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Randall Japanese Ministry - Buffalo Japanese Christian Fellowship (BJCF) Schedule of Meetings:
The Japanese Ministry is the result of the influence of the Itos, who have been at Randall for over 25 years. It began with an International Class, taught by members of the church. That class later became a class of only Japanese people, still taught by Americans. When this class ended, Mrs. Ito began a Bible Study in her home (in Japanese) to reach out to Japanese women. Currently both a Japanese Christian Education Class and a Bible Study meet at Randall. Another step toward the formation of this ministry was the rental of the Randall facilities by the Japanese School which met on Saturdays for about ten years. The Itohs made many contacts and friends through the school. Joshua and Alice Tsujimoto also had a burden for reaching the Japanese and began a once a month meeting for them. Joshua often had Japanese pastors come from Toronto to minister. Cliff and Marion Schiefer, missionaries to Japan, spoke at one of these fellowships while on home assignment. They were moved when many came and said, “This is the first time I ever heard a sermon in my own language.” From this time, the Schiefers were moved to have a part in reaching the Japanese in their own heart language. Cliff & Marion began their ministry of church planting in Japan in 1963 and retired from the field in 1997. While in Japan, the Schiefers were involved in church-related outreaches in 6 different locations. This year, two of the churches have new pastors, just out of seminary and recently married. Cliff & Marion anticipate God’s blessings upon these churches. The Schiefers’ ministry among the Japanese in Buffalo began in 1998 when they became members of Randall. The regular meetings are a Sunday School class in Japanese, a weekly Bible Study at the Itohs’, and a once a month, informal worship service called (literally from Japanese) “Praise and Bible Gathering.” Other special gatherings such as a Christmas party and 4th of July picnic are held at the Schiefer home, with the purpose of making new contacts. Also there is an annual outdoor worship in Delaware Park, under the cherry blossoms. Please feel free to contact:
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