On November 25, 2007 the Japan Union Conference opened its 2007 Annual Council at the East Japan Conference Headquarters in Tachikawa, Tokyo, Japan. More than 50 Executive Committee members with its representatives from the East Japan Conference, the West Japan conference, and the Okinawa Mission met with the Union officers/Department directors and institution heads.

A delegation of seven people from the Northern Asia-Pacific Division, mainly officers and departmental directors also participated in the council.

“To make man whole in the Gospel is the mission and purpose of the Japan Union Conference” Pastor Masaki Shoji, President of Japan Union Conference remarked in his report to the delegates of the Annual Council.  He emphasized that in spite of all difficulties and challenges, like secularism, materialism, aging membership, many young people leaving the church, much dissatisfaction and distrust among the church members towards the church administration, etc.. we need to have spiritual revival and reformation, to build up healthy churches in Japan, continue to work hard to accomplish the mission that God has given to us.

Other reports were given by the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Evangelism Director, Conference/Mission presidents, Educational Institutions, Health-care Institutions and Welfare Institutions.

The Annual Council also voted to designate the new year offerings for 2008 to the “His Hands Mission Movement”, a witnessing initiative for youth sponsored by the Northern Asia-Pacific Division. Pastor Han, Suk Hee, the NSD coordinator of the His Hands Mission Movement gave a video presentation on the HHMM program. It was well received by the delegates.

According to the report from the manager of Adventist Book Center and Akinori Kaibe, Chief Editor of Japan Publishing House and Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator, JUC has published a combined Ellen G. White books following the Connecting with Jesus Project (CWJ).  The set of books includes the following: the five books of the Conflict of Ages Series plus three additional books such as Christ’s Object Lessons, Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings and Steps to Christ.  The name of the combined set is called “Kibou No Hikari” (Light Leading to Hope).  The JUC Project has printed 7,500 sets that have been already distributed.  The printing of the sets concluded on November 12, 2007 and were distributed to local churches on November 13.  The Personal Ministry Department at JUC is planning to follow up a program with Study Guides in 2008.  JUC is praying for a great revival that may happen in Japan as a result of this CWJ Project.  JUC shows great appreciation for the support of NSD and GC for implementing the CWJ Project in Japan!

On November 27, the last day of the Council, Dr. Jairyong Lee, President of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division in his morning devotional message, quoting the story of David and Goliath, challenged the leaders to trust in God in spite of seemingly insurmountable difficulties.