JEMS Japan Summer Mission & S.T.O.M. (Short Term Overseas Mission) Program

Our Summer Missions program is between 6 to 8 weeks long and may include teaching English conversation, cooking and craft classes and sports activities to age-defined programs. These classes are conducted in partnership with Japanese local churches.

For those individuals with more leisure time availability, the summer program may be extended 11 to 12 weeks. This timeframe fits within the parameters of the tourist visa.

English conversation is the basis for an outreach into the community. Sports, music, Bible study classes, drama, cooking and American culture classes, and games are included as part of the effort to build bridges beyond the church walls into the community.

Our Short Term Overseas Missions (STOM) Program spans 1 to 2 years with similar responsibilities. People applying for the STOM program will require a Certificate of Eligibility from the Consulate in Japan in order for the applicant to receive a visa for 1 to 2 years. The Certificate of Eligibility will be handled by the requesting church in Japan.

Qualifications :::

A born-again sincere Christian of at least two years.

A demonstrated willingness to submit to those in leadership and authority within a local church setting.

An openness to work with Christians of other denominational affiliations.

At least college age and older. We also welcome those who are transitioning from the workplace.

Those under financial obligations to parents must have parental agreement to participate in the JEMS Missions Program.

A member in good standing of an evangelical church, in agreement with the JEMS' Statement of Faith.

Demonstrates flexible, positive, and mature attitudes of Christian life and service. Self-disciplined and motivated. In good physical, emotional, and mental health.

 

 
Other Desirable Qualities :::

If a Christian worker can understand and speak Japanese fluently, it will be to his/her advantage. However, if not, someone in the overseas congregation may be able to serve as an interpreter.

Various experiences in ministry, love for the Japanese people, and sharing the faith in Jesus are important qualities.

Other qualities include flexibility and willingness to serve in any manner at anytime, anywhere, being fairly organized, neat, and able to cook and manage oneself.

Cost :::

Varies somewhat with the placement of the worker, what the church may or may not provide, and the length of service.

For a six week missionary in Japan, the cost is generally about $3000 per person. For a retired couple, the cost will be about $4400 for 6 weeks, and $6000 for an 11 to 12 week ministry.

For those considering the 1 to 2 year program, there is a one time entry cost of approximately $1700, and a monthly support cost that varies from $900 to $1600 per person, depending upon how much the receiving church can provide.

These costs include round-trip air travel, living expenses, insurance, training, pledge and prayer letters (2 times or more, depending on length of service), and administrative costs.

These figures assume that the receiving church will provide the housing, utilities, and some ministry expenses for English conversation classes. Occasionally, some churches will provide remuneration for teaching and/or international travel for a longer term of ministry in Japan.

Japan Summer Missions Team 2005 being sent off by family and friends

Teams :::
Currently we send one worker to one church. Sometimes churches that are in close proximity request workers, so the workers may be able to get together once a week. If several workers are needed for camp ministry, they will go as a team. Churches usually cannot handle more than one worker, but some may want a husband and wife team.

Where :::
Opportunities to serve come from churches in Okinawa in the south to Hokkaido in northern Japan. If you have a preference, let us know. Final decision on placement will be up to JEMS.

Who's leading? :::
We have a Japan Coordinator by the name of Rev. Timothy Himei who looks after our workers in Japan. In the U.S., Rev. Sam Tonomura is currently coordinating the ministry to Japan while we are looking for a full time director.

Training :::
We have workers who have gone to Japan before provide excellent training and share their helpful experiences. Members of our Japan Sending Committee and staff provide training as well. To get workers informed on Japan, we provide a booklet titled Operation Japan which is informative and a helpful resource for praying for the people of Japan.

Debriefing :::
After the mission trip, we will provide an appropriate debriefing session or retreat. This will be a very helpful time to reflect on the ministry experience by sharing and praying together.
 

Finances :::

Fundraising :::
JEMS will help workers raise support by giving them ideas/information on designing, writing and sending prayer/fundraising letters on an as-needed basis. A worker will need to compile a list of prospective supporters, complete with address and phone numbers, in order to form a support team. JEMS will assist in getting the word out to prospective supporters.

Accounting :::
JEMS will receive funds and give tax-deductible receipts to donors on behalf of the approved worker. Designated funds will be kept in each worker's account.

Shortage of Funds :::
If the worker does not have sufficient funds before departure time, a personal advance from the worker may be required. This personal advance is refundable according to the donations received. On rare exceptions, JEMS may advance the balance of the shortage, not exceeding 25% of the total cost. The worker will be required to make every effort after returning from Japan to contact prospective supporters to make up the shortage.

Application Processing Procedure :::

1. Prospective workers must download and complete the application and reference  form from people who will affirm your calling. Allow 6 to 9 weeks processing, so early application is recommended. Application fee is $20, payable to JEMS. Please write "Japan Mission App" on the check memo line.

2. All applications and recommendations will be received and evaluated by the Japan Sending Committee.

3. Before the mission worker is officially approved, the worker's home church pastor will be contacted for their approval and support/endorsement. In the meantime, it is recommended that the mission worker begin preparing his/her pledge/prayer card and support raising letter and compiling a personal mailing list.

4. After the approval notification from JEMS, the mission worker shall contact prospective supporters for financial and prayer support in order to raise funds.

5. Assignment to a particular church will be made in due course.

6. Orientation and training sessions will be provided. Each worker is expected to attend all sessions. Make up sessions can be provided, if necessary.

Sports Missions Opportunities

CHIBA, J A P A N - SPORTS M I NISTRY"...to Share the Gospel with the People in Japan."
Missions to Japan have been a major emphasis for JEMS since the beginning. It was the vision and desire of the founders of JEMS to share the Gospel with the people in Japan, and the rejection of Christian Niseis as viable candidates for missions to Japan by the major denominations in the USA, that served as two significant catalysts to give birth to JEMS in 1950.

Details...
Sports is a great vehicle through which people can come to know Jesus Christ and believers can grow in their relationship with Him and others. God willing, from the last week in September 2007 to the second week in October, six young adult males will be working with JEMS and partnering with Sports Outreach Japan to share the love of Christ through teaching basketball and conversational English to students of Chiba, Japan. Daichi Tsuruta our accountant at JEMS and Kevin Yamabe, JEMS Sports and Recreation Ministry Director, will be leading this team for God’s glory

Qualifications :::
A born-again sincere Christian of at least two years. A demonstrated willingness to submit to those in leadership and authority within a local church setting. An openness to work with Christians of other denominational affiliations. A member in good standing of an evangelical church, in agreement with the JEMS' Statement of Faith. Demonstrates flexible, positive, and mature attitudes of Christian life and service. Self-disciplined and motivated. In good physical, emotional, and mental health.
Other qualifications...

We need four young adult males whom the Lord has placed on their hearts a burden to serve during this missions trip. We are looking to send young adult males who can creatively teach young children conversational English, those with musical skills to play in the schools and/or churches, and those who can teach and play basketball. Individuals who can communicate in Japanese will be of help, but not required.

Fundraising :::
JEMS will help workers raise support by giving them ideas/information on designing, writing and sending prayer/fundraising letters on an as-needed basis. A worker will need to compile a list of prospective supporters, complete with address and phone numbers, in order to form a support team. JEMS will assist in getting the word out to prospective supporters.

Accounting :::
JEMS will receive funds and give tax-deductible receipts to donors on behalf of the approved worker. Designated funds will be kept in each worker's account.

Shortage of Funds :::
If the worker does not have sufficient funds before departure time, a personal advance from the worker may be required. This personal advance is refundable according to the donations received. On rare exceptions, JEMS may advance the balance of the shortage, not exceeding 25% of the total cost. The worker will be required to make every effort after returning from Japan to contact prospective supporters to make up the shortage.

Application Processing Procedure :::

1. Prospective workers must complete the applications papers, including references from people who will affirm your calling. Allow 6 to 9 weeks processing, so early application is recommended. Application fee is $20, payable to JEMS. Please write "Japan Mission App" on the check memo line.

2.All applications and recommendations will be received and evaluated by the Japan Sending Committee.
3. Before the mission worker is officially approved, the worker's home church pastor will be contacted for their approval and support/endorsement. In the meantime, it is recommended that the mission worker begin preparing his/her pledge/prayer card and support raising letter and compiling a personal mailing list.

4. After the approval notification from JEMS, the mission worker shall contact prospective supporters for financial and prayer support in order to raise funds.

5. Orientation and training sessions will be provided. Each worker is expected to attend all sessions. Make up sessions can be provided, if necessary.

To download an application form click HERE.

To download the reference form click HERE.

Forms are due no later than March 2007