff

For me, there were two new things in the ministry last year: finance and weekly small group at home. It took more time than I thought to take care of all the financial stuff and I had a hard time finding the balance between ministry and administration, but I managed to work more efficiently after a year. As for the small group, God really blessed and gathered people, three people were led to Christ, and we have seen a lot of spiritual fruit. It also helped me to think out strategies for developing the small group ministry for JCFN.

Praise the Lord! This coming year, I have to prepare for two months maternity leave in the summer. So please pray for the preparation, such as making manuals and setting up an office environment at home. Also, please pray for the balance of raising a baby and doing ministry, so that my whole life will be used by God.

Yoko Funatsu
Japan Office Staff
There were several new challenges for me in 2007, but I could see God's work in each one of them. I really appreciate God's protection & your prayers.

In this year I'm excited about what God will show me during my training in the U.S. for 2 months from the end of May! Please pray that my stay there will be blessed.

Chihiro Nakamura
US staff
My varied first year, as a non-student member of JCFN staff, and EC director, has finished. It has given me an assurance of God's calling and an expectation of His work throughout the year. My second year has just started. I am looking forward to serving HIM in the next level throughout this year.

Please pray that I can keep in step with God along with my co-workers, and that I can experience His work through my obedience.

Fumiko Asano
US Staff (in deputation)
It's been almost two years since I started doing deputation. I thought it would be like a year until I assume as a US staff, but God had a different plan.

I'm now serving as a secretary-general for All Nations Returnees Conference (AN) here in Japan since last fall. This is not my plan but I'm 100% sure that this IS from God. Please pray that I can continue to follow divine guidance from bottom of my heart, and my support will be fulfilled at just the right time.

Eliya Takahashi
Associate Staff
Looking back on the past year, I thank God for the "New Salary/Financial System" project in which I was involved, is finally launched!!

I am also grateful for being able to serve JCFN Kansai with its core members for the year of 2007!!

Prayer Requests:
* For the integration of the accounting system in Japan and the US.
* For blessing and growth of my marriage relationship with my wife, Yuka.
* For the growth of my son, Tsubasa.

Kie Hyodo
Associate Staff in Fukuoka

Praise to God for allowing me to know His Grace, Mercy, Hope and Power through?the third RC "Homecoming Kyushu".

I had to think through many aspects of?follow up for returnees through preparing for the conference.?

This year, I would like to ask to God for more guidance in the follow up of returnees, and to pray for them to abide in Him in Fukuoka. My hope is to encourage the Small groups because of the risk of losing their faith.
Pray for
1) My ability to maintain good health as well as a balance between the work at church and the ministry to returnees. May God bless both ministries.
2) Returnees to have contact with the members of SGs, and churches which can follow them up.

Kakehashi Hiromi
Associate Staff, Small Groups

I thank God for His guidance in allowing me to preserve a good balance, working in my job and serving at JCFN. I lost my father last year, but felt much support and encouragement from JCFN, with staff attending his funeral.

As for small groups, numbers of participants are growing and we are building up good relationships with the small group leaders. It is my hope and prayer to have more new groups starting and also for already existing groups to multiply. My prayer request is for God to provide me with a good balance between my work and ministry at JCFN; good health; and wisdom to carry out the work.

Hiroko Matsui
Associate Staff (Nagoya)

God had done amazing things here 2007. We were struggle to continue to meet onece a month and not sure where we are going. But He told us to continue and meet together. So God brought returnees to Nagoya and started new things which was Small Group. That made returnee to be in the community.? So Both cerebration meeting and small group were good combination to follow up returnees. God is great connector.

Please pray for that we need God's wisdom to make network with chuches. We are going to introduce returnee ministry to Tokai area pastor's meeting and IPCN meeting this month.? So please pray for that. Thank you.

Ryuichi Yamazaki
Associate Staff
(Administration)
I became an associate staff last year. JCFN Japan office was started in one small section of KGK office few years back. Since then we've been keeping a good relationship with JCFN. About that time I came to realize that many have become Christians oversea and returning Japan every year and how important to follow up those who have returned.

Though I personally do not have any experience of studying abroad, I am hoping to be a part of this ministry as I help out the Japan office in the area of office administration management.

Masaru Aoki
DNJ (Diaspora Network for Japanese) Coordinator

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and to reconcile both of them to God through the cross…Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household." Ephesians 2:14-19

ANRC: First joint conference by those Japanese churches and ministry organizations that receive the returnees, as well as Japanese churches and fellowship that are sending them home. Returnees from all over the world are the target for the conference. One can enjoy fellowship with friends that have returned from the same country or region. One can meet other returnees that currently live close-by. One can be encouraged by God's love. One can be an encouragement to Japanese churches. One can learn about the Japanese ministry overseas, and support it. One can receive God's vision through the Word. There are multiple ways to enjoy this meaning fellowship.

　2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the Japanese Protestant history. However, Diaspora Network for the Japanese (a ministry for the Japanese dispersed overseas) began much before then. The Diaspora Network was a key figure in the publication of the Japanese Bible in Singapore.
　Since the global network is ever developing, we sense the urgency of Japanese Christians partnering with Asian brothers and sisters to give impact for Christ as well socially. This new phase of ministry needs to be influenced by returnees mission. In Ephesians 2, Paul is encouraging Diaspora people to build the house of God and to start moving forward as united family of God where He dwells.
　For those of us who have returned from the West, Asia, South America, Africa, and worldwide: Let us remember the magnificent Word, and re-experience it! That wonderful grace! And let us expand the prayer circle!
　The All Nations Returnees Conference (AN) is scheduled for March 20th to 22nd, 2009 at Hotel Heritage near Shinrin-Kouen in Saitama prefecture. The theme is: "Bridging the World." Colossian 1:6 is the theme verse. The Bible promises that we will bear much fruit worldwide when we hear the Gospel that is God's grace, and truly understand it. It is our desire that you will repossess the Gospel, and be equipped to go out with that Gospel.
　Please join us either with yourself or your family. Please pray. Please participate with donations. It is a time of reunion, a time for comfort, a time for encouragement, and a time for regional groupings and prayer chains. Let us share your visions, your plans, your burdens, and your convictions. Let us pray together. Let us rise together. Let us have fun together. Let this be a place to celebrate God's blessings, and a time for His abundant grace. Let us be moved by His mercy and love.
　Let us praise God in two languages. Let us praise God with all music genres.
The ANRC pamphlet will be mailed to you soon.

Bridge to the World
世界のかけ橋　　
All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. Col 1:6 (NIV)

2009/3/20-22
Main Conference
2009/3/19 (thu) Special Program
"Overseas Japanese mission, returnee follow up,
and current situation and future of Japan mission"
For pastors, missionaries, those who support overseas Japanese ministries, and lay leaders

Location: Heritage Resort
www.hotei-heritage.co.jp
360-0103 228 Oegawa, Kumagaya City, Saitama
tel?@048-536-1212

Speakers
Eriya Mitsuhashi
Senior Pastor at Sapporo Kirisuto Fukuin Kyokai
Jack and Keiko Marshall
Pastor at Brisbane Internatinoal Church
Nobuyuki Uchimura
Pastor at Chiesa Protestante Giappone di Milano
Kenichi Nakagawa
Director of Harvest Time Ministries

TYPE Early Bird Regular
By 2009/1/15 By 2009/3/6
Student Jr. High 16,000 Yen 18,000 Yen
General 20,000 Yen 22,000 Yen
Couple per person 18,000 Yen 20,000 Yen

Please contact the office to request official brochures or for any questions.
Online registration will be available shortly.

All Nations Returnees Conference Office e-mail: info@allnations.jp www.allnations.jp?@c/o JCFN, OCC, 2-1 Kanda Suruga Dai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 tel & fax: 03-5217-2505