Rick Chuman

I have the distinct privilege of serving as the JEMS Executive Director of International Missions. In this role, I have the responsibility of expanding our ministry, primarily in Japan, as well as in South America. I receive a salary from JEMS, so I do not need to support-raise my salary. However, with my new position, my responsibilities and ministry opportunities in Japan have increased. As a result, I am responsible for raising my own personal ministry expenses.

But first and foremost, I covet your prayers.

I am looking for faithful prayer warriors who will intercede on my behalf as I seek to discern God’s will for JEMS in Japan and South America. There is truly a spiritual battle taking place, as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:10–20. Please pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit as I meet with and encourage our missionaries and national pastors. Pray also for wisdom as I seek to discern God’s direction for the international ministry of JEMS.

When you join my ministry team, you will be directly helping me encourage our missionaries. Sometimes that may mean simply sitting down with a missionary and listening to what is going on in their life. Other times, it might mean taking a missionary family out to dinner so that Mom doesn’t have to cook that night!

In simple ways like these, you and I can become the hands and feet of Christ, offering tangible encouragement to our missionaries and national pastors.

My passion is to see our missionaries thrive, not simply survive, in Japan. Healthy missionaries are better equipped to serve effectively and expand God’s Kingdom. I would love for you to join me in praying for and caring for these men and women who have given so much to serve Christ in Japan.

My yearly ministry expenses are approximately $12,000–$15,000. This generally includes three trips to Japan each year, with stays of up to three weeks at a time. During these trips, I visit JEMS missionaries who are located literally all over Japan and attend relevant missions oriented conferences and events.

• My ministry expenses include airfare, in-country travel costs, lodging, meals, omiyage (small gifts for missionaries and those I meet with).

• Taking missionaries out for meals and giving special offerings to support their ministries.

• Now that JEMS has opened an office in Osaka, my time in Japan may increase, and so may my ministry expenses.

I also have opportunities to meet with Japanese pastors and missionaries when they come to the United States. So, my ministry funds are not limited to my work in Japan; they also allow me to encourage and support those God brings across my path here in the U.S. My ministry fund also allows me to participate in mission conferences or do trainings for churches here in the US, as well as providing networking opportunities for partnerships to Japan.

Thank you for prayerfully considering joining my ministry team. Whether through your prayers, your financial support, or both, please partner with me in encouraging our missionaries, caring for those who serve, and furthering the Gospel throughout Japan.

Give online here or if you prefer to give by check, make the check out to “JEMS” and write my name on the memo line. Mail the check to P.O. Box 86047, Los Angeles, CA 90086-0047.

If you have any questions please call the JEMS office at 213-613-0022 or email info@jems.org.

Thank you for your support.