About us
HISTORY
The JET Christian Fellowship was formed in 1988 by a number of Christians on the JET Program, a Japanese government sponsored teaching program. It was established as a special interest group within the Association for Japanese Exchange and Teaching Programme Participants (AJET). The JCF organization is one of a dozen or so special interest groups (SIGs) which are accountable to and supported by AJET. Most JCF members are current participants in the JET Programme. Some members are former JET participants, private English teachers, and missionaries who are living and working in Japan. JCF has a very diverse membership and is not affiliated with any missionary or para-church organizations. Membership in JCF is open to all. All JCF staff are volunteers and are in agreement with the JCF Statement of Faith.
VISION
We are what our name suggests: a fellowship of Christians -joined by our allegiance to a common Lord and (less importantly) to our common experience in Japan. Living and working in Japan entails many kinds of stresses and opportunities. To be a Christian, to be a follower of Jesus Christ here, just as at home, demands community and the support that comes through it. JCF is a means for Christians in Japan to support each other. We aim to build a community that enables us, as Christians living and working in Japan, to be encouraged and strengthened in our faith.
ACTIVITIES
- JCF NEWSLETTER - JCF produces a regular newsletter which is composed of submissions from the JCF membership. It also provides important information, such as details on upcoming local and national retreats. Many issues have a specific theme; however submissions of any kind are encouraged.
- JCF TAPE LIBRARY - JCF maintains a huge tape library with a selection of over 500 sermon and music recordings. Sermon/message tapes are copied and are yours to keep or pass on to others. Music tapes are available on a short-term loan basis.
- JCF BOOK LIBRARY - JCF has a Christian book library with over 300 titles. Books can be borrowed on a short term basis through the mail.
- JCF NATIONAL RETREATS - JCF organizes 2 national retreats every year at various locations throughout Japan.
- JCF LOCAL RETREATS - We encourage JCF members to organize local retreats in their area. More information on organizing local retreats is available directly from JCF.
- JCF MEETINGS AT JET CONFERENCES - Tokyo Orientations, mid-year block seminars, and Recontracting Conferences are great opportunities to meet other Christians on the JET Programme. JCF will have short meetings at these conferences to encourage networking.
- JCF FRIENDSHIPS - As Christians, we have a bond that goes far deeper than our home country, university major, or hobby. The retreats and JCF meetings are great opportunities to meet new people and deepen existing friendships.
- JCF PRAYER AND ENCOURAGEMENT - During our time in Japan, we will face many times which will test our faith. Specific members of the JCF team are committed to supporting all JCF members through prayer and encouragement.
- ASSISTANCE IN FINDING A CHURCH - Finding a church in Japan can be challenging, but it is not impossible. JCF assists members in linking up with a local church or missionary.
JCF STATEMENT OF FAITH
The JET Christian Fellowship (JCF) Statement of Faith
- GOD/TRINITY
There is only one true God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is the Creator of heaven and earth, and the Almighty Sovereign.
2. JESUS CHRIST
He is the Son of God, who became flesh by the miraculous conception of the Holy Spirit and by the virgin Mary. He was crucified on a cross and died as a sacrifice for our sins. He was resurrected from death and now sits in heaven with God, the Father. He intercedes for those who’ve put their faith in Him for salvation. He will come again in glory to judge all people and fulfill the plan of God.
3. HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit has been sent into the world to reveal and glorify Christ, and convicts human beings of sin. The Spirit serves to guide, instruct, fill, and give strength to those who believe in Christ for godly living and service.
4. THE BIBLE
The Bible, in its Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, complete, and perfect revelation of the will of God for the salvation of all people. It is the divine and final authority of Christian faith and practice.
5. SALVATION
Human beings are sinful by nature and are unable to please God totally. Salvation is given only by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and not on the basis of merit or works.
6. THE CHURCH
All who put their trust in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Saviour constitute His body, known as the Church. Members of Christ’s body are to join together for the worship of God, to edify each other through God’s Word, for prayer, mutual accountability, and the proclamation of the Gospel.