In Community:

October 2019 Newsletter

Above and Beyond

By Pastor Craig Swanson

As I sit in the airport, waiting to board our flight to Japan, I’m reminded of God’s intimate knowledge of us and His faithful provision, not only of our needs but also many of our wants. For the past several months, we’ve been waiting anxiously (I know Philippians 4 tells us to “be anxious for nothing” but that’s something I’m working on) for word regarding our application to qualify as the sponsor for a Japanese Language pastor’s visa. About a month ago, we finally had an agent from the Immigration Department of Homeland Security visit the church and conduct a site survey and interview, confirming the information submitted on the application. At that time, we were informed that in four to six weeks, we should receive an answer either yes of no.
Time passed with no notice and our departure date for Japan approached. I’m scheduled to meet with Kohei during the Japan King’s Garden conference and was hoping to have some information to pass alone to Kohei so he and his family might know how to plan in the months to come. Thursday night, at the elder meeting, I asked the guys to please pray that I might have something to share with Takedas regarding their coming to Seattle. On Friday afternoon, Lois came into my office with a letter that had just arrived in the mail from the DHS. I opened it and discovered a Form I-797 informing us that we had been approved as the Takedas’ sponsor!
We were supposed to forward this notification to Kohei so he could set up an interview at the US Embassy in Tokyo but since we’re flying out ourselves, we can hand-deliver it. Kohei, knowing this form is on its way was able to schedule an interview for October 4th. When he made the appointment, he was told that things should be taken care of in a matter of days rather than the months that we were expecting.
Things seem to be progressing at full speed after months of inaction. And while I might think this is another example of hurry-up and wait (or in this case wait and hurry-up) I’m more reminded of the saying “God is seldom early, but He is never late”. May this serve as a reminder the next time we struggle with that “be anxious for nothing” challenge.

Fall Whole Church Work Day

By Roney Rustia

As you read this small summary, you might still be sore from the last whole church workday.   The pastoral staff has been stressing deeds.  It might not help those sore shoulders and backs but will be a spiritual encouragement.

Ephesian 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Nehemiah exemplifies leadership qualities and good works, which enabled him to do great things for God.  It amazes me that a cup bearer could do great things when seeking and following the Lord.  There is hope for all of us with the Lord.

Restoration of the Church: Nehemiah 1-7

We had a small team of Faith Bible members volunteering at the whole church workday.  Yet, they were the Lord’s remnant like what was told in the OT, a reminder of how the Lord uses little to perform mighty things.  Prayer and praise start any project and workday.

The interior kitchen and classrooms were sanitized and cleaned, emergency backup batteries were checked/replaced, air conditioning vents were adjusted to balance the cooling in the sanctuary, the outside garden trees and shrubs were pruned and beds weeded, and the security cameras refocused and aligned.   Whew, what a morning!  Then, the best part occurred!   The lunch time fellowship.  It was fun getting to know more about the people we worship with every Sunday and to share life stories.

Reformation of the People: Nehemiah 8-13

Team, we were obedient to our leadership and Lord.   Faith Bible Church leadership and pastoral staff expressed their heartfelt thanks to you.  Their appreciation is understandable, since they work, worship, and come to this place of refuge daily.  They see the grounds and appreciate the well-kept look, because perceptions can contribute to and reflect their ministry at the church.   Thank you, remnant team members.   Proverbs 24:30-34, tells us about the observance of a person’s field or yard, with overgrown weeds and unkempt…a little sleep, a little slumber and the folding of hands to rest…”  You know the rest of the passage.

I don’t need to state the benefits to those who attend.  But for those curious souls, the benefit is more than appearance and financial savings ($4,200).  It is the vertical and horizontal relational benefit (spiritual).   Sacrificing time and effort, humbling and hard work is a directive of faith – our rightful conduct for Christian living.   This work event is a foretaste of the Kingdom principles.  This call for help is in obedience from the counsel from our shepherd/pastor, with a deepening relationship with our sisters and brothers and preparation for our kingdom life in heaven.  This is a rare personal satisfaction in a virtual world.   The ability to give and help in simple ways is a restoration of the body.

There is no denying that workday is hard and urges us to sacrifice personal time and energy, especially after a long and hard week of work.  We would all rather be at home and spending Saturday morning with the family or having that “me time.”  I get it!  We all have demanding jobs and careers, commitments to our family and friends.  Each day, moment by moment, there is a battle for your time.   The Lord councils us to seek Him for direction each moment.

The Invitation:

Ephesian 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

I would like to end with an invite to those who are willing to join in this effort to form a team to share in this work.   The primary talent is only a willing heart to serve wherever the Lord leads.   Not to worry about doing difficult repairs or construction and feel unprepared.  We have YouTube and #Call Pastor Craig for Help.  So, anyone can learn with a little time and research.   Here is the opportunity.

Expectations and Tasks:

• Service is not tied to any length or duration. You can contribute when you can.
• Leadership roles are not expected, unless you fell the calling to do so.
• Workdays are set a least twice a year.
• Special projects as needed, such as, calling contractors for painting, plumbing, carpeting replacement.
• Task area:
• Work Days – Twice a Year
• Outside gardening work
• Interior repair and cleaning work
• Emergency equipment and fire code requirements and maintenance
• Beacon Hill International Service Day – Once a Year
• Special Projects – as needed.

Come join in supporting our pastor and staff.  I would like to hear your comments or any opportunity to help along.   Please contact me or text me on my personal mobile phone (425) 409-4678. Thank you.

JxJ Camp

By Hiroo Kuge

From September 13^th-15^th, JxJ camp was held at Black Diamond Camps. About 30 people (more than half were Japanese students) attended the camp. JxJ camp’s goal was to reach out to Japanese seekers and non- Christians. We had 2 newborn Christians, 5 seekers, a couple of Japanese Americans as well as long time JxJ staffs. We had four sessions with a Bible message as well as fun programs and good fellowship times during the 3-day camp.

Mao and Setsu Shimizu, leaders of the JCFN (Japanese Christian Fellowship Network) came from California to be the speakers. They are great about attracting students with amazingly funny stories. We felt like we were listening to some funny comedian, but they also shared the Gospel very directly and from their hearts, and every participant was listening to their message very carefully, somewhat emotionally. We also heard four Christian students’ testimonies, and these were all very deep and emotional. It was very encouraging to hear each student’s testimony.

At the end of the second evening session, Mao Shimizu led in prayer with a time of commitment. Three students (including one that attends the FBC JLM service) committed and confessed that they would like to believe in Christ. Two new Christians made a commitment to further follow Christ and live a faithful life. Two students that weren’t that interested in Christianity in the past said that they want to know more about God and said they would like to attend Bible studies more seriously.

I do not know how to express this great joy and blessing that we experienced at this camp. Around the campfire, we gave a big hug to some of the students that believed in Christ, and they had a huge smile on their face. We all shared this moment of new birth as a Christian, and I am sure this is truly one of the greatest moments that we will experience in our life.

At last, I would like to express our huge appreciation to FBC for supporting and praying for the students. It is priceless to see their smile with a new faith or with a further faithful commitment.

^“ Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:3-7

FBC Service Day at Beacon Hill International Elementary School

By Roney Rustia

On August 24th, thirty-five Faith Bible members came out to serve and build relationships with our adopted Beacon Hill International Elementary School (BHIS). People from different generations and professions came to work together and offer their skills and abilities. We had volunteers spanning from elementary to post-college students to retirees with a heart to help the teachers and staff of Beacon Hill Elementary.

Beacon Hill International Elementary School holds good memories for some Faith Bible Church members that once attended this school as students. Some have worked as educators and volunteer coordinators at the school. There are active educators that are continuing to build memories in the young lives of students today. Kelly Aramaki was once the principal at the school in the early 2010’s and presented the initial opportunity for Faith Bible Church to invest in the school and staff. We are continuing to enjoy this relationship with BHIS to this day.

BHIS was built in 1971. BHIS was developed with the open concept classrooms or “pods,” furnishings separate classes instead of walls. Most of the furnishings and interior is the original design and they are showing their age. The teachers wanted to give the students a bright and cheerful place to learn and play, a place representative of order, cleanliness and safety. This is where Faith Bible Church and other community outreach groups invest to help the teachers and staff reach this objective.

Earlier in the summer, Reiko Aramaki and I met with the principal, Katie Virga, and staff to identify areas for improvement or projects needing to be done. This year, the primary request by the teachers was to paint. We painted the staff lunchroom, the counselor’s office and cabinets, a teacher’s pod cabinet and wall and the two outside playground game areas. The teachers also asked for some shelving for tote bins and some minor repairs to walls. All the projects were completed, except for some shelving moves that couldn’t be done because the shelves were glued to the wall and flooring.

During our work in-progress, the school’s family support worker, Juan Torres, stated that he came to Faith Bible Church for a Sunday service with his wife. What impressed him about Faith Bible was the unity amongst the members. He expressed a desire to return to Faith in the future. It is this joyful spirit of service and unity of our members during our service day that makes outreach impactful. Thank you, Faith Bible team, for being a great witness and for having a cheerful spirit while serving!

Beacon Hill Elementary Back-to-School BBQ

By Pastor Mike Kurtz

It’s hard to believe this was our 8th year hosting a back-to-school BBQ for Beacon Hill Elementary School. I look back at that first year and remember how hard it was. I remember the Principal at the time estimating 900 people attending. Unlike subsequent years, we served both pulled pork sandwiches and hot dogs, only to find that people preferred hot dogs at least 3:1 over pulled pork sandwiches. And I remember the struggles we had that first year with trying to heat up the pulled pork only to find that it took much longer than anticipated. Oh, and did I mention that the hot dogs were delivered to us frozen, and the school kitchen didn’t have stoves. We ended up steaming the hotdogs in chaffing dishes in the oven and then BBQing them after. By the end of the night, we had enough food leftover to feed the same crowd again.

We learned a lot that night and the years that followed. Today, we only serve hot dogs and veggie burgers. We serve individual bags of chips (I know, a lot of trash, but more sanitary and faster to serve than large self-serve bags) and added ice cream sundaes to the mix. We pump out music as well to set a nice feel in the playground area.
Why do we continue to serve BHIS this way? Over the years I’ve noticed big shifts in school staffing and demographics. I think we’re on our third principal in eight years. The PTSA staff changes regularly as well. With all these changes over the years, it’s important that we be one of the things that doesn’t. That “always be there” reputation and dependability are the qualities of Christ Himself, and we send a strong message when we serve there year after year.

Are we making a difference? I think so. One of the PTSA officers shared with us that she had three kindergarten parents say they couldn’t believe the school did this and wondered if all schools did this. They felt welcomed and gained an important sense of community. Laurie Fukuda was sharing that although she hadn’t served for a few years at the BBQ, someone came up to her and remembered her from years back. People don’t easily forget people who care for their communities. And although we may not openly publicize Christ, it is clear that people know who we are. “Who would host such an event at no cost?” people sometimes ask. Our prayer is that in the little, invisible ways, God is doing something to promote Himself at the school. It’s been a pleasure tagging along.

A special thank you to all who participated in this year’s BBQ. The picture doesn’t capture nearly everyone, but the people certainly did.

Fall Conference Speakers

October 12-13 | Black Diamond Camps

http://www.fbcseattle.org/fallconference

ENGLISH – Bob Kennell

Bob & Noby Kennell have been missionaries with Ethnos360 (NTM) for 42 years working as cross culture communicators – Bible translators and church planters.  While their primary focus has been Papua New Guinea working with the Bisorio and Malaumanda people groups, they have also ministered in Thailand and Vietnam. They have recently moved to America, making Pennsylvania their home (to be nearer to their children) but will continue as full-time missionaries with Ethnos360. In order to stay connected with their ministries in PNG and Asia, visits there twice each year will be necessary.  Bob’s main focus will be to do more Old Testament translation. Opportunities to speak at conferences are never declined.

This year the THEME for FBC Family Conference will be THE LOVE Of GOD. Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength AND your neighbor as yourself.” We’re going to break it down in practical specific ways – LOVING GOD, LOVING YOUR SPOUSE, LOVING YOUR CHURCH, LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR. Understanding the height, depth and breadth of God’s love will help us to LOVE MORE – LOVE MOST – LOVE BEST.  Our prayer is that through God’s Word we will take this command to LOVE very seriously and become intentional about loving as God desires.

JAPANESE – Pastor Jonathan Kobayashi

Jonathan Kobayashi is Lead Minister at Eikou Christian Church, Kirkland, WA since April 2019 after serving the church as an interim pastor for two years.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Jonathan serves JesusOnline Ministries as Discipleship Pastor. JesusOnline Ministries is a digital ministry committed to helping people throughout the world discover who Jesus really is, receive Him as Lord and Savior, follow Him wholeheartedly, and share Him with others. He is responsible for overseeing its online discipleship ministry.

His wife, Kim, and he also co-founded Acts 8 Ministries whose mission is to bring help, healing and hope to the next generation through discipleship and leadership training. Acts 8 Ministries is currently working extensively in Ethiopia.

Born and growing up in Tokyo, Jonathan came to know Christ in college as an international student in California. After graduation, he joined staff with Cru (then Campus Crusade for Christ) and served in Japan where he met Kim. After returning from Japan, God directed him to pastoral ministry.

Jonathan graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. Jonathan and Kim have four grown children and reside in Monroe, WA.

With a broad experience in overseas missions, pastoral ministry, church planting, discipleship, leadership training and coaching, Jonathan will be sharing about God’s design and desire for his church at the upcoming retreat.

Over the years of ministry, Jonathan has known God’s love for his church, which is the body of Christ and the family of God divinely assigned to remain here on earth for his redemptive purposes.

“Jesus’ love for his people is staggering! He is committed to sanctifying us ‘so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish’ (Ephesians 5:27).”

YOUTH – Marty Dong

Marty Dong was born and raised in Seattle in a Christian home. He became a Jesus follower as a teenager.  Marty is married to Lynn and they are the proud parents of two teenagers, Sammy (15) and Tim (14).  They also have labradoodle, Pumpkin, who keeps the family running late because of her penchant to hide and chew shoes.

Marty has BA degrees from Stanford University, an MBA from Thunderbird Business School (based at Arizona State University) and a Master of Divinity from ACTS Seminary (at Trinity Western University).  His ministry experience includes serving as a missionary in East Asia, pastoring at Chinese Baptist Church, and serving as an itinerant pastor for several local churches.  Marty loves meeting new people, being involved in his community, and sharing Jesus’ love with the people he encounters.

The youth program will take the conference theme of “The Love of God” and explore how each of us gives and receives love in different ways. Just as God has created us with different gifts, we also have different perceptions on what love is. Looking at love through the lens of God’s Word, we will learn how to receive God’s love and express love to each other.

Missionary Update

By Steve and Miku Inouye

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’　Matthew 25:40

Steve’s Story

I grew up at Faith Bible Church and became interested in missions in college through short-term trips to Mexico and Brazil. While at seminary in Dallas, God led me to Japan, where I began as an English teacher in 1999. I had the opportunity to volunteer and live in a home for foster children, and through that, God gave me the vision of sharing the gospel with people in Japan who need social welfare services. I studied social work at a Japanese university, and after graduating started working at Japan King’s Garden.

Miku’s Story

I was born in Hokkaido, and became a Christian in college. I majored in social work, and did my practical training at the child welfare center, where I really felt the children’s need for God’s love.  After graduating, I started working at a Christian nursing home, and during that time God gave me the vision to share the gospel with people in Japan who need social welfare services.  I quit my job in 2006 to enroll in seminary, and worked in churches in Hokkaido and Yamagata.

Becoming a Family

Our paths crossed as a mutual friend realized we shared the same vision.  After being introduced and having a few dates, we got married in July, 2012. We moved to Nagoya to work at a Christian school and share the gospel with children. Amana and Emma were born during that time, and through the challenge of child raising came the opportunity to reach out to other moms. In 2017 we moved to Hokkaido to work at Hosanna Home, a Christian nursing facility.

Transition into Full-time Ministry

In January 2019, after hearing a message about putting our vision into action, we prayed and felt God leading us to do full-time evangelism in social work settings. In March, we joined JEMS (Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society) as career missionaries to Japan, and were accepted as Faith Bible Church missionaries in May.

Outreach to Moms and Kids

Child abuse in Japan is growing rapidly, so child welfare is a major issue.  We met a former pastor who runs a small foster home, and has connections to a few other homes in the area.  We will partner with him in reaching these children with the love of Jesus.  We also want to help the families before abuse becomes a problem, so we will partner with churches by helping them offer a meal program for latchkey kids, and open support groups for young mothers, who are often left to raise their children alone.

Nursing Home Ministry

In Japan, there are few Christian workers who care for the spiritual needs of patients in hospitals and nursing homes. We will reach out to the residents of Hosanna Home to give them what may be their last chance to respond to the gospel, and also support the Christian staff there, so they can share their faith.

Praises and Prayer Requests

Praise God for:

• supplying our monthly support goal quickly through your generous giving
• providing a bigger place for us to live and do ministry
• providing partnerships with churches and welfare facilities where we can do the ministry

Please pray for:

• wisdom as we plan for ministry
• open hearts to the gospel
• opportunities to build more relationships with churches and Christian workers to partner with

Thank you for all your support, and God bless!

Steve, Miku, Amana, and Emma Inouye

Email: schevs@yahoo.com

Website: gospel2hokkaido.wordpress.com