National Leadership Team

Kara Wooke

National Coordinator / Prayer & Encouragement Coordinator

jcfnatco[at]gmail.com

The Prayer & Encouragement Coordinator organizes monthly prayer meetings via Skype.

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. – Matthew 6:25–34

I am an ALT originally from Alabama, USA. I arrived in Japan August 2022 where I worked in Yamaguchi Prefecture for 3 years and then transfered to Hiroshima Prefecture. I joined JCF leadership as co-leader of Prayer and Encouragement in March 2024. It has been amazing to see how G-d has used JCF in Japan, and it’s been a blessing to work with everyone here!

Tshegofatso K-tee Setlhodi

Bible Study Coordinator

The Bible Study Coordinator assists new members with getting placed in an online JCF bible study.

I have asked the Lord for one thing –
this is what I desire!
I want to live in the Lordʼs house all the days of my life,
so I can gaze at the splendor of the Lord
and contemplate in his temple. – Psalm 27:4

I’m from Johannesburg, South Africa and I’ve been living in Kikuchi, Kumamoto for 2 years. I joined the JCF group on Facebook, then the Golden week retreat and now I’ve joined the retreat team. I hope to declare His glory to those around me :).

Jovald “Jovi” Henriksen

Bible Study Leader

A Bible Study Leader directs the study and other group members.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. – Galations 2:20

Hello! My name is Jovald. I’m from Cape Town in South Africa and have been on the JET programme since 2017. In my first year, JCF helped to find a church in my area and a couple years later I met the leadership team at the JCF autumn retreat in Nagano. My involvement in leadership began in 2020 as a bible study group leader, which I’m still leading (Tuesday nights on Jitsi Meet). Since the covid-19 pandemic started we haven’t been able to meet in-person much, but I’m grateful that God gave us the people who created video-calling. May the Spirit of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Tsion

Bible Study Leader

A Bible Study Leader directs the study and other group members.

Magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. – Psalm 34:3

I’m Tsion from the lovely state of Georgia in the United States! I was on JET from 2021-2024 as a CIR in Yamagata. I now work in the higher education field in the Kyushu region. I love diving into God’s word and learning and discussing it with folks at church and JCF! Let’s draw near to God together~!

Anneliese

Bible Study Leader

A Bible Study Leader directs the study and other group members.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” – Psalms 91:2

I’m from Tauranga, New Zealand, and came to Japan in 2023 as a JET ALT. I currently live in Shizuoka prefecture, home to Mt. Fuji, which I have the pleasure of being able to see when I go to church and it’s a clear day! I began studying Japanese in high school and came to Japan for the first time in 2016. When I went home, I felt like I left a part of me in Japan and it was from then that I knew being in Japan would be a large part of my future. I enjoy studying the Bible and digging deeper in it and discussing it with others as it’s a wonderful way to see the Word of God through another lens! And a great way to fellowship, especially for those in regions that do not have a local Christian community they can connect with. I’m excited to see how God revives Japan and moves through this country!

Chelsey Beal

Retreat Coordinator
jcfretreat[at]gmail.com


The Retreat Coordinator plans national retreats at least twice a year to bring JCF members together to grow in fellowship with one another and with Christ.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 3:11

I’m from Tennessee in the United States. I started my time off on the JET Program in Shiga Prefecture, but am now working as a direct hire ALT in Nagano Prefecture. I have been involved in this wonderful JCF community since my first retreat in fall 2011, and honestly, I never imagined I would be around this long. All praise and glory goes to God for His plans for my life here. It has been an absolute joy to see how He is working and moving in Japan.

Deborah Ruth Trotter

Missionary Liaison

The Missionary Liaison provides moral and spiritual support to JETs and makes connections between Christian JETs and the world of Japanese churches and missionaries in Japan.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

As a former JET now here as a missionary, I have some understanding of both worlds and what can be done and what possible expectations are out there. I love Japan and both Japanese and foreigners living in Japan, so I want the experiences in both directions to be positive. Many blessings to y’all.

Megan Daniel

Librarian

The Librarian manages the book collection and sends books to readers living all across Japan.

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. – Psalm 139:1-3

I was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and have lived in various places in the American south-east before moving to Fukui Prefecture in 2013. Now, I am happily married to a wonderful Christian man who loves me and supports me. I am the daughter of a Baptist preacher and an elementary school teacher who always raised me to follow Christ. Shortly after graduating from university, I began feeling that God was calling me to come to Japan. Now that I’m here, I seek to follow God’s direction for my life, and raise my two daughters to love and honor Him.

Marcus Fisk

Bible Study Leader

A Bible Study Leader directs the study and other group members.

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

I am from Idaho, U.S.A. I’ve been a JET in Kagoshima prefecture since 2023. In my small island home, I also have my wife and two sons. I began attending JCF Bible studies online shortly after coming to Japan and am now leading Bible studies. Though I only expect to stay in Japan for a few more months before returning home, I am glad to be able to read and discuss the Scriptures weekly with fellow believers.

Annette Lee

Co-Webmaster

As co-webmaster of the JCF national leadership team (based in the U.S.), I’m excited to serve in the role God has equipped me for—using digital tools to support ministry outreach. This includes maintaining this website and sharing updates about Bible study groups and retreats through social media, helping ALTs build spiritual bonds rooted in God’s love.

Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:12).

Born in Honolulu and raised in Seattle from junior high, I graduated from the University of Washington and interned in Kobe through the UW Japanese Technical Program/Hyogo Business & Cultural Center. I joined the JET Program in 2004 and worked as a dispatch and direct-hire ALT until 2020. In 2025, I started my own small business, Eigo Ganbare.

Noah Nelson

Webmaster

The Webmaster manages the JCF website, and all related updates or queries.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV

I’m from the United States and was part of the JET Program from 2021-2024 before transitioning to direct hire. I love living and working in Japan, and God has used my time here so far to grow me in ways I never would have expected. I’m excited to continue to follow my good Shepherd alongside the wonderful JCF crew!

Other Positions

Volunteer

Currently seeking volunteers. Please contact the National Coordinator if interested.