Jan - Jems

NO. 1
V OL. 67
JANUARY—FEBRUARY 2016
DON'T FORG ET
YOU R SABBATH REST
Rev. Rick Chuman, JEMS Executive Director
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up,
left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
MARK 1:35
I just got back from the Holiness Pastors’ retreat. It was a
nice time to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow pastors. The
retreat was structured so we had Conference business,
teaching, and times for “personal retreating.” During
my personal retreat, I took the opportunity to take a
3 mile walk (2X) and read a few chapters of a book on
spiritual disciplines. It was through walking, reading
and journaling that I was able to rest in God, refreshing
my spirit.
As I think back to 26 years of full-time ministry, I realize
that times of rest are really important. I can get so
caught up in “doing” ministry that I forget how ministry
should flow out of my relationship with God. If I’m so
busy going from one project to another, and I neglect my
relationship with God, it can quickly become a recipe
for burn-out. Also it seems to go contrary to my Asian
American upbringing where I feel like I should always be
doing something. When one is on “busy” mode, it seems
almost counter-productive and counter-intuitive to sit
down and rest in the Lord for a prolonged period of time.
Throughout life, we need a prolonged
period of rest in God so we can deepen
in our relationship with Him by
focusing solely on Him.
Back in 1998, I had an opportunity to take a two-week
post-doctoral course on spiritual disciplines with the late
Dr. Dallas Willard (Devout Christian, former Philosophy
professor at USC and author of many spiritual disciplines
books). The first thing he said was that it would take one
week just to learn how to rest. He said that some of
us will just need to come to lecture in the morning
and sleep the whole rest of the afternoon. Rest was a
spiritual discipline. That was news to me. And deep
down inside, I felt that was a “spiritual excuse” to be
lazy. But in the Gospels, we’re told that Jesus went to
solitary places to pray. He slept on the boat when the
storm kicked up on the Sea of Galilee. God was the
one who instituted the “Sabbath” after he had finished
with creation. Sabbath is a time to rest, to reflect, and
to re-charge our spiritual and emotional batteries.
Throughout life, we need a prolonged period of rest in
God so we can deepen in our relationship with Him by
focusing solely on Him.
This summer, I invite you to come and rest in the Lord.
Break free from the busyness of life to enjoy some time
of refreshment with God. Mount Hermon is the perfect
place to get some rest for our bodies, refreshment for
our souls and to recommit our lives to Him. This year,
Pastor Jon Hori will be the morning speaker, sharing
about his personal experiences on prayer. Pastor Rene
Schlaepfer will be the evening speaker, sharing his
usual wit and insights in the Word. Please join us if you
can. It’s not too late to register.
And even if you can’t go to Mount Hermon, I want to
encourage you to take a spiritual sabbatical if you
haven’t done so. It really can re-energize your life with
Christ. There’s a lot of good material out there that can
help you on this journey. Sabbath is not an excuse to
be “lazy.” It is a necessary discipline we need to remain
fresh and alive in our relationship with God. When are
you going to do some “retreating?”
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JA PA N M I S S I O N PLA NS FOR 2016
Darryl Wong
Missions Administrator
God’s ministry will continue with concentration on children’s English classes, which includes Bible
study. Since it is difficult to invite community children to churches, they are invited to my home
to join the ‘Saturday -Joy Kids’ where they are introduced to creative activities for boys and girls
and evangelized through a Saturday church. I will continue with the kindergarten English class,
AMAKUSA
men’s English and Bible classes, and a new cooking class with the kindergarten mothers. I am also
training local Christians to assist with visitation to homes and hospitals, singing with the elderly at
LILY SUZUKI
Day Care, and showing them the love of Jesus.
We will continue church-planting ministry alongside Pastor and Mrs. Otsuka at the Morioka Minami
Church in Iwate, one of Japan's most-northern and least reached prefectures. We are seeing success
at making contacts in the neighborhood through kids English and VBS. Therefore, we are expanding
the 'Go! Go! Gang' English club, as well as opening some young mothers’ fellowship times and Bible
studies. In addition to the work in Morioka, we are exploring ways to be of service to the new church
MORIOKA
plants in the “tsunami zones” on the Iwate coast, where the Minami Church serves through the 3.11
Iwate Church Network.
NOTE: JEMS would like to host short-term missionaries for 2 weeks, July 29—August 10, 2016, during the
summer to assist Jon and Maki with their VBS program. Contact: JEMS 213.613.0022
JON & MAKI
ROBISON
Our mission plan for 2016 is to continue to work as assistants to the pastor at Calvary
Chapel Iwakuni doing children's ministry, administration, men's ministry, discipleship, and
family ministry. Our community outreaches include: teaching a Firm Foundations class (survey
through the Bible) in Japanese, Bible English class, monthly visits to a local orphanage, and
IWAKUNI
literature distribution.
NOTE: JEMS is interested in a short-term missionary for 2 weeks during the summer to assist with Roy
ROY & NANCY
TOMA
and Nancy’s VBS program. The ministry would be for the U.S. military and Japanese communities.
Contact: JEMS 213.613.0022. We are also looking for a male missionary to serve 1—2 years.
Throughout 2016, Dave will be serving as an intern at Morioka Bible Baptist Church in Northern
Tohoku. During that time, the Robisons will help with various ministries at church while also
participating in various outreaches to the survivors of the 2011 Earthquake in Tsunami. During this
time we trust God will provide valuable experience serving with an established Japanese church in
preparation for church planting work on the coast, once Dave's internship is completed.
MORIOKA
DAVE &
TOMO ROBISON
JOHN & KAZUMI VANFAROWE
For 2016, they will be pastoring at All Saints International Church in Nagoya and continue to
establish KeiAi Academy, an alternative Christian high school. They will continue to teach the
100 plus English students in their conversation schools.
NAGOYA
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SOUTH AMERICA MISSIONS
STRETCH I NG OU R
PE RSPECTIVES
Rev. John Katagi
Director, Strategic Development South America
Our world can become too narrow.
Too routine. Too
predictable. There is no doubt that God has much more
planned for us this coming summer than binge watching
Netflix, updating Facebook and checking out that new KBBQ
place on Western. But in order for us to discover that plan, it
requires us to take active steps to explore opportunities that
he provides.
Among the many opportunities to serve, to invest , to explore
is a three-week commitment to serve cross-culturally with
JEMS in South America. JEMS will be receiving applications
for team ministry in Brazil or Paraguay from July 5 to 25, 2016.
Deadline for applications is March 15th.
For specific information, please contact Pastor John by email
at john_ ken_ po@yahoo.com or call the JEMS office.
AACF
S E A S O N S T O R E T R E AT
Melanie Mar Chow
A ACF Leadership Team
At LTC, one of the speakers offered students a discount to attend
Urbana, InterVarsity’s triennial missions conference. Thirteen
responded and joined other students, A ACF alumni, pastors,
and campus workers to learn about God’s story that has been
written in their lives to share with others. Our A ACFers kept in
touch via Facebook for unofficial check-ins and a community
time on the last day gathering 40 students and alums. Urbana
15 held hotel bible studies, speaker plenaries, seminars to
I am grateful to InterVarsity for working diligently to provide
A ACFers returned home with
their stories to bring the life
changing message to their homes,
work places, and campuses.
this conference and for those who sacrificed to attend.
But it doesn’t take three years of planning and long distances
to travel to gather God’s people. By the end of January, 14 of
the 17 A ACF groups have hosted campus retreats. We’ve heard
that God’s work in these community gatherings has been a
tremendous blessing. Beginning with PNW students (UW,
Seattle U, SPU) in Fall, to the recent SF State students sharing
process what they heard, and nightly roommate huddles. the gospel with others, retreats provide times to live life
One plenary invited prayer for countries where the church is
together. If you know of A ACF students or campus ministers
persecuted. Others reminded them of God’s heart for all people
who serve, encourage them. If you know of any who would
and challenged to love others with Jesus as “hostages of hope”. benefit from getting involved in A ACF, please visit our website,
The 16,000 attendees finished Urbana celebrating the New Year
www.aacf.org to find locations and meeting times. We are
by experiencing worship in different languages and cultures.
grateful to God for your prayers as you read these praises and
A ACFers returned home with their stories to bring the life
respond in thanks. Most of all we give thanks for those who
changing message to their homes, work places, and campuses.
read about A ACF and support God’s purposeful works. 3
29th JEMS Warm Beach
E M POWE RE D
“I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection…”
PHIL IPPI A NS 3:10
We thank the Lord for His loving and powerful presence over the six divisions. This year we had two areas of new development – we
expanded our Kid’s Camp to enfold children with special needs. Note: this is separate from the long-standing 25 years of Special
Camp (18+ years old adults). The Lord allowed us to serve four new children and support their parents. We also made entry points
for a focused ministry for career young adults for 2016.
COUPLE WITH CHILD
opened a huge door for us for August
“It was a very good experience and we
all enjoyed it a lot. My husband told me
already that he would like to come again.
. .in fact, he asked me for the next year's
scheduled date!! Isn't it awesome?? Surely
HE moved his heart! Praise the Lord!!
18—21, 2016 - additional housing has
become available!
We invite you to
pray and listen to whom God puts
on your heart to reach out to – your
invitation may be the open door for this
person to come to know Christ! And
for all who come to continue to grow
in their relationship with God, and be
YOUNG ADULT
empowered to love and serve the Lord!
‘Being new to Seattle, Warm Beach Camp
allowed me to meet people who look
like me, share cultural cues, and those
K ID’S CAMP DIREC T OR
who I can “just be” with. In my attempts
Kristen Shimabukuro
to call Seattle home, Warm Beach and
JEMS ministry has been a safe place for
SPECIAL NEEDS LE AD
me to call home when I am doing the
We thank the Lord for His loving and
difficult work of cultural translation. I
powerful presence over the six divisions.
am thankful for the perseverance of the
Christine Ito Castillo
This year we had two areas of new
YOU TH CAMP DIREC T ORS
saints who support JEMS ministry and
development – we expanded our Kid’s
Allison Bhang & Karstin Jacobson;
commit myself as a young adult coming
Camp to enfold children with special
up in the world of Asian American
needs.
Note: this is separate from the
ministry to honor and support JEMS in
long-standing 25 years of Special Camp
my future endeavors.”
(18+ years old adults).The Lord allowed
YOU TH CAMP
“I accepted Christ for the first time”
YOU TH CABIN LE ADER
“JEMS camp is the highlight of my year!
us to serve four new children and support
their parents. We also made entry points
for a focused ministry for career young
adults for 2016.
SPECIAL CAMP TE AM LE AD
Joan Hirata
SPE AK ER
Alycia Lee
Thanks to the tremendous teams of
NICHIGO DIREC T ORS
worship leaders, cabin and small group
Ben & Junko Fisher
leaders, workshop leaders, registrar and
SPE AK ERS
hospitality, meal time buddies and all
Mao & Setsu Shimizu.
the behind-the-scene helping hands. We
thank the Lord for His Sovereign hand
on the conference ministry. His gospel is
being communicated in Word and deed.
Lives are being changed in this gracious
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YOU TH CAMP SPE AK ERS
Jordan Uomoto & David Sim
Christ-centered community.
God has
PAS T OR IN RESIDENCE /ADULT LE AD
Joe Castillo
SPE AK ER
Paul Kim.
M A IN /C A R E E R /NICHIGO C A MP
M A IN/C A R EER C A MP
EV ENING ENGLISH SPE A K ER
Mount Hermon
Speakers 2016
M A IN/C A R EER C A MP
MOR NING ENGLISH SPE A K ER
Pr. Jon Hori
Pr. Jon Hori serves as the Regional Director of the West
Coast and East Asia for "seeJesus". Previous to joining
"seeJesus", Jon helped plant and pastor Lifesong
Community Church in Chino, CA for nine years.
He and his wife, Sonia, stay busy raising four young
children, Kristin, Evan, Eden, and Jaren. Jon has led
Rev. Rene Schlaepfer
the A Praying Life Seminar both in the US and abroad.
Rev. Rene Schlaepfer is the senior pastor of Twin Lakes
Church in Aptos, California is the author of five books:
"Jesus Journey"; "God Is"; "Grace Immersion"; "Hope
NICHIGO C A MP
MOR NING NICHIGO CA MP SPE A K ERS
Experience"; and "Thrill Ride: Thriving Through Life's
Ups and Downs". He lives in Santa Cruz with his wife
Laurie. Born in San Jose, California to Swiss immigrant
parents, Rene grew up with dual citizenship and briefly
lived in Switzerland before settling on the West Coast.
There he worked for many years in broadcasting,
primarily as an air personality on contemporary music
radio stations. While in broadcasting, Rene earned a
BA in Radio/TV/Film from San Jose State and an MA
Theology from Western Seminary. Since then, he has
served as a pastor in San Diego, South Lake Tahoe,
and Santa Cruz. Rene and Laurie have three children,
Jonathan, Elisabeth, and David. Beside their love
of church ministry, Rene and Laurie also advocate
together for their favorite causes: local food banks
and an orphanage in India. Rene has been a speaker
for JEMS Mount Hermon many times and is popular
among the JEMS families.
Rev. Hidemi Yokioyama
Rev. Hidemi Yokioyama - Pastor of Olivet Baptist
Church in Hawaii since 2002. He lives with his wife
Chie and daughter Hikari and son Keishi. He was born
in Kanagawa prefecture and graduated from Wayland
Baptist University and Golden Gate Baptist Theological
Seminary. He has two CDs "For You" and "Under the
Stars." The evening speakers will be various pastors
that attend the Nichigo camp.
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2016
JEMS EVENT CALENDAR
MOUNT HERMON REGISTR ATION
January 18th - Main Camp - Registration Opens
January 27th - Youth Camps - Registration Opens
Register now: jems.org/mt-hermon/registration.php
February 21 - April 24, Sundays Evenings
JEMS WINTER BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Carson Athletics Center, 1533 East Del Amo Blvd., Carson CA
Registration Forms and Info: jems.org/events
March 26, Sat., All-day Event
CO-ED VOLLEYBALL TOURNEY
Long Beach City College Gymnasium
4901 East Carson Street, Long Beach, CA
Registration Forms and Info: jems.org/events
Entry Deadline is March 7th.
February 20, Saturday, 10:00pm—12:00pm
JEMS "PROTECT YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE"
Attorneys-Consultants from Hart, Mieras & Morris, Inc.
Stephen J. Miyabe, Esq., Andrew Gregson, and Lisa Peterson
JEMS Office, 948 East 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA
"How to pass your assets to your loved ones while avoiding proate
and high estate taxes."
Make your reservation by calling 213.613.0022 or emailing
samt@jems.org on or before February 16, 2016.
An easy way to support our ministries!
DONATE YOUR “UNUSED” VEHICLE TO JEMS
and support a ministry, a missionary, a support-raising staff,
the JEMS general fund or the building fund!
You may donate your “non-running”
vehicle you may have sitting in your
garage, driveway or yard, or taking a
parking space in front of your place! Your
gift will extend the life of your vehicle
through the work of our ministries. We
accept all types of vehicle donations
including autos, trucks, sport utilities,
motorcycles, motor homes, and boats.
• provide all DMV paperwork • towing is free
• fast pickup
• missing “pink” title slip – no problem
• failed smog test – no problem
• not in running condition – no problem
• a good running car? we detail it!
Please call JEMS 213.613.0022 for additional information or to
donate your vehicle today!
May 14, Saturday
JEMS MEN4MISSIONS
NorCal Golf Invitational for Missions
Spring Valley Golf Course, 3441 Calaveras Road, Milpitas, CA
Breakfast 9:15AM, Tee from 11AM
Registration Form & Info: jems.org/events
June 1—10, Wed—Fri
JEMS HYMNS SING TOUR OF ENGL AND
(Rev. Sam Tonomura - Tour Coordinator and Escort)
(Rev. Roland Hazama - Pastor and Music Leader)
Visit where well-known hymn writers lived and were inspired to
write the great hymns which proclaim powerful biblical truths.
Learn their background/history, sing-a-long or listen to hymn
music in the chapel or cathedral during evening worship services.
Included is a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare birthplace),
C. S. Lewis' home, Stonehenge, Winchester Cathedral, Buckingham
Place, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, tour of London, and St.
Paul's Cathedral and galleries. Itinerary: jems.org/events
If you're interested, call 213.613.0022 or email samt@JEMS.org.
June 26—July 2, Sunday—Saturday
MOUNT HERMON CONFERENCE
Family/Nichigo/Career Camp, Special Camp and Youth Camps (Jr.
Hi, Inter-Hi, Sr. High, College)
Register Now! jems.org/mt-hermon/registration.php
Fall 2016 (Spring in Brazil)
BR AZIL TOUR
The tour will include the Amazing Amazon, Iguacu Falls, Rio de
Janeiro, and Sao Paulo and Japanese-Brazilian churches. If you have
suggestions to visit other sites or are interested in the tour, please
contact Rev. Sam Tonomura at 213.613.0022 or samt@jems.org.
JOIN OUR ELITE GROUP!
Do you recycle aluminum cans, bottles, or newspapers?
Here is your chance to help save a tree!
If you’d like to join our “save a tree” group, please send your request to
info@jems.org or complete this slip and mail to JEMS in the enclosed envelope.
I have selected to have the below documents sent through email.
JEMS JOURNAL
PRAYER LETTERS
M4M
JIHO
Your Name: Address: Email Address: Other Members in your Household:
Their Emails:
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LETTE R
from the
DI RECTOR
Throughout the years, JEMS has blessed many people by
receiving scholarship requests for camp. Unfortunately, our
providing scholarships in order to attend Mount Hermon.
Mount Hermon General Scholarship fund this year has roughly
Last year for example, we gave out more than $13,400 in
$3000.00 in it. I’d like to ask that you prayerfully consider
scholarships. The Mount Hermon General Scholarship
giving to this special fund, especially if you’ve been to camp
helps to provide funding for non-ordained pastors,
and were blessed by it or if you have received funds from this
youth workers, missionaries (other than JEMS), cabin
account before, and you are now in a better place financially.
leaders, families, and individuals who are experiencing
Why not “pay it forward” with a love offering? Thank you for
a financial hardship that might prevent them from
your prayers and support for this very valuable ministry.
attending Mount Hermon. This year, we are already
Rick Chuman
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