Rev. Hiroaki Yonai Senior Pastor at Kokubunji Baptist Church: http://homepage2.nifty.com/kbch/ (Japan Baptist General Conference). Born in Morioka prefecture, Pastor Yonai came across the Bible while he was a college student at Kyoto. Through the campus ministry that he encountered there, he became a Christian. After graduation, he went on to work for a bank. He was led to dedicate his life for ministry, and enrolled into seminary. In 1994, he came over to the United States after serving as a church planting leader in Nara prefecture and a youth pastor in Saitama prefecture. He returned to Japan when he was called to serve as a pastor at Kokubunji Baptist Church where he currently works. He is also a JCFN executive board member.
	Ms. Rieko Ando Kirisuto Gakusei Kai: http://www.hfj.com/kgk/ (KGK) National Secretary. Born in Sendai City in Miyazaki prefecture, she accepted Jesus as a Junior in High School at Conservative Baptist Association Sendai Kita Christian Baptist Church. She is a graduate of Tokyo University with a degree in Ethics. She has worked with KGK since 1990 as staff worker, and in 2007 began serving as the National Secretary.  She travels all over Japan for this campus ministry. She is currently a member at Conservative Baptist Association Okachimachi Baptist Church. She is also a director of Seishowo Yomu Kai (Bible Reading).
	Dr. Eiko Takamizawa Chair professor of ICS Department, and Chaplain of Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology in Korea (http://www.ttgst.ac.kr/) and Associate Pastor of Seoul Onnuri Church. Born in Kofu City of Yamanashi prefecture, she became a Christian while she was a college student. She was actively involved in the Bible study group at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies as a student. She received a call to, "Serve churches in Asia through theological education" and pursued a Master's degree in Divinity at Seoul's ACTS Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Missiology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. Within Japan, she works as a Instructor at JTJ Mission Seminary in Evangelism studies and a Lecturer for a special program called "Love Sonata" sponsored by Onnuri Church.
	Rev. Tetsuo Kagiwada Pastor for the Japanese congregation at San Fernando Valley Holiness Church (http://sfvhc.org/index.htm). Born in Tokyo, he entered Japan's Self Defense Force upon graduation from Junior High. At the age of 21, he received God's call, left the Force, and enrolled into seminary. He came to California as an international student at Hope International University in 1982. After graduating from seminary, he pastored in Ibaraki prefecture. In 1997, he began pastoring for the Japanese congregation at San Fernando Valley Holiness Church in California.

There will be more plenary and workshop speakers at ec 07.

 

 

In addition to the usual topics - such as returnee preparation and ministering to Japanese - ec 07 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. 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.)
3. 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.)
4. Returnee-recipient track - (for those who receive returnees in Japan and co-labor with them for the salvation of Japan, while seeking to understand the heart of the returnees.)

 

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 junior and senior high school students.

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,” 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 07 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.