stepping stones a prayer letter of Iwa
Transforming Ministry and Leadership in our Community
January 1995, Number 95-1

Dear friend of Iwa,

We are people who need people to reach people.

And the Lord has provided for us wonderful people like you...you who support and pray for us so faithfully...you who are leaders of churches, denominations and ministry organizations who allow us to assist and learn from you...you who come to our workshops and permit us to share in your lives for an intense few hours for what we pray will make a lifetime of difference. All so that we, God’s people, together can reach more people, especially the 97% of Japanese, Japanese Americans and Asian Americans who do not yet know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Who are we at Iwa who are so thankful for you? We are the Associates, Board and Staff of Iwa. We believe you need to know who we are in order for you to feel truly thanked. So we decided to dedicate this issue of Stepping stones to introduce ourselves to you--sort of a family album--so you can relate to us and realize how deeply and sincerely grateful to the Lord we are for you.

Thanks for your interest, prayers and participation with us. We hope to get to know you better too.

On behalf of everyone at Iwa,

Stanley K. Inouye
President and Founder

Iwa: People Who Need People to Reach People
“People--people who need people--are the luckiest people in the world.” Barbra Streisand continues to croon that famous song on her concert tour, years after she first made it a Top Ten hit. That’s because the words are so true--though we Christians would say instead that people who need people are the most blessed people in the world.

Time and again God reminds us that ministry begins and ends with people. That percentage we often quote of Japanese, Japanese Americans and Asian Americans who don’t know Jesus Christ--97%--is people. They’re our mothers and fathers, they’re our brothers and sisters, they’re our aunties and uncles and cousins, they’re our co-workers and friends.

In this issue, we want to introduce you to people. These people are Iwa’s Associates and members of our Board of Directors. As you look at the pictures and read about them, you’ll come to know that they’re people with passion for Jesus Christ. They’re people who carry a huge burden to reach with the gospel those people the 97% figure represents. They’re people we love, people we need--and that makes us the most blessed people in the world.

Let’s begin with Nancy Sugikawa. Nancy is an engineer involved in space technology with a huge firm in the Silicon Valley. She has been a faithful member of Wesley United Methodist Church in San Jose for quite some time. But recently, God has called her to turn the page to a new chapter in her life: as coordinator of H.O.M.E. group ministries at Christian Layman Church in the San Francisco Bay Area. H.O.M.E. stands for Homes Open for Ministry and Encouragement, Layman’s small group ministry. Her sweet and gentle voice and manner belie a spiritual strength and passion for seeing others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. As a volunteer Associate with Iwa, we look forward to her help as we develop practical resources you can use in the areas of personal evangelism and Christian formation and discipleship.

We asked Nancy why she got involved with the ministry of Iwa. She says, “I got involved with Iwa during the planning of the Coloring Beyond the Lines conference held in 1992. That was one of the best conferences I’d ever been to. Iwa effectively cast the vision for ministry to the Japanese and Asian American community and communicated clearly how important it was to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in ways that were relevant and easily understood by this group of unbelievers. It was great to meet other church and parachurch leaders who also had a heart for this ministry and to learn from each other.”

Arlene Inouye is not Stan’s wife as some have thought. They share the same last name because Arlene is Stan’s sister. The Lord was leading Arlene to be a part of Iwa’s founding even before Stan had shared with her anything about God’s vision to start Iwa. It’s an amazing true story! That was over 13 years ago now and she was a founding member of Iwa’s staff for most of that time. For the last couple of years, she has been the Minister of Discipleship at Evergreen Baptist Church. This was a natural transition since we had worked with the leadership of Evergreen for a number of years. Arlene completed her Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1992, having received awards for academic excellence three years in a row. She was recognized as the most outstanding graduating student in the School of Theology.

When asked what she felt is unique about Iwa, Arlene replied, “I think that Iwa does a number of unique things, but one in particular that I appreciate is Stan’s work in the area of biblical interpretation. He is able to come to Scripture with fresh eyes and provide new insights that I believe are both theologically sound and meaningful to the Asian American mind and heart.”

In response to being asked how Iwa has impacted her personal life and ministry, Arlene shared, “I would characterize my 11 years as a member of Iwa’s staff as a vital and profound time of growth for me. I was given the opportunity to explore the relationship between culture and faith, do hands-on ministry development, and grow deeper with God and His Word as we worked together to discover more effective ways to make and grow disciples among Japanese Americans and Asian Americans. The Lord also taught me about perseverance, walking by faith, and joy in the midst of struggle. I have no doubt that He used my experiences as part of His transforming work in my personal life and to shape how I think about and do ministry in my current position as Minister of Discipleship at Evergreen Baptist Church.”

We are excited to have Arlene join us once again as a volunteer Associate who will help us develop training curriculum and other resources for ministry.

Another of our new Associates is Don Saguchi. Don is an engineering professor with extensive training and experience in educational administration. He has the energy and enthusiasm of someone in their teens! Many of you know his lovely wife Yets, the church administrator at Evergreen Baptist Church, where both are active. The Lord has led Don to develop educational programs for students in Japan which also span the Pacific in efforts which encourage intercultural understanding. He really wants to be involved with ministry which will bring the gospel to Japanese nationals as well as Japanese Americans, especially in ways that can bring the two together.

When asked how Iwa has made the most impact on his personal life and ministry, he responds, “Well, recently, I think Iwa has been able to help me focus my ministry. I have been looking to God for direction on how I might be able to serve, and the [Iwa ministry] situation in Portland that integrates the ministry for Japanese Americans and Japanese has really opened my eyes to the potential that I think could be utilized for evangelizing both of these groups and build models for evangelizing other ethnic Asian groups. I feel this has brought together my experiences, interests and burdens that God has given me, and if this is really what God wants me to do, then I think he will reveal this to me, and I know that if this is what he wants me to do, then I know that he will provide whatever it takes to do this for his glory.”

The newest member of Iwa’s board of directors is Dave Akiyama. Dave and his wife Cindy were active in Asian American Christian Fellowship (AACF) while at Stanford when Stan was directing AACF for JEMS up and down the Pacific Coast. Back home again in Southern California, Dave is a bona fide computer technical wizard. He sure has improved our computers and our capabilities on them! A wizard in the kitchen, too, nobody knows the Southern California restaurant scene like Dave. He and Cindy are active members of Palos Verdes Baptist Church.

We also asked Dave why he got involved with the ministry of Iwa. His answer is as thoughtful as the input he’s already given to our board: “A question that needs answers is that people are dying without Christ. Our people are dying without Christ--my family, my friends, the community is dying without Christ--and we need answers. Why is that happening? And that really was the question that Stan proposed to us when he met with us from the beginning, and he felt there are answers to that question along cultural lines. What is it about the culture that causes Japanese Americans or people of Japanese ancestry not to accept the message of Christ? So the goal was to answer that general question and a lot of other questions that kind of go along with that, and we really felt the need for finding those answers. One thing that Iwa provides for Cindy and me is that Iwa gives us hope that answers can be found.”

Paul Mizuki has been active on the board since Iwa began. In fact, he’s one of our co-founders. He also knows Keith when both of them were Juniors in Japan at International Christian University, where they led an international English-language Bible study together. A proud graduate of UCLA, he is the administration manager for the speciality products division of the Panasonic company. Glendale Japanese Free Methodist Church claims him and his family as one of their own. We really admire Paul’s faithfulness to Iwa and his Lord through all these years.

When asked what he saw as the most crucial need Iwa is meeting to build the Kingdom among Japanese, Japanese Americans and Asian Americans, Paul says, “Getting people aware of the great need among the Japanese. As more people become aware, more minds can come together to help reach the Japanese. It’s time we begin to work together to help reach the 97% unreached Japanese.” We also asked him how Iwa has made the most impact on his personal life and ministry, and he replies, “It has helped me realize that reaching the Japanese is a long-term, lifelong endeavor because they are more relationally oriented.”

Bryant Myers is certainly no “token white guy” on our board, as he sometimes says in jest. In addition to having an obviously wry sense of humor, he is Vice President of Evangelism and Mission for World Vision International and active at La Canada Presbyterian Church. He is one of the clearest thinkers and best writers known to us.

“If I were going to encourage people to support Iwa,” he says, “I would say to look at this as an opportunity in the same way a venture capitalist would look at it--which is, you know you’re investing in something which is very hard to do and has risk. It may not work. But on the other hand, if there is a breakthrough, the return is enormous. I think that too often, Christians today invest in the stuff they know works. . . We don’t go out and put it where it is risky but where the chances of a really significant return for the Kingdom are large. That’s one of the ways I would describe Iwa and a lot of other ministries [my wife] Lisa and I support--things that really need to get solved somehow--and if they do, it is going to make an enormous difference.”

We’re blessed to have a denominational leader on our board in Rev. Jon Honda. He is superintendent for the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference of the Free Methodist Church. Jon also finds time in an impossibly busy schedule to do accounting work for Iwa--which gives him even more opportunity to become proficient at his computer, a real joy in his life. Iwa has been involved in helping the conference develop a comprehensive church planting strategy.

When asked to comment on this relationship, Jon says, “I think Iwa’s most singular and important contribution has been to take advantage of Iwa’s ability--especially Stan’s ability and giftedness--of being able to break down the various components of the task of church planting. They are able to systematize and organize them into a cohesive, coherent and consistent strategy and plan that allows us to take a pretty big task and create a system in which we have bite-size pieces to work on. As we systematically do that, it helps us not only to organize our work but to get the work done. We’re in the middle of the process of developing that systematic approach. Utilizing the background and skills that the organization and Stan are able to bring to bear has been extremely helpful.”

Cyril Nishimoto is not only the chairperson of Iwa’s board, but also our Marathon Man. He’s an annual participant in the New York City Marathon and finishes in about the top one percent. Gardena is his home town, because at one time his father was a pastor at Gardena Valley Baptist Church. Cyril graduated with honors from Columbia Law School and was recently honored on two separate occasions by the Japanese American community and the City of New York for his outstanding leadership and community service. He’s a Christian who goes the distance too, as an active leader in New York City’s Japanese American United Church and co-founder and director of Japanese American Social Services, Inc.

We asked Cyril about the kind of impact Iwa might have in a community that is increasingly secularized. He replies, “I think Iwa can definitely help the secular community understand more effectively what Christianity really is. I think Japanese American, Asian American and Japanese people may have a particular view or stereotype of what Christianity really is. I think through the things that Iwa has developed, in looking at Scripture through the eyes of culture, we’re able to see the relational aspect especially of God the Father’s relationship with us. I think those things people in the secular community can relate to much better.”

“One of the things the secular community tends to think about Christianity is that good works get you into heaven. Maybe they look at Christianity like that because they think a lot of Asian religions, or just religions in general, are like that. I think it’s just a totally different way of looking at Christianity when we see it not as rules and achievements that we make in trying to reach God somehow, but that God is reaching out to us and wants to be in deep, intimate relationship with us; how we have gone astray from him. Those kinds of concepts and ideas are very important to convey to that community. I also think we have something to say to our Japanese American and Asian American brothers and sisters who may be looking for something in life that they are trying to find in economic security or social status or a happy life. What they can really find that will help them both gain a sense of real identity as Japanese or Asian Americans is found in Christ. Also the other things that they are looking for are found in him, too. We have a very important message to give.”

“I’m very excited about some of the things that Iwa is developing or has developed, like the study on Sabbath. I think that particular concept of Sabbath is something that not only speaks to us as Christians, but also to our community who may be very achievement-oriented and workaholic. We need to take a rest. I think it’s a radical idea and if it catches fire within our own community and our Christian community it may have impact and influence on people around us.”

John Okamoto also knows something about the secular world. The former Director of Personnel for the City of Seattle, he now heads up that great city’s Public Works department. Despite the fact that means he’s gone from the frying pan into the fire, he’s one of the coolest and steadiest heads we know. John is an Elder at Japanese Presbyterian Church in Seattle, which hosted Iwa’s workshop, In the Potter’s Hands: Christ the Creator and You. Earlier, Japanese Baptist Church of Seattle hosted From Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones, a workshop on personal renewal from an Asian American perspective. John and his wife Sharon have provided capable leadership for the implementation of both workshops.

In commenting on the latter, John remarks, “In some cases, there were individuals there who were touched in a real deep and personal way, where there was healing or personal renewal that resulted from God touching their lives at the workshop. It brought together Asian Christians in the community--in many cases people who were unaware of each other--and brought about a fellowship that did not exist before, and a broader corporate vision among the body to witness.”

We also asked John how Iwa has made an impact on his personal life and ministry. “It has renewed my fire and interest to reach my community. It was easy before for me to be satisfied with that status quo--with the programs, with the church, with the people coming to the church. I think my involvement with Iwa has encouraged me to reexamine whether or not there is a greater vision that can actually become a reality.”

Last but not least on our board is Rev. Wayne Ogimachi. The growth of Christian Layman Church, where he is head of staff, is almost legendary. Yet none of that has gone to his head. Wayne remains a unique combination of kindness and caring combined with strategic and insightful leadership. He devours a phenomenal number of books which keep his ministry fresh and alive.

We asked Wayne how Iwa has best contributed to the health and growth of his church. He said, “The consultation and other resources offered by Iwa have helped our church work through many of the growth issues we’ve faced in recent years. As we’ve restructured our church, identified our target audiences, expanded our ministries and added to our staff, the outside perspective and accumulated wisdom offered by Iwa have helped guide us through transitions in a healthy way.”

We also asked Wayne how Iwa has made the most impact on his personal life and ministry. Wayne tells us, “Stan has been a soul mate to help me clarify my vision from God and to encourage me as my ministry has grown increasingly complex. The chance to bounce ideas off him and receive his wise counsel has been invaluable.”

Someone sent us a truly beautiful card this past Christmas. It read simply, “The greatest truth of Christmas is that the gift has already been given to us”--and then it pictures an unwrapped package with the infant Jesus nestled in it. Iwa is blessed with people eager to give the Greatest Gift to the people in our community who’ve never unwrapped it--or who don’t even know it exists. These are people who are investing their lives in this ministry and a cause so much greater than Iwa. They make known to us the preciousness of Jesus, God’s greatest gift to us.

Please join with us as we give thanks for the gift of these Associates and board members in our lives. Iwa needs them --and we need you, too! Because of that, we truly are the most blessed people in the world! Please pray that many more will join us to pray and to partner so many more will be reached. We at Iwa really are people who need people to reach people for Jesus Christ.

Staff Stuff!
You’ve heard from Stan and you’ve met our Associates and board members. But there are other people in our lives, loyal people on Iwa’s staff.

Our newest staff member is Ellen Fukuyama. She comes to our office in the mornings as our secretary, part-time. In addition to her obviously outstanding office skills, Ellen brings a deep love for the Lord, warmth and a sense of humor. A native of southern California, she is active at San Fernando Valley Holiness Church. We know she is an avid reader--apologetics, evangelism, psychology, theology, and Christian mysteries. We also hear she’s a killer on the volleyball court and would love to continue playing basketball, if only her back would let her. In addition to her work at Iwa, Ellen has started a small craft business making laminated bookmarks featuring Bible verses, pressed flowers and beads, as well as many kinds and styles of jewelry and items made of clay (picture frames, magnets, jewelry, etc.). She does nice work!

We asked Ellen what influenced her most to join the Iwa staff. She says, “People I respect very much told me about Stan and Keith and their love for the Lord. Also, the majority of my family and relatives are among the 97% unreached Japanese Americans. I observe the way they live their lives and how they think. I know their lives would be different if they knew the Lord--more satisfying and fulfilling. We all have an eternal life. Christians are able to spend it in the wonderful presence of God. It's very sad, and actually scary, for me to imagine my family spending eternity without him.”

Finally, there’s Keith Edwards, our Director of Administration and Ministry Resources for almost five years now. Before joining our staff, he was Associate Pastor of the Union Church of Los Angeles for seven years. Did you know that Keith has taken up SCUBA diving? He’s also a chocaholic and into live theater, classical music and movies. And now, Keith is about to turn the page to a new chapter in his ministry. He is the sole remaining candidate for the position of pastor of a small Presbyterian church in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills of California. Several steps remain--negotiations on the terms of the call, meetings with denominational officials, preaching before the congregation and a congregational vote--before a formal call can be extended to him. But we’re praying for the Lord to guide the remaining steps into his perfect will.

“I joined Iwa because from the beginning, I’ve appreciated the unique vision this ministry has pursued on behalf of our many Asian American relatives and friends who don’t know the Lord,” Keith tells us. “Though there have been extremely challenging times, I’m especially impressed that God’s vision has never wavered before the staff and the board. Besides, Stan and I hit it off from the beginning. It's been a rare privilege to work with him every day.” “I already dread the day I have to say goodbye to Stan and Ellen and our board members, associates and friends.” Keith adds, “I'm not so much leaving Iwa as being led to apply what I have learned through Iwa to the ministry of the local church. I will continue as one of Iwa’s most loyal fans and supporters. Please pray with me for the Lord to provide not only my replacement but to expand the staff according to his will.”

Please Pray for More People!
So it all comes back to people--people who need people to reach people. You see how God has lavished upon Iwa the gift of people. You’ve read in other issues of the unprecedented number of doors the Lord is opening up for ministry--ministry which promises to reach people in unprecedented ways. But in order to go through those doors and help churches, ministries and individuals reach those people, we need people--increased staff, more pledgers and supporters--especially in the “low-giving” month of January, and more people faithful in prayer.

To all our supporters and friends, thank you for the gift that you were to us in 1994. As the new year dawns we continue to need people like you to help people like us to help God’s people reach out to the Japanese people, the Japanese American people, the Asian American people--people who need that person named Jesus Christ. In that way we all will be the luckiest--or rather, the most blessed--people in the world!

For those of you who are new to the ministry of Iwa, we thought it might be helpful to you if we also introduced you to Stan Inouye, our President and Founder.
Stan has held national and international positions with Campus Crusade for Christ, directed Asian American Christian Fellowship (AACF) of the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society (JEMS) and served as consultant to churches, denominations and ministry organizations such as Evergreen Baptist Church, Pacific Coast Japanese Conference of the Free Methodist Church and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Stan has taught at Fuller Theological Seminary, spoken at retreats and conferences across the United States and published articles in Christian periodicals including Christianity Today. An elder at First Presbyterian Church, Altadena, California, Stan is married and has two daughters. He enjoys fly fishing, drawing and collecting rocks.

< Back to Newsletters

< Back to stepping stones

< Back to Home