JEMS Japan Summer Mission & S.T.O.M. (Short Term Overseas Mission) Program
If you are interested in serving, please contact us at 213.613.0022. JEMS matches the
groups and individuals with the churches according to the areas they wish to serve.

To download an application form click HERE. To download the reference form click HERE.

2012 Opportunities

Agape Church-Nagoya Area
1) Christian Children's Ministry (3-year commitment desired)
     Female Preferred- Half-time ministry/half-time teaching English
      .Teach English two days per week with missionary John VanFarowe.
      .Work with Agape Church's after-school program/home schooling resource for children, 3 days, 12p to 6p
      .On Sundays, networking in the morning at Japanese language classes followed by an afternoon worship service.
     Housing: Apartment at Agape Church, walking distance from work and train station.

2) Children's Ministry/Language Intern (Minimum one year commitment, College-age student)
      .During the school year, attend Japanese High School, Language program. 
      .During the school year, assist John VanFarowe with Saturday English classes and Sunday worship.
      .In the summer (July & August), assist with the Agape after-school program (4 days a week) and summer camps.
      .Some summer evenings may have English classes.  
      Housing: During the school year, resident at the high-school dormitory. During the summers,housing will be at
      the Van Farowes or at Agape Church apartment.

New Life Church-Omochanomachi - Tochigi Area

                     
3) English Summer School Program - Short-Term Summer Missions (Female Requested)
    .Assist Short-Term missionary Anne Winters with English summer school program for 4 weeks in July and August.
      Teaching conversational English to pre-school and elementary school children 5 days per week, from 10a-4p.
      One of the five days is an outdoor activity, such as going to a part or swimming area. Should have interest in
      teaching art, crafts and games.
      Housing: New Life Church Omochanomachi         

4) New Life Church Omochanomachi - One to Three-Year, Short-Term Missionary (Female Requested)
     .Teach conversational English, 4 to 5 days per week. Day classes are usually children pre-school to elementary
      school age.  Evening classes are offered junior high school students and older. On Tuesdays, travel to Nikko to
      teach English at a Kindergarten. Participate in worship on Sundays at New Life Church.
     .Lead the Summer School Program. See description above.
     Housing: New Life Church Omochanomachi    


Click below for examples of a few of our past mission trips.
Tochigi
2010 Japan Creative Arts Team
Japan Sports Team

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 time, 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 $3500 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 $2000, and a monthly support cost that varies from $900 to $1600 per person, depending upon how much the receiving church can provide.

           (Ritsuko Jane Nishiyama teaching English in Hiroshima - 2010)

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.

Sometimes public and private schools request workers to come and teach conversational English. Trained teachers with certain teaching certificates or credentials are usually accepted. Adequate compensation is provided to cover housing, utility, personal living, and transportation by the worker, so fundraising may not always be necessary. At least a 1 to 2 year commitment is required.
 

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. Rick Chuman 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.

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

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...

OPPORTUNITIES

Creative Arts Mission Team (Dec 2011)
Sports Missions Team (date not set)

"...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. The sports team 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.

We will need a minimum of four young male adults 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 it is not required.

Music brings together many people of all ages. The team will partner with JEMS and the churches in Japan to share God's Word through the music and lyrics. They will assist the churches by participating in outreach activities for children and adults which may include teaching conversational English, crafts,cooking and dance. Individuals who can communicate in Japanese will be of help, but it is not required.

To download an application form click HERE.   To download the reference form click HERE.