Month: April 2025

2025-04-21 Staff Blog

The Blessing of ‘Buy One, Get One Free!

 

At the nearest supermarket where we live, they often have “Buy one, get one free” deals. So sometimes I’ll pick up something like ice cream during those sales—something I might hesitate to buy at full price.

With prices being so high these days, I really try to make the most of smart deals like that. 😊

Speaking of “Buy one, get one free!”—when my husband was appointed as a JCFN staff, it felt like a calling for both of us as a couple. I wanted to support him however I could, and thankfully, that desire was warmly welcomed. So not only was my husband brought on as staff member, but I was also able to join in as a volunteer in whatever ways I could.

People jokingly called it a “Buy one, get one free!” situation. 😄

Being included on the team like that has truly been a blessing. 😊 It’s given me the opportunity to serve actively in ministry alongside my husband—to learn, be encouraged, and share a relationship where we can pray and grow together.

Looking back, even when my husband was in seminary, I was able to attend all the classes for free. When I think about it, I realize I’ve received so many blessings in similar ways. 😊

And having the same heart and sense of calling as a couple—that’s something I’m deeply grateful for. ♪

My life is full of thankfulness for God’s thoughtful and loving plans. ♪

Hiromu Tsuchida
Daisuke Tsuchida’s wife
2025-04-11 Staff Blog

Testimony of Takako Narcisa, JCFN Office Staff Candidate

Hi everyone! My name is Takako Narcisa, and I live in Las Vegas. I’ll be serving JCFN as a part-time administrative staff, and I’ve just started support raising.

I was born into a family that follows Tenrikyo, so “God” was always part of my everyday life.

However, I never thought about it deeply. That changed when I moved to America as an international student at 21. While I couldn’t speak much English and didn’t know anyone, God sent His family to me. The Christians I met through church and student ministry welcomed me, created a place where I could belong, and poured love into my life. That experience made me want to be part of God’s family, and I became a Christian.

My first encounter with JCFN was at Urbana 2018, which led me to join WIT19 and EC19. After that, I served at WIT and CC in staC and director positions. Then, in 2022, I had the opportunity to serve as the HR director for EC. My work at JCFN made me reflect on the spiritual gifts God has given me. I often think, “I’m not capable of doing anything,” but God showed me that my task-oriented nature and attention to detail can help many Japanese people meet Jesus through JCFN.

Reflecting on my time serving at EC, I felt a strong desire to use my spiritual gifts and serve God at JCFN, trusting that He has given me these gifts and opportunities for a reason. My work as an administrative staC primarily involves finance and various tasks, but I’m looking forward to seeing more Japanese people find salvation overseas, just as I did, through my work at JCFN.

 

Word of Recommendation

Ms. Takako Narcisa is truly an answer to our long-standing prayers!

Just as the strength of a foundation greatly impacts the structure built upon it, so too does administration form a crucial foundation for the Lord’s ministry. For a conference to provide an environment where many can hear the Lord’s voice, logistical tasks such as registration processing and bus arrangements are essential. Ms. Narcissa has responded to God’s call to serve in this essential yet often unseen role. Having personally experienced the significance and blessings of JCFN’s ministry, Ms.Narcisa is uniquely equipped to support this administrative ministry. We ask for your prayerful and financial support as she steps into this role!

Setsu Shimizu

North America Director

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“I want to pray for the candidate for office staff, Takako! I want to support her! I want to receive her!”

If that sounds like you, please sign up here.

 

2025-04-01 Event Info, JCFN Info

Event Info Useful for Returnees April, 2025

◎Southern Kanto Small Groups (Japan)
Yokohama plus SG: Every Tuesday 20:00 (female only, online)
Ogikubo SG: 2 Saturdays per month (in person) April: 12th & 26th
Hibarigaoka related SG: Every 2nd Saturday (in person)
NEW Ochami SG: Every Wednesday 19:00 at Ochanomizu. Launching on April 2nd.
＊There is a voice for starting a new small group in Tokorozawa.
If you are interested in joining, please contact us.
Contact: smallgroup@jcfn.org

◎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

◎WINGS Youth Ministry (North America, CA)
(Everything in bilingual and CA time.)
1) Monthly WINGS event in person!
April 5th, 5:00-8:30 pm, Baby Shower for one of the staff.
RISE OC Church (3198-B Airport Loop Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626)
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

◎APU Friday will start from February (North America, CA)
Southern CA, at Azusa Pacific University
Friday at 7 pm, 4/4; 4/25; 5/2; 5/9; 5/16
Games, meals, heartwarming worship and sharing! Come together with your not-yet Christian friends!
Facebook

◎Tsu-Na-Gu (Japan, online and in-person, Chugoku area)
Gathering for 20s returnees in Chugoku area
Online: Tuesday, April 8th & 15th 20:00〜
in-person: Sunday, April 20th, celebrating Easter after the service
Contact JCFN office at nihon@jcfn.org

◎JCFN Japan Online Prayer Meeting V.OCHAHOP〜 (Japan, online)
Time: Saturday, April 12th 10:00〜11:00 am
Praying for GRC25
Zoom link

◎Re-Conn: Christmas Returnee Cafe (Japan, Tokyo)
Time: Saturday, April 12th 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.

◎Inspa prayer meeting (Japan, online)
Sunday, April 13th, 20:00~20:30 (Every 2nd 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.

◎Grace Picnic〜A Returnee Gathering (Japan, Okinawa)
Saturday, April 19th 11:00-17:00 (Partial attendees are welcomed)
Location: Toguchi Beach
Contact: JCFN Japan office nihon@jcfn.org

◎JXJ (North America, WA)
ISI House in Seattle
Time: Saturday, April 19th 4:30-8:00 pm
Games, meals, heartwarming worship and sharing! Come together with your not-yet Christian friends!
instagram

◎Tokyo Life Church CONNECT GROUP (Japan, Tokyo)
We have been meeting once a month since April 2021 with students who have returned from studying abroad, mostly English-speaking countries, and those who are thinking of studying abroad. Through this gathering, we hope to get to know each other and build a relationship of encouragement.
We value the time to relax and talk about each other. We also freely discuss various topics in the group, ranging from how to study English to various thoughts and feelings we had while studying abroad. At the end of the meeting, we also pray for everyone. Both Christians and non-Christians are welcome to attend.
We usually have our meeting on 4th Saturday of the month.
Next meeting will be on April 26th.
Contact: JCFN Japan office nihon@jcfn.org

◎GRC25 ~ Global Returnees Conference (Japan, Yamanashi)
May 4th-6th (Registration deadline April 10th)
https://globalreturnees.org/

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