Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ?

On October 3 they were at the headquarters of the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church with Matt from Los Angeles, Ca; Carolyn from Portland, Or. and Jennifer from Chicago, Il. Bob, (he took the picture)Chris and these three youthful and enthusiastic J-3's were there to be greeted by Rev. Sumiuki Watanabe, President of the JELC and Rev. Hirotaka Takuhiro, Executive Director & Director of Global Mission for the JELC. They also were given a presentation of the JELC then and now. After the presentation by Rev. Takuhiro there was time for questions, discussion and fellowship. Bob & Chris were impressed with the meeting the information and most of all with the J-3's. Do you know what a J-3 is? A J-3 is a short term; 3 years missionary whose primary duties are teaching English as a second language to Japanese students in Lutheran schools that are part of the JELC. They first come to Toyko for six months of language training at the Lutheran Language Institute. Bob & Chris will also be trained there in the coming weeks. During this training J-3's have extensive support from the JELC as they adjust to life in Japan and prepare for their service. After language training they will be assigned to schools either in Tokyo or Kumamoto. These new J-3s are just starting. Their smiles tell you of their joy. Two of them will be off to Kumamoto and one will remain in Tokyo after language training. Each of them has different backgrounds from the undergraduate educations. They share a common desire to serve God's youth in Japan. If you are a young Lutheran in college or soon to graduate or even an older college grad you could be in a picture of J-3s one day. You might have three years of an experience in Japan that is life changing. You might live and serve our Lord in a culture different from your own and have broader vision and joy as a result. Pray about it; especially you young Lutherans. You could be in the picture.

Keep Praying

Zen Ben