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stepping
stones a prayer letter of Iwa
Transforming Ministry and Leadership in our Community
May 2000, Number 00-1
New
Millennium — New Doors
We are about halfway through the year 2000 and we are excited
about the new doors that have already opened up for Iwa.
New
opportunities have sprung up. Asian American Christian
writers, including Stan and other Iwa people, are being encouraged,
as never before, to submit their work for possible publishing
by InterVarsity Press, as Arlene Inouye shares in her article
entitled, “A Traveler’s Story: IVP, Iwa and Me.”
In “Nikkei 2000 Conference,” we see that the Japanese
American community is addressing many issues concerning its
future in the 21st century, and our churches have a significant
role to play in determining what that future will be.
New
networks have been formed. In “New Network of Emerging
Leaders” we describe how Iwa started out planning a leadership
conference and ended up supporting the formation of a new
groundbreaking group of leaders in their early 30s and younger
who are meeting monthly to address their special needs. In
“Brewing in the Bay,” we highlight the heightened
level of activity of Iwa in the Bay Area, including the group
of key leaders associated with Iwa who try to meet every time
Stan flies up there.
New
resources have been published. Excited about putting more
materials into the hands of the people in the pews, we share
the news that a handbook on personal evangelism and a brochure
describing Iwa have been printed and are ready for distribution,
in the article “New Publications.”
New
doors have opened for Iwa this year—opportunities
for publishing, networks of leaders formed, resources ready
to go out. They all seem to indicate that the Lord may have
plans to do something new and different this year as well
as in this new millennium as we try new ways of reaching the
community where 97% don’t know our Lord Jesus Christ.
Like Jesus who could “do nothing of himself unless it
is something he sees the Father doing” (John 5:19, NASB),
we must see what the Father is doing in our churches and in
our community and follow his lead. May we be encouraged and
excited about what we see the Father doing at Iwa.
A
Traveler’s Story: IVP, Iwa and me by Arlene
R. Inouye
A Surprise Invitation
Once in awhile, an event comes along that you know stands
for something significant in your life and ministry. At the
beginning of this year, I experienced such an event, and I
think Iwa did too. It came in the form of an "Asian American
Publishing Consultation." The event was sponsored by
InterVarsity Press (IVP), a major Christian publisher that
is an arm of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, an evangelical
ministry to college students. Held January 13-15, at IVP's
facility in Downer's Grove, Illinois, the consultation brought
together about 25 Asian American Christian leaders from across
the country to discuss the publishing needs of our community
and to encourage us as potential authors.
When
I first read the letter of invitation sent to me by IVP last
August, I was both excited and a little incredulous. For someone
who enjoys writing and editing, I felt like a basketball-loving
kid who was given the opportunity to spend a few days with
the Lakers. A "fan" of IVP for years, I have shelves
in my home and church office filled with books they have published.
Some people go by name brands in the supermarket; in a bookstore,
one of my name brands
is IVP. I have always known their material to be of high quality,
theologically insightful and reader-friendly.
After
the initial surprise at receiving the invitation, I was delighted
to discover that Stan and a few others I knew were also invited
to the consultation.
I immediately called my brother to find out if he was planning
to attend. When he said yes, I was glad and grateful to have
a traveling companion and an opportunity to share the experience
with him as a brother, friend and ministry partner.
Divine
Appointments
As I prepared to brave the cold weather in the Chicago area,
packing up long underwear and wool sweaters, I prayed and
asked others to pray that the Lord would give me divine appointments.
I sensed that he was leading me to this consultation, and
I wanted to be open and ready for the things he wanted me
to experience. I wasn't looking forward to dragging luggage
through airports, sleeping in a hotel room or walking in sub-30
degree weather, but I sensed the Lord was going to speak to
me through the time. And he did, in a number of ways.
The
divine appointments did come, both with IVP staff and some
of the participants I had never met before. The Lord clearly
opened doors for me. I not only got to meet the various members
of the publishing team, but I was able to meet personally
with the publisher, editorial director and senior editor.
While I
did share a few book ideas with them, I don't think that my
doing so was necessarily God's primary agenda. I think that
in his goodness he wanted to give me some encouragement during
a very discouraging time in my life. The consultation came
at a time when I was in the throes of trying to finish my
doctoral dissertation, handicapped by mental constipation
and the stress of a deadline that was all too imminent. The
Lord used these kind people to refresh my spirit and help
me look beyond my circumstances to possibilities in the future.
God
also had his hand in seemingly "chance" meetings
with fellow participants who were made up of college professors,
campus workers, fellow pastors, heads of parachurch ministries
and already published authors. One special time was over breakfast
with a few of the younger women who wanted me to share
my ministry journey with them. They were curious about my
calling and how I came into my current church-related responsibilities
of staff and ministry development. I recounted to them the
Lord's faithful-ness and was able to appreciate again the
way God used Iwa to do many things in me, and even a few things
through me, during my eleven years on staff. As I spoke to
these women who were unfamiliar with the history and ministry
of Iwa, I gained a deeper recognition of Iwa's significance
not only to me personally but to the Asian American Christian
movement as a whole.
Consultation
Activities
The consultation itself was planned and directed primarily
by IVP editor Cynthia Bunch-Hotaling and Paul Tokunaga, InterVarsity's
National Director of Asian American Ministries. Paul has been
an enthusiastic supporter of Iwa for many, many years. He
served as another reminder to me of Iwa's humble beginnings.
The
first day of the three-day consultation was an introduction
to the ministry of IVP. We were given a tour of the offices
and distribution center and an overview of the publishing
process and IVP's vision. In no uncertain terms, Bob Fryling,
the publisher, stated that IVP "desires to be the leading
evangelical publisher for Asian Americans." Their written
objectives include continually publishing books by and for
Asian Americans; publishing Asian American authors for the
whole Church; publishing books for non-Christian Asian American
readers; and, developing marketing networks within the Asian
American community. This consultation in which Stan and I
participated, was part of IVP's effort to inform our community
of their vision, familiarize us with the publishing process,
create a forum for discussion about the needs of our community,
and solicit ideas and manuscripts for publication.
The
second day of the consultation focused on identifying the
publishing needs in the Asian American community. Our brainstorming
generated a rather long list. Included were topics such as
leadership development for Asian Americans; integration of
theology, psychology and culture from an Asian American perspective;
liberation and empowerment of Asian American women for ministry;
theology done by Asian Americans; and, the spiritual journeys
of Asian Americans. It was exciting and affirming to see how
many of the perceived needs on the part of these Asian American
leaders matched the areas of Iwa's efforts. Stan's recent
leadership series clearly addresses both a perceived and real
need.
Paul
also gave an overview of what's happening in the Asian American
publishing world, including a history of Christian Asian American
publishing. To my surprise, in his handout, he began this
history with the words, "In the beginning was Beyond
Buddhism and Kaki Seed." Jerry Yamamoto's book on Buddhism
was published in 1982, and in 1984, we began publishing Iwa's
journal on evangelism and ministry to people of Japanese ancestry.
During
the course of the consultation, those of us associated with
Iwa were called "pioneers." Up until then, I had
not realized that what we started back then was all that unique
or unusual. Having served as editor of those first issues
of the kaki seed, it warmed my heart to know that by God's
goodness and grace,
I had been a part of it.
The
sessions that followed were devoted to marketing a book, tips
on writing for evangelical periodicals, and cover design and
book appearance. In addition, a significant amount of time
was spent in small groups. In these groups we not only had
the opportunity to get to know people more personally, but
also to share book ideas and receive feedback on them. Facilitated
by IVP staff, this was a delightful time to discover in more
detail what people were passionate about.
On
the third and final morning together, we spent time in worship
and shared with one another our thoughts about what we experienced
at the consultation. It seemed that everyone felt like it
was a worthwhile event. All of us were veryappreciative of
IVP and their commitment to us and to multiethnic ministry.
A wonderful partnership had been born.
The
Significance of the Consultation to Iwa and Our Community
Three months after the consultation, I have had a little more
time to reflect on its significance to Iwa and our community.
I have shared how it impacted me person-ally, but I think
that God used it to speak encouragement and hope to Iwa and
the community it serves.
First
of all, this consultation was significant because it told
us that Iwa has made a difference. I believe that part of
the reason both Stan and I were invited to this consultation
was because of Iwa's contribution to Asian American ministry
and Stan's ongoing work in the form of theological and ministry
insights. Participants referred to him as the "elder
statesman" of the group, respectfully acknowledging his
wisdom and knowledge.
Secondly,
our community now has an open door, another way to make our
voice heard more broadly among Christians and non-Christian
Asian Americans, and beyond. This relationship with IVP, which
was somewhat closed in the past, may now be God's provision
for Iwa as it continues to develop tools and ministry resources
for leaders and churches.
Thirdly,
the consultation gathered Asian Americans from diverse backgrounds
and interests who had never been together as a group before.
Our networking opened up new possibilities for advancing the
cause of Christ, which extend outside the publishing realm.
As I looked at the number of emerging leaders sitting around
the tables in IVP's conference room, I had much hope. We have
a new set of pioneers who are beginning to make their own
contributions to the work of the kingdom. What delights me
is that they want to learn from and partner with those of
us who have journeyed longer in ministry.
I
don't know what will actually result from this consultation,
but the future is pregnant with possi-bilities. My prayer
is that whatever was conceived in Downers Grove last January
will give birth not only to books, but ongoing ministry partnerships,
and related activities and events, all to the end that God
is glorified and more people of every color are reached and
raised as the generation of Christ.
Nikkei
2000 Conference
To shape and direct the future of the Japanese American community
in the 21st century, the “Nikkei 2000 Conference”
drew people of Japanese ancestry from all over the U.S. and
abroad, including Iwa Executive Director Cyril Nishimoto.
Having participated in the conferences in Los Angeles that
led up to this one—the “Synergy” Conference
in 1995 and “Ties That Bind” in 1998—Cyril
made the trip to San Francisco’s Japantown, April 27-30,
expecting to hear more discussion by panelists, researchers,
and other experts. But he was surprised to hear, above all
others, the voices of the participants intently working together
in small groups to develop a strategic national plan of action.
Over the course of two days, they discussed such questions
as: “How can we make our community more inclusive?”
“What resources are currently available and where are
they lacking?” “What kind of community can meet
our diverse needs?” By the end of the conference, each
of the 19 groups identified their top three goals and formulated
action steps to reach them.
Three
major themes seemed to recur in the groups: (1) diversity/inclusivity—the
diversity within the community must be recognized, and those
of Japanese ancestry who have been historically excluded must
be embraced; (2) leadership—the youth need to be trained
and developed as leaders; (3) continuity of culture—
Japanese American heritage, history, culture, values, and
community should be preserved and passed down to future generations.
One
note of interest: the words used to describe Japanese Americans—
Issei, Nisei, Sansei, Yonsei— were challenged as out-dated,
irrelevant, and exclusionary.
The term “Nikkei” (person of Japanese ancestry)
was offered as a more inclusive designation. Also, in a workshop
in which findings from the 1998 Japanese American Community
Assessment were shared, “church” was identified
as a community activity that a significant percentage of Nikkei
respondents attended: Nisei (66%), Sansei/Yonsei (48%), Multiracial
(25%), and Newcomers (25%). As our churches grapple with the
same issues of inclusivity, leadership, and continuity of
culture in the new millennium, they are faced with the new
challenge of utilizing the contact they have with the Nikkei
to reach them with what they need most— Jesus Christ.
May the Lord help us understand our community, so that we
can reach the 97%.
Grants
and Annual Campaign for 2000
Once
again, the Lord has blessed Iwa with grants from foundations
to jump start the ministry in the new year. In February, Iwa
received a grant for the fifth
year in a row from Rivendell Stewards’ Trust. The $15,000
grant was designated for sharing tools for personal evangelism.
In
March, the Stewardship Foundation approved grants totaling
$16,000 for its ninth consecutive year of support—$10,000
for general operations, and a $6,000 matching grant for the
Executive Director’s position. Iwa has until the end
of the year to raise the $6,000 in new funds before receiving
the matching grant.
In
May, The Crowell Trust approved a $15,000 grant for personal
evangelism handbook publication. It was the seventh grant
in the past ten years.
While
the Lord continues to provide funding through foundation support,
Iwa must expand the funding from individuals and churches
who most directly benefit from it’s ministry. So, for
the past several years, Iwa has conducted an Annual Campaign.
For
this year’s campaign, we want to spotlight the resources
for personal evangelism which the Lord has been enabling us
to develop. So far, we have published a sharing tool for introducing
Jesus to those who don’t know him, and a handbook for
reviewing the stages and steps of omoiyari (relational, empathetic)
evangelism. These and other resources will go into an Evangelism
Tackle Box enabling Christians and churches to become more
effective as they “fish” for Japanese- and Asian
Americans. Thus, our theme this year is Jesus’ statement,
“Follow me...” (Matthew 4:19), the key that allows
him to make us into fruitful “fishers of men.” We
hope you will support the development of the tackle box by
contributing to the matching grant as part of the Annual Campaign.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Brewing
in the Bay
Something’s
brewing in the Bay Area. While Stan has maintained regular
contact for the last 9 years as consultant to Christian Layman
Church, he now senses a change. It’s as though someone
flipped a switch and turned up his involvement in the past
year.
Stan
is now flying up monthly to help CLC make a transition in
leadership as Senior Pastor Wayne Ogimachi moves to Seattle
to follow the Lord’s call to lead a church plant there.
Between meetings, he’s e-mailing and telephone-conferencing
more than ever before. From his perch in the middle of it
all, he can see the Lord raising up and drawing in many leaders
who have some tie to Iwa.
A
group of Iwa Board members and friends, formed over a year
ago, want to continue meeting with Stan during every trip.
Two members are pastors of Japanese American churches, who
joined the Board last year. Taking to heart Iwa’s encouragement
to “tell our stories,” group members have been sharing
their spiritual journeys with each other as well as giving
Stan valuable feedback on the insights, resources, and plans
Iwa is working on. And the Lord is adding to the network:
a pastor of an Asian American church joined in April, and
prospects for gaining another member surfaced recently as
one of Iwa’s Board members has been called to pastor
a church in the area.
In
recent months, the pastors of a Bay Area Japanese American
church asked Stan to meet with them. They found his counsel
and support valuable enough to request their Board for funding
to enable him to continue his trips.
Why
all this activity in the Bay Area? Only the Lord knows. But
it seems that he has a role for Iwa to play in it.
New
Network of Emerging Leaders
In March 1999, a committee of three Board members
and two staff members met to plan Iwa’s second national
leadership conference for Christian pastors and lay leaders
in Japanese- and Asian American churches. In the process,
they realized that there existed an entire generation of new
leaders that they needed to be in touch with in order to have
a conference with relevance and impact.
At
subsequent meetings, leaders under the age of 35 participated
in a dialogue with the committee about the needs of “emerging”
leaders and the type of conference they envisioned. From the
discussion came a vision for the creation of a network of
leaders in their early 30s and younger.
In
October and December, a group of these emerging leaders met
to hammer out details of how the network will operate and
what will happen at meetings. On February 12, 2000, the network
held its first official meeting with ten leaders from seven
churches. They worshipped together, spent time getting to
know each other, and supported each other in prayer. Barry
Deguchi, Associate Pastor of Cerritos Baptist Church and Iwa
Board member, shared personal, practical insights on the topic
of “How to Stay Fresh in Ministry.” The Core Team,
consisting of five young leaders who plan and evaluate the
meetings, explained that the network was formed for “connecting,
supporting, and developing emerging leaders within local Asian
American churches” and that meetings would be held monthly.
Meetings
have been and will continue to be held on the second Saturday
of each month from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mission Valley
Free Methodist Church.
It is very exciting to see how the Lord has led us to focus
on the nurturing and equipping of new, young leadership as
he prepares our community for the challenges of the new millennium.
New
Publications
On the heels of printing 1,000 copies of Iwa’s sharing
tool for personal evangelism, which was described in the last
issue of stepping stones, we are very excited about two new
publications that we recently produced.
We
now have available a pocket-sized handbook for personal evangelism
entitled, Fishing with a Bamboo Pole: Introducing Others to
the Jesus You Know. This handbook was developed in response
to a suggestion by participants in Iwa’s Fishing wth
a Bamboo Pole evangelism workshop, that we create a booklet
that gives a quick review of the stages and steps of omoiyari
evangelism as presented in the workshop. After many drafts
and revisions by the staff, with the input of Board members,
and with the graphic design expertise of new staff member
Danny Matsuda, we finally produced this evangelism tool. The
handbook takes Christians through the process of preparing
to introduce their Japanese- or Asian American friends and
family to Jesus Christ; nurturing a relationship
with them so that they can be introduced to him in a natural,
non-threatening way; and ultimately encouraging them to make
a faith commitment of their lives to him. We are currently
developing a new seminar to help introduce the handbook, although
we think the hand-book will be helpful without additional
explanation and will be useful to anyone who wants to try
a relational, non- confrontational approach to evangelism.
Danny
has also designed Iwa’s first, full-color informational
brochure which describes our mission and ministry. We hope
this visually appealing brochure will help Iwa become better
known in our community. Please look for it in the upcoming
mailing of our Annual Campaign materials.
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