Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu. Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu. Shinnen o medetoo gozaimasu. Translation: “I greet you in this New Year. Please think well of us in this year. Congratulations in this New Year.” Often in Japan these words of New Year’s greeting would be repeated constantly in January sometimes deep into the month like the 15th or even the 20th. We are expected to greet key people in our lives the first time we meet them in the new year, no matter when that happens. Also New Year is a very big deal in Japan, not as much in the US, but Elaine and I think it is and kind of miss it. And we are grateful for each of you and your role in our lives and we hope together we will have a blessed year glorifying Christ and his Kingdom. For us a New Year means reflecting and then planning for a New Year. Also it means a renewed focus on priorities and as followers of Jesus we focus on Christ’s glory in the Nations and his Kingdom to come. May God truly use us to honor him and build his Kingdom.
In December John was attacked by mosquitos only to return home to several feet of snow. Talk about culture shock. Praise to God for an excellent and profitable time for John in Nairobi Kenya Africa for the Global Church Planting Network (GCPN) “global facilitators’’ meeting. Over 48 leaders from 22 countries came to share about growing church movements worldwide and pray and resource each other for further growth. John traveled well and enjoyed the fellowship with many leaders, many who had to undergo suffering and persecution since he saw them just two years ago. Before coming home John, the former biologist, excitingly enjoyed his trip to the Serengeti in Tanzania to see one of the living wonders of the world. This was a dream since college.
Entering 2006 means some planning and especially long-range planning for this year and beyond. Personally pray for God to give clarity to John regarding his crucial roles in Accelerating Asian Leadership and Church Planting Movements and Mobilizing the “church” for the Glory of God Among the Nations. John’s desire is to leave a lasting legacy among the next generations by investing in people who will build teams, partnerships and collaboration for Christ’s Kingdom. Here is a list of the ministry roles and projects John has for this year and beyond.
FOCUS ON “PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT”
The 15-lesson course begins in January in our area Rockford and nearby in Elgin and Elmhurst beginning January 26th. The classes are designed to equip every follower of Jesus to discover their role in bring God’s Glory to every people on the planet. John is a certified instructor and will be presenting in three courses this spring semester. Spring classes run through May. We encourage all to take advantage of the first class which is free. More information at https://perspectives.org/.
FOCUS ON JAPAN
- Elaine and John just completed lesson 9 of the 16 lesson Sonship course mentoring a Japanese couple in Japanese. The goal is to get the materials into Japanese and also mentor a Japanese couple so that the course can expand to many other Japanese. It is a challenge but a great blessing to the four of us. We will keep meeting for several more months online. The course is going well, keep praying.
- Pastor Kenji Kondo, who participated in the Nairobi meetings, has now accepted top administrative leadership for our Japan National team. This means John will take an even more minor role in the future with the Japan National Roundtable, Collaboration for Saturation, and church multiplication vision festival. Our next scheduled national gathering is in August. Kenji is also serving GCPN’s global leadership team.
- John continues coaching, mentoring church planters, ministry teams, and team leaders, and those interested in serving in Japan.
FOCUS ON SOUTH ASIA
John and teammate, Dr. Phu Pham, are working with a church network to further develop their mission work among unreached peoples. They want to increase and improve their mission impact. Currently we are collaborating with people in the US to develop a two-year training system for people working in cross-cultural missions. This month John and Phu gather for planning and to meet with some key educators at Wheaton College.
FOCUS ON FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Thank you so much for your prayers and cooperation. My financial support situation has really improved. So many people have sent in special gifts, some very large. There were a lot of expenses in December to support several Asia leaders in their attendance in Africa. I do not anticipate as much travel in early 2026, so my travel budget will build up slowly. I hope by summer that the situation will stabilize and return to normal. If you are interested in helping out in 2026 visit our website: https://converge.org/global-worker/49651/.
Focus on Developing Leaders Through Theological Education
John’s role of developing leaders through theological education continues to expand.
1) In his ongoing work as a professor at Kairos University, he is actively involved as a faculty advisor guiding and equipping future leaders for impactful service, especially Converge workers.
2) Supporting Academic Research. In addition John also serves as a second reader for students who are writing doctoral dissertations on church ministry in Japan at both Trinity University and Denver Seminary. He hopes his insight will contribute significantly to the academic success of these students.
3) Prayer for wisdom – As John’s role expands this year, please ask God to grant him wisdom. His work impacts many students and future leaders, and continued guidance is essential for his effectiveness in these important roles.