Shake, Shake, Shake

Hello everyone!

My name is Yuko OZEKI.

Since the theme of this year’s EC, “Unshakable – Our Firm Foundation,” was decided around this time last year, it has been a year full of things that have made me wonder why I have been so shakable.

The number of appliances that have broken in the past year has been humongous. 😭

(1) Refrigerator,
(2) Microwave oven
(3)Bread maker
(4) Toaster
(5) Rice cooker
(6) Dishwasher

And last week
(7) Washing machine

broke down. Ding. 😂 Isn’t it terrible to have so many breakdowns in one year?

Even if the foundation is not shaken, when the top is shaken, it’s pretty depressing.

At times like this, what has been Life-Giving for me?

(1) Devotions in the morning, when I light a candle and make a cup of hot tea.
(2) Playing ball with my dog at the dog park.
(3) Jogging and yoga.
(4) Eating delicious sweets.
(5) Using a foot massager to prevent swelling.
(6) Meditation while doing the labyrinth walk.
(7) Having a place to share your thoughts and feelings such as bible study and spiritual direction.

I am very happy to be able to do these things. When I write them down like this, I realize that it is “one-off events” that shake me up, but all the things that help me build-up are “routine.”

So by developing habits to energize even when shaken, we can build back up again, broken or not. As long as the foundation is not shaken, you can rebuild as many times as you want.

What is a Life-Giving routine for you?

The following is a quote from C.S. Lewis that O-kun shared with us during the first EC Executive Committee meeting. These words have also been a great support for me this past year.

“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”

Event Info Useful for Returnees October, 2022

Event Info Useful for Returnees

October, 2022

◎JCFN Japan online lunch hour “V.Ochalunch” (Japan, online)
every Thursday 12:00~13:00
online chat meeting with lunch or coffee.
facebook group link
Zoom link

◎ANRK Women’s SG (Japan. online)
Basically 2nd & 4th Thursdays 20:30〜22:00 (Zoom)
Women returnees in Kansai gather online to pray and encourage each other through Bible study and sharing.
If you are interested in joining, please contact JCFN Japan Office: nihon@jcfn.org

◎ZOOM online small groups led by JCFN staff members (Japan & US)
Small groups started in September are continued in October.
Each group information

◎WINGS(CA)
Saturday, October 1st, 5〜8 pm
Location: Rise OC Church 3198-B Airport Loop Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Youth gathering of the Japanese Christian Church Federation of Southern California
Contact: GoYouthLA@gmail.com
Instagram link

◎APU Friday (North America, online)
Friday, October 7th & 21st at 7pm
At Azusa Pacific University.
There will be games, food, heartwarming worship and sharing! So please come and bring your not yet Christian friends!
facebook group link

◎JCFN Japan online prayer meeting “V.OCHAHOP x GRC” (Japan, online)
Saturday, October 8th, 10:00〜11:00
It will be in collaboration with GRC23, coming up in GW next year.
Having a time of prayer focusing on GRC23.
facebook event page link
Zoom link

◎Inspa prayer meeting (Japan, online)
Sunday, October 9th, 20:00~20:30 (30 minutes only) (every 2nd Sunday evening for August) (Zoom)
facebook group link
Instagram link
Contact: facebook or inspire-union@hotmail.co.jp.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of region, country, or age. We look forward to your participation.

◎EC22 PREP Prayer Meeting (North America, online)
October 28th (4th Friday of every month) at 10:00am East Coast (7:00am West Coast, 11:00pm Japan Friday) at ZOOM
Contact Email

◎ANRK〜All Nations Returnees in Kansai (Japan, online)
October ANRK online gathering Re:late
Saturday, October 29th, 20:00〜22:00
Connect with the family of the Lord through your interest!
We will form groups for each of your interests that you shared with us on the registration survey, where you will Re:late with other attendees!
Facebook page

◎Chushikoku prayer meeting (Japan, online)
Saturday, October 29th, 19:00~21:00
Inductive Bible study and prayer time
If you are interested in joining, please contact JCFN Japan Office: nihon@jcfn.org

◎EC22 Merchandise Sales for Fundraising (North America)
Anytime! Hand delivery only at the venue, JCFN office.
Ordering Site

Scroll to top