Month: December 2024

2024-12-18 Staff Blog

A moment that made me feel happy and warm.

Merry Christmas. This is Maki Goto.

I’d like to share a very personal experience and the feelings I had during that time.

The other day, at the church where I had the privilege of serving, I thought, “It’s Christmas, after all…” and I hoped that even for a brief moment, we could all turn our thoughts to Christmas. So, I sang a Christmas song and gave a message.

After the service ended, we spent some time chatting, and just as I was about to leave the venue, a lady stopped me.

“My son was praising you. I told him he should go and tell you directly…”

I was so happy to receive such praise and responded with, “Thank you so much!”

Right after that, a young boy appeared in front of me, looking away as he shyly muttered,

“Well… it was… good. It really fit well…”

Even without looking directly at me, his sincere feelings came through so clearly, and I was so touched and warmed by it.

It was one of the highlights of the Advent season, a moment I will forever treasure in my heart.

2024-12-11 Returning/Testimony

English Bible Cafe ~ Place to Welcome Returnees

YONAKO (MIURA) TOYOSHIMA

I was born and raised in Tokyo and have never studied abroad. The only language I can fluently use is Japanese. However, seven years ago, after I quit my job, I stayed at a friend’s house in California for three months, where I had the opportunity to engage in a ministry toward Japanese people, mainly through JCFN. During that time, I developed a strong desire to be involved in Japanese ministry overseas. Witnessing how Japanese people abroad seemed more open-hearted and eager for the Bible left a profound impression on me, and I felt a strong sense of their spiritual needs.

After returning to Japan, however, God placed me not overseas but at Meiji Gakuin University, a Christian university in Tokyo. There, I took on the role of advancing Christian activities on campus, such as daily chapel services and Christmas events. I had always had a passion for bringing the gospel to the younger generation, so I was truly grateful to be led to this role. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat conflicted, as it seemed to take me further away from my newfound desire to engage in Japanese ministry abroad.

Nevertheless, a new goal emerged for me in this setting. I wanted to create a space on campus where students who had studied abroad and experienced the Bible or Christian communities could find a welcoming environment upon their return.

Seven years later, that goal has finally started to take shape. Through prayer and seeking collaborators, I found two part-time Christian English instructors who shared the same vision. Together, we launched a relaxed weekly gathering called the “English Bible Café,” where participants can experience both English and (a bit of) the Bible in a café-like setting.

In response to my desire to engage in Japanese ministry overseas, God has instead positioned me as part of the receiving team for those returning to Japan.

Now, this gathering welcomes not only students with study-abroad experience but also Japanese students who want to engage with English, as well as international students studying at Meiji Gakuin University. My hope is that this space becomes a haven filled with Christ’s love—a place where students can encounter Christ and feel at home.

2024-12-01 Event Info, JCFN Info

Event Info Useful for Returnees December, 2024

◎Southern Kanto Small Groups (Japan)
Yokohama plus SG: Every Tuesday 20:00 (female only, online)
Hibarigaoka related SG: Every 2nd Saturday (in person)
Contact: smallgroup@jcfn.org
＊There is a voice for starting a new small group in Ogikubo. If you are interested in joining, please contact us.

◎ANRK Kansai Returnee Women’s Small Group (Japan, online)
Basically 2nd & 4th Thursdays 20:30〜22:00 (Zoom)
About 3-6 people gather each time and encourage each other through updates, Bible study (M28), and prayer. If you are interested, please contact us!
If you are interested in joining, please contact JCFN Japan Office: nihon@jcfn.org

◎APU Friday (North America, CA)
Southern CA, at Azusa Pacific University
Friday at 7 pm (December 6th and 13th)
Games, meals, heartwarming worship and sharing! Come together with your not-yet Christian friends!
Facebook

◎WINGS Youth Ministry (North America, CA)
(Everything in bilingual and CA time.)
1) Monthly WINGS event in person! December 7th at Faith United Methodist Church. Starting at 5 pm after “Shimin Christmas.”
Contact at goyouthla@gmail.com.
2) Weekly online devotion, every Monday at 8pm.
3) Weekly Bible study, every Thursday at 5pm (Pacific time)
Youth, let’s gather!
instagram

◎Tsu-Na-Gu (Japan, online and Chugoku area)
Gathering for 20s returnees in Chugoku area
Online: Tuesday, December 3rd, 17th 20:00〜21:00
Reading the Gospel of Luke
In person: Saturday, December 14th 17:00〜 and Tuesday, December 24th 19:00〜Christmas Eve service
Contact JCFN office at nihon@jcfn.org

◎GiFT Christmas Chill (Japan, Tokyo)
Time: Friday, December 6th 19:00-21:00
Location: JCFN office
Fee: 500 yen
Returnees (35yrs and under) in Kanto area are welcomed.
instagram

◎JCFN Japan Online Prayer Meeting V.OCHAHOP〜 (Japan, online)
Time: Saturday, December 7th 10:00〜11:00 am
facebook page
Zoom link

◎JXJ (North America, WA)
There is no evangelistic event this month, but a scholarship fundraising dinner for EC participants.
Saturday, December 7th from 7pm
Location: Faith Bible Church
128 18th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122-5713, United States
Facebook event page
Free admission
There will be a raffle of EC merch and other items ($5 per ticket – please pay at the registration desk on the day of the event).
There will be time for free donations.

◎Inspa prayer meeting (Japan, online)
Sunday, December 8th, 20:00~20:30 (Every 3rd Sunday)
At Zoom (Meeting ID: 979 2868 4925　Passcode: 144507)
＊Let’s remember and pray together about the returnee ministry, INSPA, and returnees in the Tokai area.
＊The prayer meeting is open to those who have participated in INSPA before, or are from or reside in the Tokai area.
facebook group link
Instagram link
Contact: facebook or inspire-union@hotmail.co.jp.

◎Re-Conn: Christmas Returnee Cafe (Japan, Tokyo)
Time: Saturday, December 14th 14:30〜17:00
Location: Double O Cross Church (OO＋) Kichijoji G Bldg B1 (東京都武蔵野市吉祥寺東町1-6-27)
https://www.re-conn.jp/
More events such as Christmas party and Bible study are organized by Re-Conn. Please check the website for the details.

◎ChuShikoku Kyushu Gathering (Japan, online)
Saturday, December 28th 19:00〜20:30
Contact JCFN office at nihon@jcfn.org

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