Torchbearers Yamanakako

14/06/2022

Director Transition:

It is with sadness and anticipation that we write to tell you that, after a challenging but amazing 11 years of life and ministry here in Japan, we
(Steve & Jennifer Frentz; Directing couple at Torchbearers Yamanakako since 2011) have decided to transition our family back to Canada.

There are many nuances that play into our decision, but ultimately we feel that it is the best decision for our children at this time. We will be continuing in our roles for several more months. Please help us finish strong!

Thank you so much for the kindness you have shown during our time in Japan. We want to say a special thank you to those of you who have prayed for us, who have lived in community with us, who have served with us and who have sustained us with your generosity. Thank you especially to those of you who have donated to the center during this difficult Coronavirus season. Your generosity has enabled us to stay open until now.

As of now the Ministry’s future is uncertain. We will be sure to update you as decisions are made. That being said, Torchbearers Yamanakako is still available to host summer groups this year. Please contact us for more details.

Please know that we love you and will always remember our time in Japan and that our love and respect for the Japanese people and culture is strong and deep.

Sincerely

Steve & Jen

15/04/2022

Around this time of year the Sakura normally treat the bible school participates to a lovely view of not only Cherry blossoms but also excellent views of Fuji-san (Mt.Fuji)

05/04/2022

Hanami (Sakura viewing) is here in Japan and so is Giving Tuesday!
Please partner with us to help prevent the Torchbearers Yamanakako Christian ministry Center from permanently shutting down.Thank you so much for your support and care!
To find the Donation Option that is best for you, please visit our website:
https://www.capernwrayjapan.com/give.html
(from within Japan: https://www.torchbearersjapan.com/give.html )

01/12/2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It's here! It's here! Today is and we would like to ask you to please consider helping Torchbearers Yamanakako continue to express the Life of Jesus Christ here in Japan!

https://www.capernwrayjapan.com/give.html

(within Japan : https://www.torchbearersjapan.com/give.html password tbyamanakako)

Considering the impacts of COVID on the ministry, we have launched a campaign to help the Center survive the pandemic. Our Center exists to:

*Equip Believers with the Word of God
*Evangelize the lost in Japan (less than .1% of Japanese are Christians)
*Encourage Japanese Churches (of which many are sadly dwindling in strength and numbers)
*Educate the Global Church about the Spiritual Needs of the Japanese and Enable ministry to the Japanese

Though circumstances are very different and can be difficult, God is opening the eyes and hearts of people in our community and we have had many new opportunities to share our faith!

Please consider giving in order to sustain the ministry through these uncertain days. Please partner with us!

Please pray for discernment, peace & joy in the midst of these challenging times. We know that we can trust Him and are Thanking Him already for what He is doing and will do!

Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers and support.

Jennifer Frentz
On behalf of the Torchbearers Yamanakako team

19/11/2021

All the time!

12/11/2021

14/10/2021

Many of you who have spent time with us here at Torchbearers Yamanakako have had the privilege of interacting with Judy. Judy has been on staff with us many time off and on over the past 10 years. We are deeply thankful for her service, engagement and example!

Although Judy is Steve's mom, she has become a Mom, mentor, friend and counsellor to many of us 💐.

Today it is our privilege to wish Judy (known to Steve & Jen's kids as "Grams") a very very Happy Birthday 🥳!

We love you!

Happy Birthday Grams! We love you.

12/10/2021

Dear Friends,

A very Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Canadian friends!

Thankfulness, gratitude & appreciation...these have been points of deep consideration and practical application for me these past couple of years. In particular I have been pondering what it means for us to "give thanks IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

On first glance giving "thanks in all circumstances" seems as impossible as the instruction given earlier in the same passage to "be joyful always". As I learn how to better tune into my emotions I observe that "thankfulness" is not my natural response to hardship. Currently I face uncertainty, grieve deep losses, lament over sin and experience paralyzing disappointment and shame. In the midst of this spiritual and emotional work am I supposed to smile, sit down and write all of the things that I am thankful on stickie notes? That doesn't exactly seem authentic, does it?

I am slowly learning that thankfulness is not about writing trivial lists or about "looking at the bright side". It is not a means by which to force us to conceal and stuff true emotions or a call to "fake it till you make it". I believe that Gratitude is actually the vehicle through which we become aware of the presence of Immanuel; the God who delights to be with us.

Gratitude helps us to remember that He delights to give us good gifts. Gratitude in the middle of difficulties allows us to perceive his presence even when we are flooded with painful emotions. Knowing that He is glad to be with us in the depth of our weakness & pain is the birthplace of true joy.

Joy is knowing that God is glad to be with us IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. I can't think of anything that I am more thankful for.

Warmly,

Jen

27/09/2021

I have never had a desire to climb Mt. Fuji.

I have watched so many of you climb and be punished by that mountain. I have been happy to take a pass. But this year something changed. I guess a lot has changed over the last couple of years due to the pandemic and due to God's faithful work in my life.

When I examined my reasons for not wanting to climb Mt. Fuji I discovered that it had more to do with a fear of failure and a belief that I COULDN'T do it than it did about not WANTING to do it.

Lately I have been getting beautiful glimpses of God's breathtaking love, which casts out all fear. It was this love that helped me to redefine this mountain climb; to embrace the journey rather than being fixated on the goal and to be aware of and gentle with myself in the midst of struggle.

It was a spectacular climb. We practically had the mountain to ourselves and the views were amazing. I started to be impacted by altitude sickness just before the 8th station and we reached our "summit" for the day just past the 9th station at 3100 meters (the real summit is 3600m).

These past two years have felt a bit like climbing a mountain. By God's grace we take it one step at a time. The closer we get to Him, the more spectacular the views ☺️🏔

~ Jen

08/06/2021

02/06/2021

Whatever the program; bible school, retreat, or camp. These words from a past student sum up Torchbearers Japan!