akiko`s question?

NO. 2
V O L . 6 6
HOW W IL L W E A NS W ER
AKIKO’S QUESTION?
M AY 2 015
T Martin Bennett
Many Americans care more about their favorite
Having previously written a feature-length screenplay,
TV show, sports team, or next meal than about
there was no doubt in my mind that this story, which is
the ultimate meaning of their lives, but the 2011
entitled Wounded Tiger, would make an unbelievable
Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami shook much
film and an engrossing book. But what I didn’t realize is
more than the ground beneath of the feet of the
how it would give me and readers a vision for the people
Japanese people – it shook the foundations of
of Japan and how it would also be a beaming light of hope
their very lives.
for the people of Japan.
After I saw this news report on CNN, I could
FROM A JAPANESE NATIONAL COLLEGE STUDENT, NOT A CHRISTIAN:
never erase it from my mind or heart.
I like that this story is perfectly true but written like
Akiko Iwasaki lost her home, many of her
fiction. I like your way to express in this book. Hero of
friends, and was engulfed in the torrents and
the book is Fuchida but Jake is the biggest person for me.
debris of the charging waves that nearly took
After I finished reading this book, Jake's story made me
her life. It has stirred her deep within her heart:
impressed most.
Reporter: Looking back now, do you feel there
To be honest, I haven’t really believed in God. I didn't think
was a reason that you survived?
about any religions but I knew there are many people who
Akiko: I think about it every day. Every day. This
is a gift. I ask every day what is the meaning of
my life and my role on this earth. I don’t have an
answer, but I’m searching …
Ten years ago I felt directed by the Lord to
research and write out the story of the pilot
who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, whose life
was transformed by an American prisoner and
by a girl he never met. Although he previously
had little interest in spiritual matters, after
were changed their life by God, like Fuchida and Jake. I
felt I want to read Bible someday when I finished reading
this book. This story was so good!! This movie is true
story!! I will tell my friends, “You should watch this!! This
movie is kind of war movie but you can see so good human
drama more than usual war movie!!''
When I was reading this book, I was thinking a lot of things
as Fuchida did. I'll read the bible someday and I want to
find what Fuchida knew and Jake found in the bible more.
I really hope your great book will be great movie.
the war, circumstances beyond his control and
Thank you,
far beyond coincidence came together in an
James.
extraordinary way that led him to put all of his
faith and trust in Christ.
He was, perhaps, the most unlikely person in the
world to seek the God of those who destroyed
his nation.
They don’t have the answers they’re seeking, yet, but
they’re searching. How can we not bring them the answer?
Note: Wounded Tiger has been fully translated into
Japanese and is be prepared for release in the fall of 2015.
1
P RAY F O R O U R
J A PA N M I S S I O N A R I E S
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
1. Dav id & Yu k a Mi l ls (J-L od ge) – H i r at su k a
2 . Todd a nd Jay ne Fon g - Tok yo
3. Fr ed a nd Ch i k a ko W h it wer - Tohok u
4. Jon a nd Ma k i Robison - Tohok u
5. Nozom i & Kev i n Wes t – Osa k a
6. Ja mes L au* – Ch i g a sa k i /H i r at su k a
7. Der ek Yee* – Tohok u
* - Shor t t er m mi ssion ar i es (Less th an one year)
2
8
10
9
11
12
8. Pau l & Yu K a ng – Na goy a
9. Roy & Na nc y Toma – Iw a k u n i
10. Michael & Ch r is Ma son – Osa k a
1 1. Pau l & R ie Mi z u k i – Mach ida
13
1 2. Joh n & K a z u m i Va n Fa r owe – Na goy a
13. Joseph & Yu m i ko Wu – Kobe
14
14. L i ly Su z u k i – A ma k usa
3
SOUTH AMERICA
MISSION 2015
We are pleased to move forward with our international discipling
program as three Brazilian Nikkei young people will serve with
JEMS this summer. This is our third international missions
team designed to give opportunities for Brazilian young people
to experience missions
firsthand. The team of six,
together with Pastor John,
will work with the ICEA
(Igreja Cristã Evangélica
de Amazônia). Koh Ikeda,
of the Mission Valley
Free Methodist Church
(bottom, right), will serve
as team leader. Rev. John Katagi
Director of Strategic Development,
South America
As we prepare to launch our JEMS South America Mission
program, we are grateful for the doors that have been
opened to us in Brazil and Argentina
In August, a team comprised of the Mark Okada family and
Greg Oda will be serving in the city of Pompéia in the state
of São Paulo, Brazil. They will have a unique opportunity
working in partnership with the church and with the city's
social service programs. Attendance expectations exceed 250
children daily.
JEMS South America Department is pleased to work this
year in partnership with the Holiness Youth Choir, led by
Bonnie (Paul) Nakasuji and Mary (Ken) Tabuchi. They
will be serving in ten cities for just under three weeks,
July 8 to 28. JEMS is pleased to welcome new Sports Ministry Director, John Lee. In addition to his responsibilities
locally, he hopes to one day take sports mission teams to Brazil. Pastor John will accompany John Lee
providing key introductions during an exploratory visit through São Paulo state in early July.
Pastor John's own summer mission will begin in mid-June with ministries in the following cities/countries:
JUNE 15: LA to Buenos Aires,
Argentina. Meeting with pastors
and churches serving the Nikkei
community there.
JUNE 22: Travel to Asunción,
Paraguay. With the departure of our
principal ministry partners in the
capital, I will be looking to establish
new partnerships with the small
Christian minority there.
4
JUNE 29: Travel to São Paulo,
Brazil. Strengthening partnerships in
the city and in the state of São Paulo.
AUGUS T 5: Return to Los Angeles
JULY 15: Travel to Belém, Brazil.
Serving together with the JEMS
international team.
AUGUS T 14: LA to Tokyo
(Narita). Meeting and ministering
to Brazilian churches in Japan
which are serving the Nikkei worker
(dekasegi) population there. AUGUS T 2: Return to the city of São Paulo.
AUGUS T 28: Return to Los Angeles.
Please remember to pray for our teams, the choir and for me. Thank you!
AAC F
W H AT B U I L D S A N
AAC F M I N I S T R Y ?
Melanie Mar Chow
As a whole, this trip was more than just a construction project;
As we prepare to finish another AACF year
we take time to reflect on the ways God has
been working on our campuses. We give
thanks for a full season of God’s work. AACF
student leaders plan a full calendar of events
that fall in line with a theme for the year
(i.e. Taking The Next Step [UCSD]) and each
activity builds to reinforce those themes.
After A ACF UNITED, hosted by UC Riverside on February 7
gathering representation from all15 A ACF, ALL FIVE NORCAL
CAMPUSES gathered together on Feb. 28, and shared an
afternoon of getting to one another, under the theme of
it was focused on building relationships and forging new ones
and seeing the goodness of a faithful and loving God through
all of it.
One desire of student leaders is to lead students closer to
God. How? Building deeper relationships on campus in small
groups, bible studies, and gatherings. Retreats are especially
important; something about spending extended time allows
for depth.
Pictured is UC Riverside A ACF’s retreat.
After
C ATA LY Z E FA I T H
TO BE ST R ENGT HENED
A ND R ENE W ED
RENEW. They played icebreakers, worship, and conversation
in the spirit of Psalm 51:10. Their vision was for the event was
planning the UNITED event together, they gathering under
to catalyze faith to be strengthened and renewed.
their theme “Reignite” to deepen their love for God.
Yet
another example of how events in A ACF build on the last, and
develop communities where God can work.
As the 2014-15 year comes to a close and another begins, our
upcoming national conference LTC 2015 will focus will be on
evangelism.
GOOD NEWS – We have just learned that our newest group at
Seattle University has been confirmed as an official student
group. Not only are we desiring to build relationships on
current campuses, but we also want to care for students on
new campuses.
Spring Break for UCLA A ACF usually includes student planned
missions trips to serve the LA Inner City by partnering with
agencies to serve and prepare dinners for organizations like
PATH (People Assisting The Homeless)and to Ensenada in
partnership with Adventures in Life. This year two groups
consisting of 6-8 students each participated. Pictured left
are Kevin Hsu (center) and Jennifer Hu (2nd from R), who
led the team to Ensenada. Jennifer notes “Getting to know
Pastor Martin and Marine and seeing how much they devoted
to their ministries and families was very encouraging, also.
5
V E
A
a support raising staff, the general fund ,
S
and support a ministry, a missionary,
T R E
A
E
DONATE YOUR
VEHICLE to JEMS
JOIN OUR
ELITE GROUP!
or the building fund!
At the time you donate your vehicle to JEMS, you may select
to support any one of the ministries, staff workers, general
funds of JEMS or the Building Fund. Your gift will extend the
life of your vehicle through our ministries and further enable
us to creatively develop and provide ministry opportunities in
partnership with the churches.
Do you recycle aluminum cans, bottles, or newspapers?
Here is your chance to help save a tree!
If you’d like to join our “save a tree” group, please send your request
to [email protected] or complete this slip and mail to JEMS in the
enclosed envelope.
I have selected to have the below documents sent through email.
We accept all types of vehicle donations including autos,
trucks, sport utilities, motorcycles, motor homes, and boats.
Jems Journal
Prayer Letters
M4M
JIHO
Your Name: • PROVIDE ALL DMV PAPERWORK
Your Spouse's Name: • TOWING IS FREE
Address: • FAST PICKUP
• MISSING “PINK” TITLE SLIP – NO PROBLEM
• FAILED SMOG TEST – NO PROBLEM
Email Address (print): • NOT IN RUNNING CONDITION – NO PROBLEM
Please call JEMS 213.613.0022 for additional information or to
donate your vehicle today!
JUNE 21,
PR ESEN TAT IONS: L a z a r us, Ch r is t ia n h ip hop;
L a r issa L a m, Si n ger ; Joel Ga i nes, Si n ger ; Wat t s
A r ea Mi n is t er s Un it y Choi r ; Mat t hew Ba r net t ,
Dr ea m Cent er
6
ONLINE-PROMO CODE:
U NIF Y ht t p://tiny u rl.com/048cmnp
OR ca l l 310.729.7654
Event includes ga me a nd concer t!
2015
JEMS EVENT CALENDAR
June 21
Sunday
P R A I S E L A 2 015
LA Sparks (2:00pm) and Unify LA Concert (5:00pm)
jems.org/events for updates and registration
(Sponsored by the churches of Los Angeles)
Staple Center, 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
June 5
Sunday — Friday
8:30am
JE M S M O UN T HE R M O N S C H O L A R S HIP T O UR NE Y
MISSION STATEMENT:
• To bring unbelievers into a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ
• To unite people together from diverse SoCal communities to worship God
Los Verdes Country Club, 7000 West Los Verdes Drive, RPV, CA
GUEST SPEAKERS: Nick Vujicic, Larissa Lam, Lazarus, and others
Breakfast and Tee off at 10AM, Game Format: Individual Medal
RESERVATIONS: http://tinyurl.com/o48cmnp
Play and Team using Callaway System (Contests: Putting,
OR CALL: (310) 729-7654 straightest drive, closest to the pin, $10,000 Hole in One)
ADDITIONAL INFO AND REGISTRATION FORM:
www.jems.org/pdf/2015MHSCHGolf%20Flier.pdf
August 1
Saturday
7:00 — 9:30pm
June 28 — July 4
"M O UN T HE R M O N M A IN -F A MILY/ NIC HIG O C A MP "
O N -L INE R E G I S T R AT I O N
Go to: www.mounthermon.org/jems S O U T HE R N C A L IF O R NI A P O S T-MH Y O U T H R A L LY
Wintersburg Presbyterian Church, 2000 North Fairview Street, Santa Ana
N O R T HE R N C A L P O S T MH R A L LY - to be announced
This year the "Mount Hermon Main Camp" registration will ONLY
be on-line through the Mount Hermon web site.
There are discounts for “first-timers to the Main Camp”, Pastors,
and Family at the main and youth camps and individuals
referred to Main Camp by registered campers. There are also
Late August
C O -E D S O F T B A L L T O UR NE Y
See JEMS.org for latest info or call 213.613.0022
scholarships available.
www.jems.org/mt-hermon/registration.php
(Note: Registration for all of the "Youth and Special Camps" will
continue to be through the JEMS web site at www.jems.org/mthermon/registration.php ) There are only a few openings in the
Jr. High Camp.
October 3
Saturday
8:30am — 1:30pm
JE M S L A D IE S L UN C HE O N
"Hearts to Serve" Save This Date!
Wintersburg Presbyterian Church, 2000 North Fairview Street, Santa Ana
June 14 ­— 19
Crafts, Speakers, Food and Fellowship! Registration forms and additional
A A C F L E A D E R S HIP T R A ININ G C O NF E R E N C E
info to follow.
The Oaks.
Info: Call 213.613.0022
BR A Z IL T O UR S E P T E MBE R -O C T O BE R , F A L L O F 2 015
(S P R IN G IN BR A Z IL)
The tour will include the Amazing Amazon, Iguacu Falls, Rio de Janeiro,
Brasilia and Sao Paulo and Japanese-Brazilian churches. If you have
suggestions to visit other sites or are interested in the tour, please contact
Rev. Sam Tonomura at [email protected] or call 213.613.0022.
7
Please Join Us at
Mount Hermon!
This year we will have Rev. Ken Shigematsu, author of the book,
“God in my everything,” published by Zondervan, as our morning
expositor. He is the senior pastor of the Tenth Church in Vancouver,
BC. He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee
Medal, in recognition for his church’s outstanding contribution to
the country. His wife, Sakiko and his son, Joey will be joining us that
week. Our evening speaker is Mr. Bill Butterworth. He is currently
on the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Board of Directors. Bill
is a regular contributor for Home Life, Moody Monthly and Focus on
the Family’s Single Parent Family magazine. He was on the faculty of
Florida Bible College for eight years and was Director of Counseling
Ministries at Insight for Living, the radio ministry of Chuck Swindoll
for six years. His family will also be joining us at camp. As you can
tell, we will have some terrific speakers lined up. It’s not too late to
register. Please join us and invite a friend. You can register online by
going to mounthermon.org/jems. Hope to see you there!
8
Rick Chuman
Thank you for joining our “save the trees” group and agreeing to receive your JEMS newsletter through Email. For your
convenience, we have listed the different ways you may partner with us by supporting the JEMS Ministries:
OUTRIGHT GIFTS
List of ministries and supporting raising staff are listed below for your consideration.
CREDIT CARDS
Go to http://www.JEMS.org/Support JEMS for information about credit card donations. You may use your Visa, Master, American Express,
or Discover card to make donations online. This service is provided by The CashLINQ Group and is easy, fast, and secure.
CASH AND CHECKS
By far, most of the gifts given to JEMS is cash or checks. It's the easiest gift for a donor to make and for the organization to receive. Please
send your gift to JEMS, 948 East Second Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. If the donor lives outside of the United States, the gift should be
a money order in American dollars. If you itemize your deductions, you can take a full tax deduction, up to 50% of your adjusted gross
income and carry-forward any excess up to five additional years.
ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER (EFT)
Go to http://www.JEMS.org/Support JEMS for information about ‘electronic fund transfer’ (EFT).
AUTO DONATIONS
If you have an unwanted car, truck, heavy equipment trailer, mobile home, boat, or motor home, you can donate it to any of the JEMS
ministries funds. The vehicles do not have to be in working condition!! For more information, please call JEMS at (213) 613-0022.
OTHERS: Stocks, bonds, and real estate, tangible personal property, gifts through a charitable trust, your will, living trust, or retirement
plans.
“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about
your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.”
Philemon 4-5
Executive Director
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Cut Here_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Donor’s Name_____________________________________________________________
My gift is given to JEMS with a preference for…
$____14600 General Fund
– Supporting all ministries & staff
$____14800 JEMS JOURNAL Publication
$____14460 Ministry Worker
Emergency Support
$____15900 Office Equipment/Improvement
$____24100 JEMS Office Building Mortgage
$____14430 Evangelism
$____15700 JEMS Endowment
$____14900 Memorial Gifts in
Memory of
____________
_____
(name)
AACF – CAMPUS MINISTRIES
$____34100 AACF General Fund
$____31550 AACF Director
$____34420 Melanie Mar Chow, Leadership Team
$____37000 Victor Quon, Leadership Team
$____34560 Arnie Ong
$____37020 Chong Ahn, PNW
$____34470 David Fong
$____ ______
_
(name)
$____ AACF at______
(Specify campus)
__
MUSIC/MEDIA MINISTRIES
$____94100 Music Ministry
$____94110 Lowell E. Sue, Director
$____94800 Studio Development
$____94650 Music Missions
NICHIGO MINISTRIES
$____10410 Nichigobu Ministry
$____10425 Minako Fujimoto, Coordinator
$____10440 JIHO Publication
MOUNT HERMON MINISTRIES
$____83100 Mayumi Lee
Coordinator of MH Youth/College
$____84900 MH Scholarship – General
$____84950 MH Scholarship – Nichigo
$____84920 MH Scholarship – Retired Pastors
$____84930 MH Scholarship – Special Camp
$____84760 MH Special Camp Misc. Fund
$____84940 MH Scholarship – Youth
$____84960 Sam & June Tonomura MH
Scholarship
SPORTS AND RECREATION
MINISTRIES
$____13410 Sports & Rec. Ministries
$____13422 Matthew Asami
$____13492 Sports Missions
R2.14
PACIFIC NORTHWEST (PNW)
MINISTRIES
$____11410 PNW Ministry
$____11420 Carolyn Shimabukuro
$____11460 PNW Administrative Assistant
$____11442 PNW WB Nichigo Scholarship
$____11450 PNW Special Camp Scholarship
$____11455 PNW Special Camp Misc. Fund
SOUTH AMERICA MISSIONS
$____12410 South America Ministry
$____12490 Pr. John Katagi, Director of
Mission Development
$____12618 Rianna Wong, Mission Coordinator
$____12480 Darryl Wong, Missions Admin.
$____Short-Term Missionary to South America
$____ _______
___________________
(name)
JAPAN AFFILIATES
$____64840 Rev. Paul Ariga, All Japan Revival
$____64862 Nao/Barbara Hanada, Ibaraki
$____64810 Rev. Akira Hatori
$____64850 Rev. Timothy Himei
$____65858 Moto Kimura & Jo Nakamura OneMusic
$____64860 Rev. Yoshihiro Kishi
$____65820 Hideo Kobori, Music
$____ 65871Virginia Lavallee
$____64830 Rev. Nobumichi Murakami
$____65810 Burton/Kathryn Sue
JAPAN MISSIONS
$____64100 Japan Ministry
$____64200 Director of Japan Missions
$____64380 Darryl Wong, Missions Admin.
$____65100 Amakusa Shinsetsu Ministry
$____65830 Hope for Japan, Tohoku (JEMS)
$____65874 Dei Barnuevo, Tohoku
$____65861 Tim and Chie Burns, Nagoya
$____65872 Todd/Jayne Fong, Tohoku
$____65876 Paul/Yu Kang, Nagoya
$____64500 Michael/Chris Mason, Osaka
$____64350 David/Yuka Mills, Kanagawa
$____65860 Paul/Rie Mizuki - Machida
$____65740 Dave/Tomo Robison, Tohoku
$____65730 John/Maki Robison, Tohoku
$____65000 Lily Suzuki, Amakusa
$____65862 Roy/Nancy Toma, Iwakuni
$____65720 John/Kazumi VanFarowe, Nagoya
$____65200 Kevin/Nozomi West ,Osaka
$____Short-Term to Japan_________________
(name)
USA AFFILIATES
$____ 14477 Mark & Jennifer Bello Suicide is a Lie, There is Hope
$____14471 Rev. Chandler Im - Billy Graham
$____14467 John Comfort - Here to Praise Ctr
$____14468 Amy Lachica – Here to Praise
$____14466 Ray Sidney – Here to Praise
$____14465 Rev. Roy and Nana Yamamoto
- USA Evangelism
$____14469 Pat Zukeran - Probe Ministries