Register now for 2024 Refresh Conference!

Karuizawa Refresh is a free conference in English, with programs for adults, kids and teens! A wonderful chance to relax, refresh and connect with other missionaries from around Japan.

Registration is now open! 

Our speakers this year are Armin and Heike Messer, who were church planters in Japan (Sapporo, Aomori, Yokohama) for 16 years and now serve as the mission leaders of OMF Germany (since 2018).

The book of Acts includes an impressive list of characters, though many of them seem overshadowed by Paul! Stephen, Phillip, Aquila & Priscilla, Lydia, Titus, Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius, Manaen, John Mark... the list goes on. God used a wonderful cast of sidekicks to establish his church and continues now reaching the world through an incredibly diverse team of disciples.

The conference is mostly free, though you need to organise your own accommodation. This year we are able to offer accommodation subsidies where needed. Please email: conference@karuizawaunionchurch.org

Once again, the main sessions, youth group and night programs are free, while kids program, youth outing, and lunch programs will remain 1000yen. Please organise your own accommodation and food. If you would like accommodation at KRC (Team center cabins) please let me know by replying to this email.

This year we will also be joined by Richard Sweatman. Richard was a medical doctor before studying at theological seminary and has now spent 17 years in pastoral ministry with Hunter Bible Church in Newcastle, Australia. Richard is offering pastoral coaching for anyone who would like the opportunity to reflect on their ministry strategy, effectiveness and goals or generally discuss ideas and struggles with someone outside their own ministry context, who will understand the pressures of ministry work. 

Heike is also a trained coach and ministry specialist and is happy to offer time to meet with any women who would like the opportunity to reflect on their ministry skills and goals. 

If you'd like to book a time to meet with Richard or Heike online before the conference please email: conference@karuizawaunionchurch.org

If you have ideas for the conference or would like to help out please let me know through the registration form.