JCOB Fuji

04/06/2026

June 4

“New Seasons”
Nicholas Parrish (North Carolina, USA)

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

When I graduated from college, I wondered, Where do I go from here? In school, I had structure and the goal of achieving my degree. But after college, endless opportunities arose. I struggled to decide if I wanted to go straight into my career, take a gap year volunteering, or go back to college to obtain my master’s degree. Many young adults struggle to adjust to the new season that awaits after graduation.

Abraham endured many new seasons. He was stuck in his ways for seventy-five years until he was called to follow God. He experienced seasons of waiting, mourning, rejoicing, and trusting in God. Abraham waited twenty-four years between when God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and when his son Isaac was born.

Going through new seasons is a natural part of life. As Christians, we can go into new seasons with the faith that it will all work out according to God’s purpose. God is constantly molding us to serve and to know God more deeply, which is made possible by changing with each season.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear God, may you embolden us in our faith so that we are prepared to follow you no matter where you take us. Amen.

02/06/2026

June 3

“I Will Fear No Evil”
Vanessa Ekhaese (Lagos State, Nigeria)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

One Tuesday evening I was in our living room watching the news when my mother’s phone rang. As she answered, her face drained of color, and I knew something was terribly wrong. Before I could ask, a headline flashed on the screen: “Tragic car crash claims the life of Mr. David Churchill.”

David, our kind and vibrant choir leader, was gone. Just the Sunday before, he had led us in a powerful song. My heart sank, and emotions swirled within me.

As I processed the news, a deep unease settled within me. Is this how life works? One moment, everything is fine, and the next, it’s gone? What if I die unexpectedly? The flickering images of the wrecked car on the screen haunted me.

For fifteen years, the unpredictability of life cast a shadow over every moment of my life. My struggle led me to God. I thought giving my life to Christ would make my fear disappear, but it didn’t happen. One day, out of utter frustration, I picked up my Bible, thinking surely there was a way for God to help me overcome this fear of death. So I incorporated Bible study into my daily life. Every time I studied, the character of God became clearer to me.

I began trusting God’s presence and finding courage in God’s promises. Psalm 23:4 became my comfort, and I prayed this scripture whenever I felt afraid. Slowly, my faith grew, and my fear dissipated as I released it to God.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Thank you, heavenly Father, for being our refuge and our very present help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

02/06/2026

June 2

“Traveling Companions”
Mandy Yatta (Mississippi, USA)

This is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 13:47 (NIV)

When my son was in kindergarten, I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle, the mother of another student. I felt an instant connection with her — as if we were kindred spirits. Working full time while juggling parenting duties was overwhelming, but Michelle had a calming presence. I felt grounded when I was near her.

She invited me to a gospel concert one Friday night and then to church. I hadn’t been to church in years, but I said yes. No doubt it was the Holy Spirit working in me.

I felt that this friendship was God’s divine work. Michelle was my Barnabas — my encourager. Barnabas found Saul and brought him to Antioch, planting him in a community that God was growing (see Acts 11:25-26). They were traveling companions on a missionary journey.

I am so thankful for the faithful friends God has placed in my life as my traveling companions. I need encouragement. I need the example of other believers living out their faith. I’m thankful for my encouragers, and I pray that I can be an encourager for others. Friends are truly a gift from God.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the people who encourage us in our faith. Help us to sow seeds of encouragement for others with our words and actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

01/06/2026

Joyful and Blessed Birthday Wishes to our JUNE Celebrants!

Sis. Sarah, June 2nd
Lucas-kun, June 4th
Bro. Jharel, June 8th
Sis. Rosalyn, June 20th
Bro. Shou, June 20th
Bro. Shu, June 20th
Bro. Kimura, June 23rd
Sis. Lerio, June 27th
Sis. Irene, June 27th
Sis. Ayaka, June 27th

We honor the incredible gift of your life. May God's grace shower you with abundant happiness, love, and blessings. Have a fantastic birthday!

With love,
Your JCOB Fuji Family

01/06/2026

You're welcome here!
Discover Community, Faith, and Hope with us!

Jesus Christ Our Banner Church - Fuji Outreach
Sunday Morning Worship Service
June 7, 2026
10:00am - 12:00nn

Topic: Chariots of Fire
Bible Verse: 2 Kings 6:17 NIV
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Speaker: Ptr. Loy Francisco

Feel free to contact our head pastor for more information:
Pastor Leo 09039592594

Church Address:
Jesus Christ Our Banner - Fuji Outreach
〒417-0057Shizuoka-ken, Fuji-shi, Urijimachō, 206

イエス・キリストアワーバナー教会
〒417-0057静岡県富士市瓜島町206

01/06/2026

June 1

“Thanking God in Advance”
Martha Cusimano (Alabama, USA)

Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. - Mark 11:24 (NIV)

We’ve all prayed prayers that seem to go unanswered, which can make it difficult to fully accept and put into practice today’s verse. We may feel that our prayers haven’t been answered when we don’t get the results we want within the timeline we expect. However, I have found a new way to pray, inspired by Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Mark.

Previously when I prayed, I’d picture the person I was praying for with their current troubles — whether sickness, grief, relationship difficulty, or financial woes — and ask God to help with their needs. Now I begin with asking God to grant the person what they need, and then I thank God for hearing my prayer, trusting that God is at work to fulfill the need in God’s time and way.

When I pray like this, I can more easily picture the person I’m praying for as being healed, comforted in their grief, or freed from some difficulty. Maybe picturing the person with their prayer answered is what Jesus meant when he said, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” This new way of praying has strengthened my faith and fills me with joyful expectation. God hears our prayers and will answer them in the way and time that is best.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear God, thank you for hearing our prayers. Help us to trust that you love us deeply and will always meet our needs. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

31/05/2026

JCOB Fuji Saturday and Sunday Family Camp! Men's and women's ministry.

At ICM Yamanakako

With Rev. Nil de Guzman

Title: Thriving In God's Victory
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:57

Glory to God!

31/05/2026

May 31

“A Simple Greeting”
Setyo Warsono (West Java, Indonesia)

From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will. To the holy and faithful people in Christ Jesus in Ephesus. - Ephesians 1:1 (CEB)

As a way of feeling connected to my friends, I like to check their messaging profiles and read what they have put as their current status. Some list activities such as enjoying a meal at a restaurant, relaxing on the beach, or traveling abroad. Others share their feelings and emotions, which makes me reflect and connect with them more deeply.

Reading and responding to these statuses has made me realize the importance of reaching out, especially to friends who seem to be sad or facing a difficult situation. Simple questions such as, “How are you?” or “What is wrong?” show care and empathy. I never imagined these messages would have a big impact, but I have been surprised. Some people have told me they cried when they read my message because they felt like someone was really paying attention to them. One friend felt that my message was a sign from God, a reminder that he was not alone.

The apostle Paul sent messages of support to many people, like in today’s scripture. I am sure his letter to the Ephesians strengthened them in their faith. Following this example, when we see that someone is going through a difficult time, let’s not hesitate to send a message of support. You never know how much that small gesture will mean to someone.

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TODAY'S PRAYER

Almighty God, fill us with empathy so that we may offer support to the people around us. May our simple messages comfort those in need. Amen.

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

May 30

"Near to God"
Sheryl Black Chai (Tennessee, USA)

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. - Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

For many years my husband and I tried to have a baby. I always expected this to happen easily for us; when it didn’t, I felt betrayed.

As a result, I lost the desire I once had to spend time with God. Attending worship services, reading the Bible, and praying all became extremely difficult for me. I felt far away from God. Part of me, however, longed to make a connection, so I began putting my feelings on paper.

While writing honestly about my experience — which I felt I couldn’t share with others — I began to heal. I drew from a faith that I thought was no longer there. Yet there it was — deep inside. As I wrote, I once again felt near to God.

I am thankful for my community of believers and the privilege of worshiping together, but I am especially grateful for God’s presence when I write. As we face pain or misfortune, it is never too late to seek out new ways to commune with God.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, help us to be aware of new opportunities to draw near to you and feel your presence in our lives. Amen.