GospelRest » Short Term

Intensive Prayer – September

John — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:05:46 +0000

1. Research on Leaders of Reproducing Church in Japan has been in high gear throughout the summer. God has really blessed with some clear information about what and how the church in Japan must change. The project should be wrapped no later than mid-September so continue to pray.
2. Short-term missionary Mas Kobayashi is coming 9/16-11/4 to relieve some weary pastors by preaching and teaching for a few weeks so they can get some rest. Several have challenging health or family problems. He needs many prayers.
3. Thanks for your encouragements and sympathies about John’s travails with computers in July. August has thankfully been uneventful. John will get a new notebook soon and using the “old old” computer until then.
4. Beth began her elementary art teaching position and is doing great. Both she and her unborn baby daughter are doing very well. Tim is doing well but still looking for work. Continue to pray God’s blessing on both of them.
5. Elaine is still struggling with foot pain. This type of problem often has a long recovery time. She is gradually more mobile but has to take special precautions. Pray for complete healing.
6. The yen hit a 15-year high against the dollar just a few days ago. This is affecting our financial support situation and of course the entire Japan mission. Ask God to supply every missionary their support needs during this lean time.
7. September means a busy schedule of travel and meetings. Elaine’s cooking, needlepoint, and Bible studies resume. John will be busy with coaching four pastors, planning the church planters’ BootCamp in November, and handling the role of Field Coordinator. Pray for strength and that we may be good encouragers. Pray too for key decisions made at several meetings.
- Elaine trip to Kansai Christian School Board 9/10-11
- John’s trip to Gifu (coaching) and Nara (mission executive meeting) 9/14-15
- Elaine’s LeadNet meeting 9/17
- Elaine’s Bible Study 9/19
- Key CPI Leadership Team meeting 10/05

Intensive Prayer – August

John — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:01:28 +0000

1. John had a whirlwind trip to Kyoto and Osaka to help some pastors from a church in California line up partners for church planting ministry in Japan. They were able to meet with some key Japanese pastors in the area which are looking for church planting partnerships. Continue to pray for these. If you are also interested please let us know!
2. In preparation for the November CPI BootCamp we had a great operations team meeting in mid-July. Thanks for praying.
3. John enjoyed an alumni luncheon with fellow graduates from Trinity Evan. Divinity School. One of John’s project readers was also in attendance.
4. John was quite glad when we closed the page on July. He started out with a two-week summer cold. On the same day John lost his hard drive and the hard drive on the new backup computer. Thanks to God crucial research and files were all backed up. Later in the month our refrigerated died.
5. Thank God for the growing ownership of church planting multiplication within the Rengo and especially the leadership at the National Evangelism Department meetings. Last month the mission met with the Rengo to plan to assist more church planters, help churches birth churches, and encourage more evangelism.
6. Thank you for praying for Elaine and her battle with terrible foot pain with Plantar Fasciitis. She has been taking care of herself but recovery is slow; she is about 80% now.
7. Elaine attended the funeral of one of the ladies from her craft class. This has brought a fresh understanding of the urgency to share the Gospel with Japanese.
8. August is hot! Yesterday the discomfort index was 113 degrees. Both of us have to be careful of our health in this environment. This hot season usually ends in the middle of September.
9. Ask God to grant Beth energy, wisdom, and ability as she eases into her elementary art teaching position this month. She and the baby are doing great.

JAPAN A CLOUDED OUTLOOK

John — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:01:42 +0000

The August cover issue of Time Magazine Asian edition caught my attention: A Clouded Outlook. Over these last few years, we have felt being in Japan that the hope index in Japan has been dangerously eroded. People in Japan are pretty beat down these days. Time observes, “Japan’s political leadership is paralyzed, its corporate elite befuddled, its people agonized about the future.” These are the same people we live and work with everyday.

Decades ago “Japan didn’t need answers; Japan was the answer” as the article said. The Japan which was an envy of the world is not working and becoming loathsome to the Japanese. The global decline in the economy hit Japan twice as hard than the US. Besides the overall economic situation, recently the Prime Minister quit and another one took his place. Last month’s elections proved that people are unhappy with the lack of progress. One of our friends close to some legislators agrees with us that there is not much short of a crisis that will change the situation. Michael Schuman asserts, “And yet no one in Japan is doing very much about it.” In a place with already normal crises of earthquakes and typhoons we are concerned. What will pull Japan out from under this cloud?

The church of Jesus Christ has great opportunities to bring renewed hope to people with the good news. What people are seeking in Japan is the living God that will fill their emptiness and hopelessness. Like us those short-term missionaries that have been recently working in Japan all agree that Japanese are very open right now. What a tremendous time to be in Japan! Not since the end of World War II are the people searching for answers.

Japanese culture is very concerned with saving face and will not quickly advocate risk or the possibility of failure. Radical change and models of church ministry need to be developed. What is even more concerning is that the church in Japan in some areas is equally paralyzed.

Maybe you can be involved in praying, sending, and supporting new church movements throughout Japan. Join us in praying for wisdom that the development of new church movements would be dynamic faith-driven community transforming congregations. These faith-communities can drive the gloomy clouds away and birth new hope and outlook in changed hearts.

For the full Time article see http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2005689,00.html

Gospel Music in Japan

John — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:36:01 +0000

I was recently visiting a downtown Machida music school building: POP. Outside was an inventory of what music and instruments they could teach. As expected there was piano, guitar (all kinds), trumpet, trombone, clarinet, cello, electric bass, and drum. Also listed was GOSPEL CHORUS.

Since the big hit and subsequent boom in Black Gospel Music after the movie Sister Act, Black Gospel music as become part of the culture. Many churches and ministries have ministry to the community by developing gospel choruses. See the other post http://www.gospelrest.com/japanese-drums-meet-black-gospel-music/. Most of the people who attend are interested in the style and freedom of the music but have no idea behind the words. This is a great opportunity to explain the truth of the good news of Jesus in the Gospel.

Japanese churches we partner with have been asking for churches to send performance and workshop training teams to Japan. Pray that God would send these laborers into his harvest field. If you are interested please consider coming to Japan and help gospel outreach in this area.

Who Will Go to the Unreached?

John — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:36:41 +0000

Over 9 days Levi and Diane Velasco visited Japan. Levi is the Director of Recruiting for Converge Worldwide and they wanted to sense the needs here so they can better recruit people to come to Japan. This is from their newsletter sent from Japan.

What pictures do you conjure when you hear the word “unreached”? In my mind, I see huts, muddy, potholed roads, crowded housing, slums, favelas and civil mayhem. What if I told you that there is an unreached people group where the landscape includes well‐paved roads, skyscrapers, well‐appointed gardens, steel, glass and relative peace and safety? After more than 150 years of evangelical missions, less than 1% of 130 million Japanese claim to be born‐again believers. Yes, Japan. For so long, the Gospel has not been able to gain significant footing in Japan due to the prevailing influences of Shintoism and Buddhism. There are some signs however that point to a season of spiritual searching in Japan. According to John Mehn, Converge Japan Field Coordinator, the lack of economic stability in Japan has led to many societal ills including rising suicidal rates across all age groups, rampant divorce, abortions twice the rate in the U.S., alcoholism, increasing crime rate among seniors and Hikikomori, a tremendous fear of social contact , sometimes lasting over six months at a time. Plainly, the fabric of Japanese society is tearing as its long‐held beliefs and support structures no long provide answers for life’s questions. Japan no longer has the “ideal society” where employment to retirement is but a memory. There are 30,000 suicides committed in Japan annually and 1.2 million Japanese suffer from the effects of Hikikomori. And Japanese are clamoring for someone to save them. They may not know this yet, but there is only one Person who can save them ‐ His name is JESUS. The alarm has been sounded, but is Converge Worldwide up to the challenge of heralding the Good News in Japan, the best news the Japanese will ever hear? Why Japan, you may ask? I can say, because they have the highest literacy rates in the world, or that people are upwardly mobile, or their technology is advanced maybe even compared to the U.S., or because it has the potential of being a major missions sending nation. Why Japan now? BECAUSE JAPANESE NEED JESUS, just as much as other people groups in developing nations all around the world!

JAPAN NEEDS

1) Ministry specialists in sports, worship, youth, children, compassion

2) Mental health trainers

3) Church planting teams

4) Church planting coaches

5) Marketplace disciplers (corporate/ business)

6) Black Gospel choir directors

7) Visual, dance, drama and musical artists

ESL teachers

Ideal service terms: 2‐3 weeks, 3‐6 months, 6‐12 months, 1‐3 years, career

How to Be Involved with US

John — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:00:40 +0000

A pastor interviewed us a few weeks ago and asked, “How can we be involved with your ministry in Japan?” Just a few ideas. Please think of some more and let us know.

Connect with us

Surf this same website www.gospelrest.com (a well kept secret).
Shoot us email.
Drop us a note.
Visit with us on Facebook.
Subscribe to our email news updates at this website.
Watch for us on video. We will be producing several short (1-2 min.) videos each year. You can check this website for the latest release (07/09).

Pray for us – Key Tasks Ahead in 2009 & Beyond

Reestablishment of neighborhood outreaches and Bible studies in Machida, Tokyo. Elaine has aread had one not-yet-Christian join her Bible study!
Preparations for the CPI National Conference November 3-6 and regional seminars following. Registration has already begun.
Develop LEAD teams and LeadNet teams for Japanese leadership development for new churches.
Completion of John’s field research project on leadership for reproducing churches in Japan.

Work with us (Information at our website)

Develop direct partnerships with needy Japanese churches to help expand God’s Kingdom in Japan and beyond.
Come with a team or by yourself to carry on short-term ministry among the unreached Japanese.

Come over to Japan and Help Us!

John — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:58:14 +0000

Please pray about and consider these urgent needs for short-term English Teachers and children’s workers this fall.1) Church based English Outreach Ministry – Teach English conversation and English Bible studies, conduct camps and seminars through a Japanese church. Length 3 months-2 years. Longer stays will include personal mentoring. The Minami Urawa urgently needs a teacher from late August or early September. Participants must have at least two years of college and a native English speaker. General workers are sufficient but those with background in teaching, ESL, TESOL are desirable. English Conversation Evangelism training is given. Costs would include roundtrip airfare to Japan, ground transportation ($180), and field work funds ($150). Churches provide housing and a living allowance. This is great for retired people, recent college grads and young people. Small families are also possible. For those staying longer than 3 months will need a visa. The application for a visa normally takes more than 2 months.

2) 2009 National Church Planting Conference Team – Support the work of the National Church Planting Institute Biennial Conference, the largest church planting conference in Japan, through providing services to the participants. There is an urgent need right now for workers for the Children’s Ministry Program to include teachers, classroom assistants, crafts, music, games and the like. We are also offering internships in children’s ministry. Other positions are also available; media ministry, administration, general helpers. This assignment is 1-2 weeks. Costs are roundtrip airfare to Japan, ground transportation ($120), meals ($15 per day), and field work funds ($50) plus conference fees ($350). Training will be provided for those who are new to this type of ministry.

For more information just leave a comment below and we will get back with you, thanks!

Where’s the Videos?

John — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:19:56 +0000

In 2008 we developed two video pieces:

There are other CPI minisry videos by others most to recruit volunteer workers for the CPI Conference.

http://japancpi.com/video.php

To Serve or Be Served

Elaine Mehn — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:19:15 +0000

Elaine Mehn

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

Over our 22 years in Japan we have had a number of visitors. Some have come for just a meal and some have stayed overnight(s). Of this latter group some have slept in comfortable beds, some on the floor Japanese style and a few on couches or other less inviting places. It has been our pleasure and blessing to have each and every one. But of all of these, two stand out in my memory. Perhaps this is because their stays were close together so the contrast was more complete.

The first one was friendly and wanting to tell his/her story – how they came to know Christ, had been involved in ministry and came to Japan. It is always nice to hear how God is working especially in regards to Him calling people to Japan whether it is for a few days, weeks, months, years or a career. It is always His calling and His ways are fascinating to hear. The struggle for me was that the stories did not stop. I began to feel that I was not a necessary part of the conversation. The greater frustration for me was that this God led, God loving person had words of service but an attitude of being served. It was the attitude that screamed louder than the words. I was glad to have the visit and glad for it to be over as I found it very tiring.

The second one came soon after the first. I remember dreading it not because of the person involved but because I was still so wrung out from the first visit. I pasted my well used smile on my face and welcomingly greeted them into our home. What an opportunity for me to learn repentance. It wasn’t long before I was repenting of my attitude and thanking God for sending this dear saint to our home. This person shared their story but was equally interested in my story of God’s work. They wanted to do whatever I needed done not out of judgment or criticism but to be of help. Cleaning got done that I don’t find time for and don’t enjoy doing. When they left I was sorry to see them go as they had been a breath of fresh air into my stuffy heart.

The real question becomes what made the difference between a visit that left me tired and a visit that left me invigorated for ministry? I think it was the difference in attitude between one who wanted to be served and one who wanted to serve. The one wanted life to be about him/her and the other knew life was not about him/her but about Jesus. This was never said in words but it didn’t need to be. The love of Christ flowed to all of those around because their heart was focused on Him. This is the heart that I want to have – one that knows I am a sinner saved by grace, filled with the Holy Spirit and credited with Christ’s righteousness so I can humbly love God and others. Instead of desiring that people like me, I want to desire that people love Jesus. In my life this will take an act of God. The good great news is that God loves to work in our lives transforming us into the image of His Son.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for the many times that I have wanted to be served rather than to serve others. But even more forgive me for the heart attitude that screams that life should be about me and my comfort – I want to be the center of attention. Forgive me for wanting people to like me more than I want them to love You. Fill me afresh with the humble air from Your Spirit that others might feel that fresh air flowing into their lives as well.

Children’s workers critical need 04/09

John — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:32:18 +0000

The BGC Japan Mission needs one or two children’s workers to provide a children’s’ ministry program for 6 missionary children ages 8-18 during our annual Field Council April 6-9, 2009. Those coming allow the field staff to conduct their annual Field Council without having to worry about also caring for their children. Come and enjoy Mount Fuji and the rest of Japan. For more information contact Mary Lou Ellison at MLTellison@aol.com.