A Vision Born Through Prayer: Toward the First JEMS Japan Mount Hermon

Following World War II, Japanese American Nisei pastors who had been released from the internment camps rose up with a passionate vision: to share the Gospel among Japanese Americans and to send missionaries to Japan.

In May 1950, Nisei pastors from across California gathered at Mount Hermon for a prayer fellowship. So earnest and united were they in prayer that they forgot even to stop for lunch. During that time of seeking the Lord together, they were led to hold the first Mount Hermon Conference later that summer—before JEMS had even been formally organized. Thus, the memorable first conference was born.

The following year, in June 1951, JEMS was officially established, taking a bold first step of faith. Fifteen years later, in 1965, the first Nichigo ministry was launched at the Mount Hermon Conference.

Now, seventy-five years after that first gathering, the Lord is opening the door for another new beginning. This coming November, we are preparing to hold the very first JEMS Japan Mount Hermon Conference (JEMS Japan マウントハーモン).

Remembering that both JEMS and the JEMS Mount Hermon Conference were born through prayer, former Nichigo Mount Hermon Director Pastor Nakahama, JEMS affiliate Pastor Motoichi Kimura, and I began praying after last year’s Mount Hermon Conference about the possibility of holding a similar retreat in Japan.

Several months later, during the JEMS Missionary Retreat held near the foot of Mt. Fuji, five of us—International Missions Executive Director Rick Chuman, Domestic Missions Executive Director Kenny Wada, Rev. Kimura and his wife, and myself—gathered on the final morning of the retreat to pray for this vision while looking out at majestic Mt. Fuji, a symbol of Japan.

During that prayer time, I was deeply reminded of the burden the Lord had placed on the hearts of previous generations of JEMS leaders for the salvation of the Japanese people. Their passion for evangelism and missions continues to inspire and challenge us today.

After returning to the United States, I shared this vision with several members of the English congregation at my church, GVBC, who faithfully support the Nichigo ministry. Although neither the dates nor the location had been determined, they immediately responded, “Our small group would like to help prepare the meals.” Their willingness to serve was a great encouragement and a reminder that the ministry of Mount Hermon has always been sustained not only by practical support, but also by the prayers and servant-hearted commitment of God’s people.

Because praying before Mt. Fuji had left such a strong impression on my heart, I continued to pray that the conference might be held in a location where participants could also see Mt. Fuji. As we searched for a venue, the Lord graciously opened the door for us to hold the retreat at ICM Yamanakako, located only about twenty minutes from the retreat site where we had prayed together. Through this provision, I sensed the Lord’s clear leadership and faithfulness.

The theme verse for this inaugural conference is:

“Get up and stand on your feet.”

— Acts 26:16

Our prayer is that those whose walk with Christ has been hindered by past wounds, disappointments, or failures will experience the Lord’s healing and restoration, rise again in faith, and continue walking faithfully with Him.

This year marks the 77th anniversary of the Mount Hermon Conference, which began through the prayers of Nisei pastors. As we look ahead to the first JEMS Japan Mount Hermon, we are grateful to be carrying forward the vision entrusted to us by those faithful leaders. We trust that the Lord will richly bless this new ministry and use it powerfully for His glory.

We would greatly appreciate your prayers as we prepare for this historic gathering.