Refresh Conference 2025
Christians have been gathering in Karuizawa in summer for over a hundred years for fellowship and teaching. Have you considered joining them?
Have you heard about the Refresh Conference for missionaries held each summer at Karuizawa Union Church? If you haven’t, then you need to!
What’s it all about?
The Refresh Conference has been held annually since 1906 and brings together speakers and kids’ workers to share Bible messages and lead children’s and youth groups. The eight-day conference includes daily main meetings with worship and Bible teaching (including a kids’ program with interactive Bible time), picnics, special lunches, ministry seminars, small groups, fireworks, youth group each afternoon, a fun night, and a business meeting. Attendance is free,* and attendees can attend as much, or as little, of the programme as they would like to.
What happened in 2025?
The Refresh Conference 2025 focused on the theme of “Hidden Champions in Acts.” The speaker was Armin Messer, now National Director of OMF Germany, but who previously served with OMF Japan.
Seven messages from Acts
1. Witnessing in the power of the Holy Spirit
We learnt how God used “unschooled, ordinary men” (Acts 4:13 NIV) and were reminded that God doesn’t need heroes. He uses ordinary people, like us, to take his Word wherever we go. We were challenged to consider whether we have lost our trust that God can use us or if we’re trusting in our own strength.
2. Planting churches wherever God takes you
After being scattered (Acts 8:1), the early believers, though suffering persecution, didn’t do the “sensible” thing and keep quiet but preached everywhere they went to anyone who’d listen. We were challenged to believe that, even in tough and difficult situations, God is in control and will work in and through us.
3. Bringing Jesus to the outcasts
Philip started out in church administration (Acts 6:5) before becoming a well-liked preacher in Samaria. He was then called to the desert and led the Ethiopian treasurer to faith before being whisked away by the Spirit to be an evangelist (see Acts 8). May we also be flexible to follow the Spirit’s guidance and in using our gifts to build God’s Kingdom, whatever our circumstances.
4. A successful intercultural leadership team
The church in Antioch was multicultural (Acts 11:19) and had a multicultural leadership team. However, despite the challenges of such a situation, the church showed outward-focused generosity. We, too, need to strive to value the diversity of God’s family and be outward-focused, even to the point of sending our “best people” for the sake of the gospel.
5. An encouraging Levite on a global mission
Barnabas was an encourager, a pioneering missionary, a bridge-builder, and networker extraordinaire. He was generous with his possessions and brought people together, like Saul and the Jerusalem believers (Acts 9:26). We, too, need to receive and offer encouragement. Investing in others and networking with them may not be easy and takes time, but God wants us to work together.
6. A mission trip dropout rewrites church history
John Mark’s ministry didn’t begin well (15:38), but Paul later described him as “helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11). How did John Mark “come good”? He was a life-long learner, his identity wasn’t based on failure, and he had leaders who gave him a second chance. When we or others fail, we must receive God’s forgiveness and forgive ourselves and one another. We must address the failure and its consequences but stick with people, showing that in God’s kingdom, failure is not the end.
7. Flexible business people on a mission
God can use men and women; he uses full-time missionaries and Christians working in business. Paul found kingdom workers everywhere and encouraged them in their work. God uses each of us, in whatever capacity, to make an impact for his kingdom. We will write church history wherever we go.
Summary
Through the hidden champions in Acts, Armin encouraged us to be open to the Spirit’s work in our lives; to be flexible, following the Spirit’s guidance; and to do whatever work is before us, sharing Jesus wherever we are. We are to be outward-focused, valuing the diversity of God’s family, and be looking for those we can send out on kingdom business. We are to be encouragers, bridge-builders, and networkers, and we should stick with those who fail. And God will provide the strength; we need simply to continue learning and growing, and leaning into his grace as we joyfully live for his kingdom.
What about 2026?
Are you looking for Bible teaching for yourself and your family, sung worship in English, time for fellowship with others on the journey, and time in a beautiful part of Japan? Why not put the Refresh Conference in your calendar for 2026 (August 2–9)? The speaker will be Dr. Richard Sweatman from Australia. Richard originally trained as a doctor but has now served in local church ministry for 18 years. He is a big fan of all things Japanese and supports gospel ministry in Japan; his focus at Refresh Conference will be Romans 1–4.
I urge you to make the most of this amazing opportunity right here in Japan! To find out more, please request membership of the “Karuizawa Union Church Facebook Group” or go to karuizawaunionchurch.org.
* Special activities like lunches, kids program, and youth outing cost 1,000 yen. A freewill offering is requested, and participants are asked to volunteer with refreshments, lunches, cleaning, etc.
Photos submitted by author