Month: October 2025

2025-10-29 Staff Blog

Where Does My Lawn End?

Hey everyone!

This time it’s Daisuke from Atlanta writing.

Houses in the U.S. are pretty different from those in Japan — honestly, the construction here can be kinda sloppy.

There are gaps everywhere, and I’m pretty sure they don’t really think about earthquake resistance.

But… the interiors are often super cute, right?

Our little rental house doesn’t have a backyard, but there is a small patch of grass out front.

Now, mowing the lawn in the blazing heat of southern Georgia is no joke,
but I actually enjoy having a lawn.

Since we often invite non-Christian friends over, I try to keep it looking decent.

Every time I mow or clean up, I’m reminded of how amazing nature is.

Grass keeps growing even after being cut.

Leaves fall like crazy and pile up, but by spring everything comes back stronger than ever.

And those not-so-welcome bugs…
they, too, live in God’s perfect balance, I suppose.

Sometimes I wonder, “Why did God create these kinds of bugs?”
But then again, maybe the world isn’t meant to have only cute insects.

Still… I can’t help but ask—what exactly was God’s purpose in creating moths?
I just can’t deal with them. 😅
If His goal was to delight us, butterflies would’ve been enough, right, God?
Yeah, I can get pretty deep thinking about stuff like that.

Anyway, there are countless things we don’t understand.
But it’s all in God’s hands.

One thing I’ve been wondering since moving here is—

“Where exactly am I supposed to stop mowing the lawn?” 😂

There’s no fence or divider between my house and my neighbor’s,
so I honestly have no clue where the property line is.

I even asked my landlord,
“Hey, how far does my property go?”

He said,
“Not sure.” 😅

Then one day, my neighbor decided to replace all their grass with brand new sod to sell their house.

And suddenly, the difference between their lush green lawn and my weedy patch…
was painfully obvious. 😬

Now the boundary is clearly visible.

Yeah, comparison never brings out the best in us… but still, it made me panic a bit.

The funny thing is, thanks to their new grass,
the border between our yards finally became crystal clear! 😂

Next time, I’d like to write about something I haven’t in a while…
yes, ramen! 🍜

Hope your day is filled with the Lord’s presence!

2025-10-21 Event Info, 地域集会

CoCo26 Is Coming!

Miho Walker
OMF (Returnee Focus) Missionary & JCFN Board Member

This is Miho Walker from the CoCo26 Executive Committee. (the second from right)

In March 2024 (21st–22nd), the Connect Conference (nicknamed CoCo) was held in London, England, co-hosted by JCFN and OMF. A total of 100 participants — including Christians preparing to return to Japan, those who want to support returnee Christians, and people who wish to grow together and encourage one another in the Lord — gathered from across the UK, Europe, Japan, and the U.S. It was a truly blessed conference overflowing with God’s grace.

We are excited to announce that the
second Connect Conference (CoCo26)
will be held
March 27–29, 2026!

The theme this time is from Isaiah 6:8:
“Here I am！Send me！”

Wherever we are now — and wherever God will send us, whether Japan or anywhere else in the world — we want to receive His calling and walk with Him as those who are “sent,” sharing God’s love and the gospel. We pray that through this conference, God will encourage and equip each participant to live out that calling.

The host city, London, offers great access across Europe — just one to two hours by plane (with many budget airlines available!) and easily connected by train or long-distance bus. It’s also a fascinating city rich in history, culture, and global influence. We hope you’ll enjoy sightseeing in London and exploring Europe as well!

And don’t forget — the meals and snack times that were so popular at the last CoCo will be back again this time!

Please pray for CoCo26, help spread the word (follow, like, and share!), and we look forward to seeing you there!

🌐 Website: https://sites.google.com/view/coco26/home
📝 Registration: https://forms.gle/9LpmmVvWqrF54pCEA
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coco_connectconference_jcfnomf/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoCo.connectconference

2025-10-14 Staff Blog

JCFN Associate Staff: Yuka Onoe

“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him.”
— Psalm 22:27

Since leaving JCFN in March 2004, God has led me through new seasons — becoming a wife, a mother, and continuing my walk with Him. Over the years, I’ve been given opportunities to support returnees, often being present when they visit a Japanese church for the very first time after coming back from overseas.

In November 2023, my husband and I were asked to follow up with a young man, S, who had accepted Christ just before returning to Japan. Through Bible studies and fellowship at church, S decided to be baptized — and we were blessed to witness his baptism. This experience deeply touched my heart and reminded me of how much I value JCFN’s ministry. It also prompted me to pray about rejoining the work. As I continued seeking God’s guidance, His Word gave me clear confirmation, and in July 2025, I began serving again as an associate staff member.

Currently, I meet twice a month with new staff and administrative candidates, supporting their preparation and helping with newsletters, establishing support networks, and praying together for churches and individuals who will partner with them in prayer and giving. I am also praying for God’s direction regarding local ministry for returnees in the Chiba area. Through connections at my home church, I’ve been partnering with OMF missionaries, joining their online English conversation and Bible study gatherings, as well as local meetings attended by women with overseas experience and returnees who came to faith abroad.

Recently, I attended the JEA Mission Forum, where I joined two sessions: “Intercultural Collaboration” and “Churches Walking with Foreigners in the Community.” These sessions gave me a glimpse into how Japan is changing. During the forum, God opened the Scripture above to me, and I found myself reflecting: What is His heart for JCFN in this changing Japan? How does He want me to serve?

The same love God has for people around the world is poured out equally on the Japanese people. I long to keep witnessing His ongoing work — unceasing and full of grace — through the ministry of JCFN, and to continue being part of what He is doing among returnees and beyond.

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