Rev. Nobuyuki Uchimura Pastor at Chiesa Protestante Giappone di Milano. Born in Fussa, Tokyo in 1969.  He moved to Chichi-jima after graduating from Tama Art University.  After being a researcher at Tokyo Metropolitan Technology Center, he became an art teacher at Tokyo Metropolitan High School of Music & Fine Arts.  Through Picasonic, he worked as an event organizer and DJ.VJ at club scenes.  He studied at the Twelve Apostles Community School of Theology and JTJ Mission Seminary.  Invited by the Italian Church Federation in November, 2003, he became the first Japanese missionary to Italy.
	Ms. Hiroko Yamashita Upon graduating from college, she became a freelance translator.  Then, she committed her life to the Lord.  She spent time in Tokyo serving in the college ministry.  In 1996, she stayed in Kyrgyzstan, and what she developed a burden for Central Asia.  She began her involvement with the various areas of Central Asia from 2000 and remains to serve there currently.
	Rev. Mikio Yokoyama Born in Kochi prefecture in 1943.  He became a Christian when he was a senior in high school.  He graduated from Tokyo Christian University.  After evangelizing in Kanazawa and Saitama, he began serving as a senior pastor at Uchinada Bible Church (kyoukai.com) in Ishikawa prefecture.  He has now served there for 34 years.  He has a wife, Kimiko, a son and 2 daughters.  The church has been mainly evangelizing to the children and elderly.  He is also a chairman of the board of “AWANA Japan,” a children’s ministry, “Kings Garden Kanazawa,” an elderly home, a board member of “Inochi Arigato no Kai,” and an instructor at JTC Mission Seminary.  He is an author of several books.

There will be more plenary and workshop speakers at ec 08.

 

In addition to common topics - such as returnee preparation and ministering to Japanese - ec 08 is planning to provide workshops suitable for a variety of interests that conferees may have. 

1. Leadership track - (for those who are interested in Christian leadership in Japanese ministry in the context of the workplace, to learn how to model Christ and to serve and love others as His example.)
2. Re-entry track - (for those who want to learn how to live as a Christian in Japan.  It is recommended to those who will start their Christian life in Japan.)
3. Growth track - (for those who want to learn more about God and the Bible in Japanese, to deepen their relationship with God and to grow according to His blueprint.)
4. Peace track – (for those who would like to learn more about this year’s theme of “peace.”  It is to learn how we can be peacemakers in different areas.)
5. Non-Japanese track - (for those English speakers who have been praying for and serving Japanese Christians, and who want to receive more training on effective ministry to Japanese.)

 

            We also have some programs for those who are just beginning to seek God or are just interested in learning about Christianity as well as youth.

workshop titles from past ec
“Living According to God’s Word,” “Church Life in Japan,” “Church and Ceremonies and Rituals of Japanese Culture,” “To Become a Disciple,” “How to Start Outreach Ministry,” “What Magazines Don’t Tell You about Marriage,” “Biblical Leaders Who Live in Japanese Culture,” “Hikikomori and Japanese Parents Relationship with Kids” etc.

We offer small groups where you will experience fellowship of your heart.  God has given some conferees lifetime friends at past ecs.

 

the voice of past conferees:

“It was such an encouraging time of prayers as we prayed together in the circle with holding hands together. Such an encouragement brought me in peace. In my small group, I could share things which I had never shared with others before.”

“Small group brought me lots of grace. I was so blessed with the time of prayers during small group. I could not pray like this without being in small group. I receive a grace to intercede for one person. I did not have a Japanese Christian friend before, but now I have one.”

“The time of prayers during small group was wonderful. The prayer was actually answered, and I learned how important to pray together. Besides, I was equipped as a small group leader.”

“I could meet such cool friends. We could honestly share with one another. Small group is cool.”

 

As a general rule, the programs at ec 08 will be in Japanese.  During the plenary sessions, however, English simultaneous translation will be provided (please bring a portable FM radio.  Digital radio works better).  Some workshops will be offered in English and others will be translated.  You can also choose between English and Japanese small groups.