Karl in Japan

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2012-01-13T17:07:00.000-08:00

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2012-01-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

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Karl Friesen with Send International

Jan. 2012 Update

2012-01-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Here is the PDF of my Jan. Update

Happy New Year
I hope that you had a really great Christmas with your family and friends, that you were able celebrate Jesus’ birth with your church and have created wonderful memories with your family. I trust this coming year will be one that opens new doors, doors beyond your wildest dreams; I certainly am praying that 2012 will be just this for me!

Bringing in the New Year in Japan is a time when families gather to practice Shinto rites worshiping their ancestors. In Buddhist temples all over Japan when the clock strikes midnight, the priests ring their bell 108 times believing this is the way to be forgiven for the sins of the previous year. New Years is the time that most Japanese visit both the Shinto shrine and the Buddhist temple in anticipation of the New Year to obtain good luck for the coming year.

With New Years being a family event, there can be pressure to participate in Shinto rites. Many Christians meet in their churches on December 31st and January 1st to give Christians a reason not to be home and participate in the Shinto worship.

As Christians we know that it’s only through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross at Calvary that there is forgiveness for our sins. The prayer of my heart is that the Japanese people will look to Christ for forgiveness of their sin rather than the Shinto and Buddhist cultural traditions.

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

My next step is going to Member Orientation Program (MOP) which I’ll be attending this month. It feels like I’ve been talking about MOP forever. It is the cross-cultural/ministry training aspect of my preparation for serving in Japan. It will also give me a better understanding of how SEND functions as an organization. It’s exciting to finally be able to attend and get one more step closer to serving in Japan.

My monthly support is about 46%; the standard policy for SEND is to be at 50% before allowing its members to attend MOP. SEND believes that I should be serving in Japan so they are sending me to MOP this January.

1 to 69

I have created a visual, by adding the numbers from 1 to 94, each square represents potential partnerships. The sum equals my total monthly support. Since $2051 is promised, the red squares represent my present partners.

The sum of the black squares 1 to 69 is $2413, the remaining amount of my monthly support needed. A financial partnership with me could be a combination of more than one square. Once I have 100% of my support I will have completed the partnership development phase of my ministry and will be able to go to Japan!

Please pray...

- How God would want you to partner with me as I serve in Japan.

- That my support base will reach 100% by June 2012 so that I can serve in Japan soon thereafter.

- For me as I travel to and from MOP.

Feel free to contact me if I can pray for you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Karl Friesen

Karl's Financial Blog

2011-12-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

I just posted my numbers if you would like to see them.

Karl

http://kfriesen.blogspot.com/

Dec 2011 Update

2011-12-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas,

It’s been an interesting two years since I started this journey with Christ to serve long-term in Japan with SEND. Looking back over this past year I see the evidence of how God has provided for my needs... While I was in Japan for 3 months this past summer God provided for my stay through the help of great friends which lowered the cost of extending my stay from 10 days to 3 months. I had decided to save extra money while I was working last year which was more than enough to pay for changing my flight home and other extra expenses. I have amazing parents who provide a place for me to live while I am in the partnership development phase of my ministry. And, my home church and many individuals are now partnering with me in prayer and with their financial support.

My passion for Japan continues to grow; people are praying for the salvation of the Japanese people. As I read my Bible, it gives me a longing for everyone to understand the heart of God and that He loves us.

I am very appreciative for the many doors that have opened and the opportunities I have had to share one-on-one with individuals, small groups and large congregations.

A Year in Review

The tragedy of the tsunami in March of this year was overwhelming for anyone who has a connection to Japan. For me, being stuck in Canada at the time and not being in the country to be a witness, knowing that many, many people were lost for all eternity, was heart wrenching. After watching the news reports the first day, I had to stay off the internet and didn’t watch TV for the first week so that I didn’t have to hear stories repeated over and over of the tragedy. Knowing that God loves all of the people that died and that most, if not all of them, didn’t know God personally was too difficult to watch and hear the reports again and again. I felt so helpless knowing there was so much work to be done; not having the means to be able to help still irks me today. Seeing the loss of life as a result of this disaster sometimes makes it difficult to see any good in it and question “was God in control?”

Japan is a nation where less than one percent of the population has a relationship with Christ. Since March 2011, God has been opening up areas in Japan that haven’t had any witnesses for Him; many communities have had their needs met by allowing Christian relief organizations to come into their communities to help with the effort. It is encouraging to hear that today, because of this tragedy, churches are growing and slowly, people are seeking for God as they try to understand who they are and what it means to be in relationship with God.

In November SEND missionaries followed up with the campers from the disaster area that came on scholarship to Okutama Bible Chalet (OBC) this summer. These campers are now being connected to churches in their area. God is working in the hearts of the people through SEND International’s ministries. Please continue to pray that as the Japanese heal and life once again returns to normal, they will continue to seek after Christ and not choose the status-quo.

My summer in Japan was absolutely amazing. I was able to see my friends in northern Japan, see how their ministries have progressed since I was there and hear how God is working in their communities. I enjoyed visiting different SEND missionaries’ churches, serving alongside them in the disaster area and working at Okutama Bible Chalet with them. It was exciting to hear cabin leaders at OBC share stories of Christ working in the lives of their camper’s, some of whom have never heard the Gospel message before. I have always enjoyed working at camp; it was encouraging for me to hear that the staff of OBC want me to return to serve alongside them; it was very exciting to work with them and experience how God might use me as staff at OBC in the future. One of the camp highlights for me was participating in the father/son camp out where we hung out for three days together, enjoying the fellowship of others as we shared during the Bible studies, went river rafting, fishing and hiked together. It was great to see the dads investing time into their sons’ lives. Being back in Japan felt like being home once again, just as it was when I was living there in 2006-2007.

Looking to the Year Ahead

As the New Year approaches, there are still several requirements I need to fulfill with SEND prior to serving in Japan. First and foremost right now, I am required to attend Member Orientation Program (MOP) which is held in January or July. It really is my heart’s desire to reach the 50% mark of my monthly financial support by the beginning of December so that I can attend MOP in January. Currently my support is short $275/month. Later in 2012 I will be attending a language acquisition program to improve my understanding of my personal language learning needs and how I can most effectively learn the Japanese language.

Prayer Requests

Pray that I’ll continue to have a learning attitude as I travel on this journey to fulltime ministry.

Pray that I will continue to trust in God’s perfect timing, that He will open doors of opportunity for me to share with the right people and then that people would partner with me so that I can attend MOP training in January, 2012.

Pray for those who are hearing the gospel during this Christmas Season in churches, at Christmas events and celebrations and for the many people that will be sharing the real Reason for Christmas. Pray for attentive ears and soft hearts towards the message that will be shared.

Your brother in Christ,

Karl

Oct Karl in Japan

2011-10-30T22:58:00.000-07:00

A Note From Friends

Lord, Send Us Laborers for Your Harvest

“Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” Matthew 9:38

The summer of 2011 was an amazing period of ministry for Okutama Bible Chalet (OBC), which is the camp and retreat ministry of SEND International in Japan. Over 420 children and young people attended our sponsored camps during that time. Many came from Japanese churches which relate to camp, but others came who had no background in the Bible or Christianity. These kids live in a highly sophisticated yet idolatrous culture which does not recognize God as God. A few have not even heard the name, Jesus. The need of these young ones is great.

After the summer I have given thought to the needs of our ministry in the years ahead. I believe God is stirring the nation of Japan through the earthquake and tsunami that took place on March 11th this year and that the impact of that event will continue to be felt in this society for years to come. I believe some Japanese hearts are being opened to consider God, the Creator, and His Word.

Four years ago God gave OBC a ministry vision called “Next Generation for Christ.” And, He has allowed our ministry to expand our capacity with a new three story facility to be completed by the summer of 2012. “Next Generation for Christ” is not about buildings, but it seems that God is preparing our ministry for greater harvest than we have seen in the past. We have been asking God to send us the spiritual workers that we need to bring in that harvest and to establish the next generation of His church in Japan.

God sent Karl to us this past summer and made him a significant part of reaching children and youth for Christ. Karl is a biblical “John Mark” for whom Paul made special request (II Tim. 4:11) that he be sent to him for the ministry that he was doing. Karl is a knowledgeable and gifted camp worker. He shows faithfulness in the tasks he is given. I ask that you pray for Karl and consider being a partner with Karl in His harvest in Japan through Okutama Bible Chalet’s ministry.

Bruce and Laura Harris
Director of Okutama Bible Chalet
Missionaries with SEND International Japan

OBC Grounds Grew

Working at Okutama Bible Chalet for 3 months this summer was a really great opportunity for me, however when I first heard that OBC was on less than one acre of land I couldn’t imagine how they would do “camp” on such a small piece of property. Being from North America, I’ve seen camp in action mostly on large acreage, however now that I’ve seen the OBC site in use and even seen groups of over one hundred using the facility at any given time, a whole lot of camp can run on even the “small” acreage that OBC has.

Wide games use the entire property, you don’t have to worry about kids going out of bounds because the boundaries are the property lines that are quite defined; the property is bordered by a forest on three sides and the bank down to the road on the fourth side. Bob McKemey, one of the previous directors, not only designed games that use the property to its fullest potential but also gave the games a narrative which is very useful for motivating Japanese children to participate in the games.

When I served at OBC, I was on the grounds crew; this included cleaning a lot of bathrooms, multi-purpose rooms and the dorms, doing the dishes and being available to complete the tasks around the property. One of the responsibilities of the grounds crew was leading the river rafting activity; I really enjoyed this a lot. By the end of the summer I went down the river with campers almost 20 times and jumped off the cliff along the river over 60 times which was a ton of fun.

I am really looking forward to the time when I’ll be in Japan long term, when I am able to be involved at OBC through all four seasons, see the year round ministry of OBC and perhaps other opportunities that God may have for me.

Sharing at TLC

On Oct. 23rd I had an opportunity to share my passion and God’s calling on my life to fulltime ministry in Japan during the morning service with my home church, The Life Centre. Following the service I served a Japanese meal I had prepared in advance of currey rice, mabo dofu and yaki soba as a fundraiser by donation to around 60 people. It was a very encouraging opportunity for me to share with “my church”. I had a lot of people help serve; it was so encouraging to see that many people wanted to see the lunch be a success.

Even though on paper I was a missionary being sent by The Life Centre, it now “feels” official knowing that the Life Centre congregation has heard me share of my passion for Japan and my ministry opportunity at Okutama Bible Chalet.
Your Brother in Christ,
Karl Friesen

A Note Sent to My Church

2011-10-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Life Centre Family,

I wanted to send a note to let my church family know that I’ve been given the opportunity to share during the Sunday morning worship service at The Life Centre on Oct 23^rd about my ministry opportunity.

I haven’t been able to personally connect with everyone in the church but I would like to give all of you an opportunity to hear what my future ministry will be. I’ll be serving in Japan with SEND International, a nondenominational Evangelical mission organization. Once I have completed my language studies, I hope to be assigned to serve the Japanese church through camp ministry at Okutama Bible Chalet, thus giving the Japanese people an opportunity to know Christ outside of their everyday lives.

If you would like to know more about my future ministry with SEND, please go to http://karl-in-japan.blogspot.com/ where I post my updates and partner development information.

After the service on Oct 23^rd, I plan to serve lunch as a fundraiser which will go towards my outgoing costs. Please come even if you aren’t able to leave a donation and enjoy some of my favorite Japanese flavors. There will be no seaweed or raw fish since these are not my favorites. For dessert I’ll be serving pumpkin pie which I learned to make in Japan and some of my favorite Japanese flavored homemade ice cream.

Thank you. I look forward to sharing with you,

Karl Friesen

All are welcome to come church starts at 10:30 and lunch will start at about 12:00

Karl in Japan Sept. 2011 Update

2011-10-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

WHY I STAYED LONGER
My original plan was to stay for two weeks when I went to Japan in June to reconnect with my friends in Aomori and acquaint myself with SEND Japan by serving as a volunteer for one week at Okutama Bible Chalet (OBC). It didnʼt quite go as I planned; this was a good thing. Once I was nearing the end of my original departure date I was given the opportunity to stay longer, continue serving at OBC and attend the SEND Japan conference which would give me the opportunity to meet and get to know more SEND missionaries serving in Japan. I extended my time to mid-July.

My time at the conference was really a good time of teaching by Chris Thomas of Torchbearers International whom I have had the privilege of hearing speak while studying at Capernwray Harbour on Vancouver Island 8 years ago. As I neared my July departure date and OBC looked at their staffing requirements, it became evident that they would be short staff for the remainder of the summer season if the head grounds crew and I both left OBC in July. OBC contacted SEND Canada to get their approval for me to extend my stay once again. SEND Canada affirmed this and once again I changed my flight so that I could continue at OBC to the end of the summer season. With this extension it also gave me an opportunity to serve on a SEND missionary 5-day relief trip to the Japanese that were affected by the earthquake and tsunami in March.

Serving this summer was not just a great time but a tremendous affirmation to me of my
calling to serve the church in Japan long-term. I am looking forward to future opportunities to
serve in Japan.

SERVING AND SEEING
As the SEND relief team drove northeast of Tokyo, the highways were open to traffic but travel was slow due to the number of people traveling north trying to get to communities that still desperately needed help with the disaster relief. My team served for three days in the city of Ishinomaki. We served in many practical ways; I personally spent all three days removing dead trees in the yards of two homes that were killed by the salt water from the tsunami. Other
missionaries on my team were able to pray with the people we were serving and encourage them.

On the third day we went for a short visit to the town of Onagawa, one of the communities that was hit the hardest by the tsunami that devastated Japan in March 2011 to see for myself how bad the destruction really was. As we drove to this town, sandbags lined the front of homes and
businesses to holdback high tide. Sections of road were rebuilt at least one foot higher than
they were originally constructed due to the fact that this region had dropped as much as 170 cm because of the earthquake and now the high tides were washing into homes because of the drop in elevation. I was shocked by the extent of the destruction; I was overwhelmed by the evidence of lives lost as we entered the town proper.

Our first stop was at the hospital parking lot which overlooks the community’s harbor and
downtown core 50 feet below. One of the first things I noticed as a result of the tsunami was
the complete and widespread destruction of the city’s commercial and industrial buildings;
currently there is no trade or commerce here.

Even the hospital parking lot wasn’t spared; there were cars found flipped upside down after
the tsunami rushed through. We drove through the ruins while our guide clarified the true loss for this community. She told us that 1,500 people were killed and another 1,500 were lost in the tsunami. The hardest thing for me to hear was that there was only one Christian witness in this community of 10,000 people which meant that 30% of this community was lost for all eternity. There are not enough willing Christian workers to serve in Japan.

SEND ME
Member Orientation Program (MOP) is the 2nd mandatory training session required by SEND missionaries once 50% monthly support is promised by our Partners. I am so grateful to God for my friends and family that have already committed to supporting me, but in order to attend the next MOP in the New Year I still need about $1000 per month promised by Nov 30th. After MOP I’ll receive my departure date for long-term ministry in Japan. Please prayerfully consider how you might partner with me and SEND’s ministry in Japan. If you are unable to give at this time, please continue to pray with me for Japan.

Sept. 2011 PARTNER STATS.
Committed Prayer Supporters - 24
Prayer Supporters still needed - 6

28.2% - Monthly Support pledged ($1,260)
71.8% - Monthly Support still needed ($3,205)

52.7% - Out Going Costs covered ($27,398.38)
47.3% - Out Going Costs still needed ($24,620.38)

Your brother in Christ,
Karl Friesen

CONTACT INFO.
SEND International - Canada
#1-22423 Jefferies Road
RR #5, Komoka, Ont.
N0L 1R0
http://www.sendcanada.org/
1-888-918-5036

Home
2946 Cardinal Place
Abbotsford BC
V2T 5P6
karlinjapan@hotmail.com
home: 604-852-8877
cell: 778-245-4112

Karl in Japan July 2011 Update

2011-10-05T23:25:00.000-07:00

MY AOMORI VISIT
Eating all of my favorite foods. Waiting an hour in rural train stations for the last train of the evening. Seeing preschool children dressed up in matching uniforms on a school trip. Hearing frogs and crickets singing from the rice paddies and cicadas singing in the summer woods. Walking in Hirosaki Park through the cherry blossoms with friends that I hope one day will see God’s glory through the beauty of His creation. The shared community and common goals that missionaries work toward. These are all memories that have come rushing back to me as I visited Aomori, where I worked previously for 15 months.

I have seen how God is moving and progressing the Gospel in Japan. Harvest House, the outreach point I worked and lived at during my previous term, has moved to a new property that they have purchased and are now having regular weekly meetings there. And, with change comes a new name: Harvest Chapel. During my recent visit with Martin, the missionary I had worked with, he asked me what I thought about the changes in light of the fact that I was directly involved in the development of Harvest Chapel. When I first heard that Harvest House had moved I was sad and disappointed because it was not only the house I lived in that they had left, but my home. Martin pointed out the connection between the progress of this ministry and the work I had been involved with at Harvest House. I was surprised with my own excitement of seeing where this ministry has clearly progressed. I was also excited to see where God will lead Harvest Chapel’s ministry in the future.

WHAT'S UP?
Japan is a country I have fallen in love with and the Japanese are the people I know God has called me to be a witness to. There is a place for me to begin ministry in Japan today; my visit has confirmed that I could start serving right away. I know and believe that God’s timing for me to begin long-term ministry in Japan is perfect. I expect when I leave Japan this time it will be just as hard, if not harder than it was the first time but for now I’m pleased to say that my stay in Japan has been extended to the beginning of September.

Since I started serving at Okutama Bible Chalet (OBC) in June, I have served at Joy Bible Camp, the kid’s camps for native English speakers. I had the privilege of attending the SEND Japan Conference where I was able to get to know and hang out with the SEND missionaries serving in Japan. Staying to serve in Japan longer was not in my original plans to visit. If it had been, I definitely would have brought my running shoes since it’s difficult to find shoes my size in Japan. My shoes should be arriving in a package from home any day now.

I have also been able to head north to the tsunami affected area where I was able to serve for three days. I helped clean several families’ yards by removing the dead trees that were killed by the salty sea water from the tsunami. Some people were removing the salty sludge from the surface of a farmer’s field and others were cleaning this out from the foundations of houses accessing it by removing the flooring from the first floor. There are many more families still in need of help with the clean-up of their properties. They can’t afford the clean-up or don’t have the time because they have to continue to work to provide for and feed their families.

Please pray that volunteers will continue to come to Japan to help complete all of the clean-up work that still needs to be done. Also pray that more people hear the call to work as witnesses for Christ in these disaster areas and that this work would continue long after the volunteers have finished the clean-up and serving in Japan.

Your brother in Christ,
Karl Friesen

CONTACT INFORMATION
SEND International - Canada

#1-22423 Jefferies Road
RR #5, Komoka, Ont.
N0L 1R0
http://www.sendcanada.org/
1-888-918-5036

Home
2946 Cardinal Place
Abbotsford BC
V2T 5P6
karlinjapan@hotmail.com
604-852-8877

Karl in Japan May 2011 Update

2011-10-05T23:16:00.000-07:00

“I will build you up again and you will rebuild, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out and dance with the joyful.” Jer. 31:4

I was reading Jeremiah 31 during a prayer meeting for Japan; the passage was very encouraging to me and is my prayer for Japan. It’s all about the suffering of Israel in captivity and the destruction of their homes but it’s also about the care God has for His people and the joy they’ll have in Him through their restoration. I can see the hope that we can have and pray that the Japanese will be able to see this Truth through the witness of the believers around them.

NEWS FROM JAPAN
Recently, Bernhard Triebel, SEND Japan Director, got this report from some Japanese friends about Ishinomaki Christ Church;

“Easter was the first Sunday the church was able to hold a worship service after the earthquake. This is a small church of 5 or 6 members pastored by Ito Sensei who also is the pastor of a church in Sendai. At this Easter Sunday Service 30 new people showed up 45 minutes before the service started. The church was full and the pastor started to talk to the people. Others came later and complained because they thought the service had already started and wanted to hear the pastor from the beginning. Needless to say, there were not enough bulletins to go around, but the new people wanted one because of the Bible verses written in it. So after the worship service they took time to copy the verses by hand. The new people wanted tracts and Bibles too.”

“I heard another story that 13 new people came to a church in Iwaki two weeks ago. I am sure this is happening in other places as well. God is at work in the affected areas in Japan and using even small churches to reach out to people who are hungry for the message of Hope.”

You can read more reports, like this one, on Japan and the earthquake on SEND’s web site at www.send.org/japan-earthquake-recovery.

ENCOURAGEMENT
It’s very encouraging to reflect on where I have come in the last year and a half since starting my partnership development with SEND International. I see God moving the hearts of His people, to support me in prayer and finances. I look forward to how He is going to provide the rest of the finances.

Since my last note I have been able to share about my opportunity in Japan with two churches. I am so grateful for these opportunities and have seen how God has been involved in my connecting with others.

Also, it’s been very encouraging to know that people are investing in His ministry which will enable me to get to Japan; I want to get to the field to begin ministry as His witness. One of my supporters had a conversation with a friend of mine; they wanted to give more than

they had already committed to support and felt in their heart that if they didn’t give more then I wouldn’t be able to go serve in Japan. Please pray that God would continue to stir the hearts of individuals and churches to partner with me in Japan.

VISIT TO JAPAN
In June I plan on going back to Japan for a 3 week visit; it’s hard to believe it has been three and a half years since I was there last. While this is a personal trip to visit friends in Tokyo and in northern Japan, I also plan to connect with SEND Japan. As I prepare to serve long-term in Japan, it will be good for me to get to know those who are already working in this country and gain a little understanding of the ministries in which SEND is involved. Please pray for safety in traveling and a good time connecting with many people.

Your brother in Christ,

Karl Friesen

CONTACT INFORMATION
SEND International - Canada
#1-22423 Jefferies Road
RR #5, Komoka, ONT
N0L 1R0
http://www.sendcanada.org/
1-888-918-5036

Home
2946 Cardinal Place
Abbotsford, BC
V2T 5P6
karlinjapan@hotmail.com
604-852-8877

Karl in Japan March 2011 Update

2011-10-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

The Earthquake
People have been asking me about the earthquake and if I know anyone affected by the quake. Personally, I don’t know anyone that has lost property as a result of the tragedy but I do know that Sendai is the major hub for mission’s activities in Northeastern Japan. So, many missionaries from many different mission organizations will have been in the line of destruction.

I understand how this destruction can be minimized by our exposure to other destructive events in the last decade. Yes, the loss of property was significant, billions of dollars, but the loss of life for all eternity is what has stuck with me since hearing reports of the loss of life. In Japan less than 1% of the population are believers. With the assumption that this one percent is evenly distributed, over 99% of the lives lost had no relationship with Jesus and most because they haven’t heard the Gospel. With those numbers, no tragedy in the last ten years can compare to what happened now.

One of my hope’s, resulting from this tragedy, is that those people that have fallen away from the church will be drawn back to Christ. Most people in Japan fall away because of cultural and social pressure of conformity and harmony. There is a much larger number of Japanese young people falling away from the church compared to North America. The church in Japan needs an awakening that will enable it to hold onto it’s young people. I pray and hope this tragedy will be a step towards an awakening in Japan.

If you would like to help with the relief effort in Japan check out Crash (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope). It is backed by both the church in Japan and mission organizations serving there. For more info go to www.crashjapan.com. You can also give to the Japan Earthquake Response Fund at the SEND Canada website (www.sendcanada.org) to receive a Canadian tax receipt.

Thank you for your prayers,
Karl Friesen

CONTACT INFORMATION
SEND International - Canada
#1-22423 Jefferies Road
RR #5, Komoka, ONT
N0L 1R0
http://www.sendcanada.org/
1-888-918-5036

Home
2946 Cardinal Place
Abbotsford, BC
V2T 5P6
karlinjapan@hotmail.com
604-852-8877

Karl in Japan Jan 2011 Update

2011-10-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

Different Doors
In my last letter I shared that there was a possibility of speaking at two churches in the new year. Since writing that update both of those doors have closed at this time. Although this was disappointing to me; I believe God is starting to move in my home church. I am praying these doors will open in the next few months and I’ll be invited to share with the congregation of my church of my passion to reach the next generation for Japan for Christ.

I’m finding that most churches in the Fraser Valley only allow individuals from within their congregation to share of their ministry opportunities. I was quite encouraged when I was invited to speak at my parent’s pastorate (home group). So it seems that small groups is who I should be targeting and connecting with. If you participate in a small group, would you consider asking your group leader if and when I might be able share with yours?

2%!!!
This last month, a friend contacted me and asked where my monthly financial support was at. After some discussion he responded that he and his wife would be supporting me monthly. Thank you Friend; my support just went from 21% to 23%. This was very encouraging to me.

What’s Next?
Before I go to Japan as a SEND missionary, I must attend their Member Orientation Program (MOP) once I reach 50% monthly support. This program only runs once a year now; the next one will be held this summer. I am hoping to be in Japan within a year, so right now I need another 27% monthly support to attend the next MOP. Thank you for prayerfully considering how you might partner with me financially.

Thank you!
Karl Friesen

PS. I realize there are many very worthy mission organizations. I thank God for each one of you that has chosen to partner with me and support me financially. Please continue to pray that others will respond to God’s call to partner with me.

Karl in Japan Nov 2010 Update

2011-10-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

OPEN DOORS

I had an amazing opportunity to share with two churches in the Kootenay’s on Nov. 20 and 21. On Saturday I spoke to the youth at the Castlegar New Life Assembly and on Sunday to the congregation during their morning worship service, then that evening at the First Presbyterian Church in Trail. These churches have been a tremendous encouragement to me; they opened their doors, giving me an opportunity to share and warmly welcomed me with their hospitality. I had a great time reconnecting with staff and campers that I got to know at Pines Bible Camp where I worked this past summer and I got to meet church members, answering their questions and speaking with them one on one. I’m looking forward to sharing with a number of other churches in the New Year.

Thank you for praying with me for open doors; small groups and churches giving me the opportunity to share with their congregations.

If you are or know a small group leader, if you have a group of friends, if you have a mission’s representative in your church or if you know a church that you think might be interested in hearing about ministry in Japan, please send me their contact information.

A FRIEND’S STORY
      While I was preparing to share at the churches in the Kootenay’s this past weekend, I was reminded of a friend of mine in Japan, the father of two children I really enjoyed in the kindergarten English class I taught in my home and husband to their Christian mother. She was a key person in this class; I was impressed at the way she amazingly connected with the other mothers and shared with them who Jesus is, however her husband had never made a personal commitment to Christ.
      One day while waiting for guests to arrive at my home for dinner, my friend told me that he wanted his children to be Christians; this was somewhat surprising to me since he wasn’t a Christian. Later I asked Pastor Martin, who I worked under, why my friend would have said this. Martin explained that our friend was the professor of Japanese religion and philosophy at the university and couldn’t make a commitment because of social pressures and what would be said of him if he was a Christian in that teaching role.
      Social pressures are very key to the choices and decisions the Japanese make in their life. How sad it is to know that my friend may never choose Christianity himself. He and his wife now have 3 children; I think of him often and continue to pray for his salvation.

TRAINING FOR JAPAN
      In my last update, my goal was to reach 50% of my monthly support this fall so that I could attend MOP (Member Orientation Program) in January/February 2011. SEND has informed us that the program is postponed until next summer due to the fact that there weren’t enough people to attend it this winter. Have you considered how you can help me reach my goal? I’d be happy to explain some options or ways to do this.

PRAYER AND PRAISE
      Please pray as I continue to connect with those that God is calling to partner with and come alongside me as I prepare to serve with SEND.
      I thank God for His faithfulness, for those that have committed to Partner with me and send me words of encouragement.

EVENTS

In October I was invited to Gospel Night put on by Vancouver Japanese Gospel Church (VJGC) supported by a number of Korean churches in the area. This event’s focus was to reach the Japanese on work and student visas. It was good to see how VJGC and other churches in their community are working to reach individuals in their own community. I was also able to spend time with VJGC’s church family for their Halloween event; it was lots of fun. I continue to be involved in International Youth Group as much as I can outside of Sunday mornings.
At the beginning of November I attended Passion Vancouver with VJGC. It was a great time of fellowship and worship lead by Chris Tomlin, Matt Redmen and the David Crowder Band. Guest speaker Lui Gillio, spoke on how we are to serve Christ with passion; if your passion is in the business world, serve Christ there; if it’s in the church, serve Him there. This really resonated with me and affirmed my desire to serve the Japanese people in Japan.

May you feel Christ blessings as you celebrate his coming to save us, as a child.

Karl Friesen

CONTACT INFO
SEND International - Canada
#1-22423 Jefferies Road
RR #5, Komoka, Ont.
N0L 1R0
http://www.sendcanada.org/
1-888-918-5036

Home
2946 Cardinal Place
Abbotsford BC
V2T 5P6
karlinjapan@hotmail.com
604-852-8877

Karl in Japan Sept 2010 Update

2011-10-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

SERF’S OUT

It was a busy summer at Pines Bible Camp in Grand Forks, BC; this year I worked with Leanne in the SERF Program (Serving with Enthusiasm while building Relationships and having Fun). I had forgotten that as a leader you sometimes just have to keep going at camp even though you feel like sitting down and taking it easy. I learned a lot from my SERFs and grew even more in my Christian walk…I had a number boys from very broken homes whom I just needed to love; this was hard sometimes. I had two Korean exchange students for the entire summer from Chilliwack, BC which made for some very interesting social dynamics.

It took me a long time to understand and even love one of my boys; he comes from a very broken home. At camp he was confrontational and if possible tried to steal all of my attention from the other SERFs. He came to the first week of SERF and then came three more weeks including the last week. Looking back and comparing the first week with him to the final week, I don’t think his behavior improved that much -- he still fought with his fellow SERFs and still tried to be belligerent -- but I would have to say my attitude towards him changed. Christ’s work in me was very evident; I loved him even though he was still the same boy.

Please pray for my boys as they return to some very difficult situations; that they would remember that Christ loves them in any situation they find themselves in; and that their desire to grow in their relationship with Christ continues.

SHARING AT GC

When I was back in Grand Forks for the summer I had the opportunity to reconnect with many old friends at my Grand Forks “home church”, Gospel Chapel. It felt like coming home. On July 18th I was given the opportunity to share about my heart for the Japanese and the ministry opportunity that I’ll have in Japan. It was very encouraging for me that people were interested in how the Lord has been leading me towards ministry in Japan.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be connecting with people about opportunities to share over the fall. If you have a group (Bible study, youth group, friends) with whom you would like me to share, please contact me.

Please pray that there will be more churches that would be willing to open their doors and give me an opportunity to share with their congregations and that churches that I have contacted will respond to my request to share about my ministry opportunity in Japan.

FAMILY CONFERENCE
At the end of July I headed off to the SEND Family Conference; it was a great time of meeting people who are serving with SEND around the world and reconnecting with those I had met at the Canadian office last November. It was also great meeting those who are currently serving and who have served in Japan.

I picked up a copy of Rollin S. Reasoner biography who served in Japan with SEND from 1951 to 1993 in many different capacities -- street evangelist, director of the mission, and college teacher. The book has been a great resource for me to learn more about SEND’s history in Japan and what it really takes to serve as a long-term missionary in Japan or anywhere in the world for that matter.

One thing I have taken away from my reading is praying for key issues. So I thought I should try to write down a few simple prayers that wouldn’t change for me whether I am in Canada or Japan.
• That I’ll continue to grow in my relationship with Christ (Col 2:6, 7)
• That I’ll be an effective witness for Christ (2 Cor. 3:2-6)
• That I’ll be drawn to God’s will.
I’m very grateful for those of you who faithfully pray for me.

12/5

It’s not 24/7 it is 12/5 -- the number of months that an individual commits to being a monthly financially supporter; 12 months for five years. I understand that I am a young missionary; if someone commits to being a monthly supporter it may look like this is a life-time commitment or at the very least a couple of decades. Right now, all I need is individuals to partner with me for my first term which is five years so that I can enter the mission field and start serving.

My goal is to reach 50% of my monthly support this fall so that I can attend MOP (Member Orientation Program) in January/February 2011. Please pray that people will respond to God’s call to be involved in missions globally.

Your Brother in Christ,
Karl Friesen

SEND International - Canada
#1-22423 Jefferies Road
RR #5, Komoka, Ont.
N0L 1R0
http://www.sendcanada.org/
1-888-918-5036

Home
2946 Cardinal Place
Abbotsford, BC
V2T 5P6
karlinjapan@hotmail.com
604-852-8877

2010-04-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

It has been an interesting two months since I last wrote. In February I had the opportunity to attend the Reaching Japanese Conference (RJC) in Seattle, WA with Jenn and Steve Frentz who are also appointees to Japan. Pastor Hiroshi from Hongodai Christ Church in Yokohama, Japan was the main speaker; he brought his church youth worship band to RJC to lead the worship. It was a good time of connecting with others who have a heart for Japan and encouraging one another.
In March I had the opportunity to reconnect with Vancouver Japanese Gospel Church in New Westminster, a direct result of attending RJC. I have tentative plans to share about my prospective ministry and to teach during their English service.
I also hosted a dessert night with my parent’s help which was a great time of visiting and sharing some of my favorite Japanese treats. I enjoyed sharing about my future ministry and my previous experience in Japan, and answering questions about Japan to give my guests a better understanding of what living in Japan is like. I believe it went very well so I am planning to host another two dessert nights in Abbotsford on May 13th and 15th, one in Enderby, BC on May 2nd and in Grand Forks, BC on June 12th. Please let me know if you would like more information or would be interested in having me share a dessert evening in your area. I would appreciate your RSVP if you plan on attending one of these nights.
When I arrive in Japan I’ll begin my language studies; during this time I’ll be able to get to know SEND Japan, the church in Japan better and get more experience serving the local congregation in practical ways. After completing my language studies I may continue serving at the church in full-time ministry before joining Okutama Bible Chalet’s team. I would still love to serve at OBC; I am praying and waiting for God to lead and reveal to me exactly what His plans are for me in Japan.
Although it seems like I am quite aways from raising all my financial support, God is good and people are committing to partnering with me financially on a regular basis. This is very encouraging, however, would you prayerfully consider being one of the 30 people I need to partner with me in prayer? Thank your for your interest in kingdom work in Japan and prayerfully considering how the Lord might lead you to partner with me in this ministry.

2010-01-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the oppertunity to share with not only my life group but also with the life group that meets at the same time as mine. So I made some gyoza and brought some mochi with anko in it. It was a good time of sharing and they had some really good questions for me to help explain what my ministry will be like in Japan. And them afterwards weed played for avery short moment some band hero.

My Prayer Card

2010-01-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

Jan. 2010

2010-01-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year,

With the new year come new goals and tasks that need to be accomplished. My main task for the year is developing a support team while preparing to serve in Japan.

In my last letter I shared my desire to serve at Okutama Bible Chalet(OBC). Since sharing that news I’ve been able to connect with other missionaries that have served there. They told me about Mrs. Koga. Last summer she sent her twin daughters to OBC where they made decisions to follow Christ and now she has recently taken an interest in studying the word. Please pray for this family as the Lord draws them to himself.

OBC is having its 50th anniversary in October. I would like to be in Japan for the celebration so that I could get to know the history of the camp first hand and to know the people that have been involved in its growth and development.

During the weekend of January 8-10th it was Missions Fest Vancouver where I was serving at the SEND booth. While at the booth I got to know other SEND missionaries better and share with those attending how God is using SEND around the world. I also was able to catch up with friends from other ministries that I have been in contact with over the years. Missions Fest is always a highlight for me because I’m able to meet people serving God and being used by him all over the world in many different ways. I also attended a helpful seminar on raising personal support. One of the more exciting events coming up is the Reaching Japanese for Christ(www.rjcnetwork.org) conference in mid-February. I was able to attend this conference before my last time in Japan. It’ll be a good time of connecting with people that are in ministry with the Japanese. Please pray for my time that through this conference I’ll learn to be more effective in my future ministry.

As I continue the task of working towards Japan, would you consider how the Lord wants you to be involved with me in this ministry. First, I need 30 people to partner with me in prayer as I prepare and while in ministry and second, is financial support. Please prayerfully consider how you can partner with me as I move forward in this journey.

I would love to catch up with you either by phone or for coffee if you have questions or just wanting to talk and share life with me.

Prayer Requests

-Mrs. Kago and her family as God calls them to himself that they will respond.

-That the Reaching Japanese for Christ conference will be an effective time of learning for me and growth in my understanding my future ministry.

-That people will respond to the Lord’s will in their lives to be partner in my ministry in Japan

-That the prayer and financial support will come in so that I’ll be able to be in Japan for OBC’s 50th anniversary in October.

Praise Items

-For Missions Fest and the time of fellowship and encouragement it is to so many people.

-Thanks to God for the people that have already stepped up to partner with me through prayer and finances.

Dec. 2009

2009-12-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I have received an early Christmas present this year - I have been accepted to serve in Japan with SEND International!!

I first served in Japan from Sept. ’06 to Dec. ’07 as an English teacher and helper for long-term missionaries in northern Japan. The reason I wanted to serve was I had a fascination with the Japanese and liked the idea of serving in Japan since I was a child. Now after returning from that experience and being in Canada for two years my heart and desire to reach the lost of Japan has grown. I really wanted to find a mission in which I could use the gifts God has given me to reach the Japanese. I started to get to know SEND International last spring and in November I candidated with them for the purpose of reaching the Japanese and supporting the church in holding onto its young people so they don’t get lost in the culture and then for eternity.

When I return to Japan I will be in language study for two years before working at Okutama Bible Chalet in the mountains west of Tokyo, assisting in various aspects of camp ministry. I will be working with the young people of Japan, raising up the next generation for Christ by using my previous ministry experience from both Japan and Canada.

In Japan there is a greater sense of pressure to conform and be a part of the group. Camp is a great way to get a person outside of their everyday life and free them from the pressures that come from it and therefore have time and fewer distractions to get to know Christ better.

I’m in the process of beginning my partnership development by raising prayer and financial support. The task of entering long-term ministry has both the initial outgoing costs as well as long-term support for my daily living expenses. First and foremost however, I am asking that you partner with me in prayer.

Please pray that God will continue to prepare me for His service and for the patience and endurance that is needed to continue strong through this process.

I would love to do coffee with you. If you have any questions or want to learn more about my opportunity to serve in Japan I’d love to chat.