The Latest

Director’s Report: Remembering Bumrung Khayotha – A Farmer, Leader, and ARI Legend

Director’s Report:

At the end of June, ARI Thai Graduate Bumrung Khayotha passed away at the age of 73 years old. He is a graduate of 1989 and known as a legend. “He was a farmer in northeastern Thailand and led a nationwide peasants’ movement as a brilliant leader. Although some people asked him to become a member of the National Assembly, in the 2000s, he stayed in his hometown, where he had land, a house, and a family. While farming, he was pushed by the local people to serve as the head of the local administrative organization.” (quotes of Kazuoki Ohno)
Whenever he was invited by the Asian Farmers Exchange Center, he stopped by ARI. From his small body and childlike smile, it was hard to believe that he led the peasants’ movement across the country.
His niece, Ms. Janvan who succeeds Khayotha’s spirit, is also an ARI graduate.

Director’s Report: Young Anglicans from Five Countries Join Leadership Training at ARI

Director’s Report:

A program for young Anglican church future leaders around the world, sponsored by the USPG of Anglican Communion is being held in collaboration with the Asian Rural Institute. (7/3~7/20)

Young Anglicans in their 20s from the UK, Brazil, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea and Japan are taking part in leadership training at ARI.

Director’s Report: ICU Study Camp Finally Held After COVID Delay

Director’s Report:

A study camp for ICU students that had been planned before the COVID 19 disaster is finally being held during July 2-6. Last year, some of the ICU participants were infected by COVID 19 during the camp, and it was cancelled in the middle of the camp. This year we welcomed 14 students! They are all women and wonderful students!

Acknowledging Former Director Rev. Ueda’s Recent Passing

Bishop Rev. Jintaro Ueda, who served as ARI’s director from 1994 to 2000 and board member from 1994 to 2008, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024. He was 83 years old.

Current director Tomoko Arakawa reflects on her memories of Rev. Ueda:

“He was my first director when I joined ARI as a staff member. He had a great deal of international experience, spoke fluent English, and was very knowledgeable about the church situation in Asia and Africa.

He also loved music and played the piano very well. He often took it upon himself to accompany the hymns at the Morning Gathering. I was surprised at how quickly he could play even difficult pieces.

He also loved to drive, and sometimes drove alone in his car to Narita Airport to pick up participants.

He was a small man, but he had dignity and his speech was easy to understand, always clear and unclouded. As a director, I feel as if Ueda Sensei taught me the importance of speaking clearly and plainly to everyone.”

We pray for Jintaro Ueda’s eternal rest in heaven and for the Lord’s comfort for his bereaved family.

The following is from the Tokyo Diocese of the Anglican Church of Japan:

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Announcement of the Kinren Service for the Passed Away Bishop Rev. Jintaro Peter Ueda

Bishop of the Diocese of Tokyo, Anglican Church of Japan

Bishop Francis Xavier Hiroyuki Takahashi

The Diocese of Tokyo of the Anglican Church of Japan is pleased to offer a memorial service for the passing away of Bishop Jintaro Peter Ueda, former Bishop of the Diocese of Tokyo of the Anglican Church of Japan, who passed away on April 8 (Mon.), 2024, to express our gratitude for his dedication as Bishop of the Diocese, his many works in various institutions and organizations, and his guidance and support.

– Memorial Service Information –

Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024

Place: St. Andrew’s Cathedral (3-6-18 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

We would like to invite you to attend the service and offer your prayers.

Please note that the bereaved family has requested that we decline the donation of flowers. Thank you in advance for your kind attention.

Director’s Report: Spotlight on Rural Realities – Shimotsuke Shimbun’s Latest Editorial

Director’s Report:

Yesterday, June 30, the Shimono Shimbun’s morning edition published an article in its Sunday editorial section.

The article, titled “Women Moving Out: Honest Voices,” touched on the reality of young women who are not stopping moving out of the countryside.

Director’s Report: “Listen to Ms. Shinko Takami” event

Director’s Report: “Listen to Ms. Shinko Takami” event, 13:00-15:00.

Shinko Takami (wife of Rev. Takami, ARI founder) spoke at an online event organized by Zenkoku Tomono Kai.

She spoke about her life with Takami and ARI.

Live online from ARI’s Oikos Chapel. About 280 people participated online!

It was a very interesting talk!

Director’s Report: Our Super Pastor, Rev. Ban (Nishinasuno Church)

Director’s Report: I will start posting!
Our Super Pastor, Rev. Ban (Nishinasuno Church).
Today, he is working on repairing bicycles at ARI.

52nd Annual Opening Ceremony (Part 2)

This past Tuesday, June 11, we hosted our 52nd annual opening ceremony (part 2) in honor of our late-arrival participants, who hail from India, Japan, Malawi, Myanmar, and the Philippines. People work, learn, and volunteer at ARI for various amounts of time, and so many people are always coming or leaving. But no matter what, we want to make sure everyone feels welcome and included when they arrive.

We were happy to welcome our new participants and hear their individual stories and resolutions for their time at ARI. They will be joining our 16 existing participants and training assistant from 11 different countries in the ARI Rural Leader Training Program.

Participants at ARI have made long journeys before even setting foot on campus, and we look forward to seeing those journeys continue and develop at ARI! Their voices and presence are valued here, and we hope to fully support them in fulfilling their goals at ARI.