JCL UK

Meet a few of our partners and volunteers in the UK below.

Joe Townsend - Exeter

Joe Townsend has had an interest in Japan since he was a teenager, but it was an eight month stay in Japan in 2010 working as an English teacher that led to his passion to let more people know about Japan and to share God's love with the Japanese."It breaks my heart to think that so few of them know Christ." says Joe. Now a PhD student in Exeter, Network Partner Joe shares his faith with Japanese friends and his enthusiasm for Japan with Britiish friends.

Hiro & Valerie Fujiwara - London

Hiro and Valerie live in Wimbledon. As well as being good examples of "JCL Volunteers", they are also a delightful combination of East and West! Valerie has been interested in Japan since her teenage years and made a number of Japanese friends during an overseas assignment in France. Later, she and Hiro met in London and were married there. Many Japanese live in the Wimbledon area and Valerie is involved with others from her local Anglican church in a friendship group for young Japanese mothers. They engage in cookery classes, delving together into the art of various cuisines from around the world, as well as other activities. This has spawned a Japanese Bible study group and English classes as well.

Ian Maclennan - London

Ian works at the UK headquarters of a Japanese bank in London. As a JCL Network Partner he is involved in praying for and seeking to draw alongside Japanese business people. As most Japanese are curious about British culture it is natural for the conversation to come around to matters of faith from time to time. "The fact that people are praying and supporting me as I reach out to Japanese colleagues is immensely humbling and has been a big encouragement" says Ian. Please pray for him to have many opportunities to share his faith and to demonstrate the love of Christ to colleagues, and for their hearts to be open to hear Jesus' message.

Selvan Anketell was born in Sri Lanka but spent his later childhood in England. He has had a 25-year international career in the oil industry, which included a posting in Japan. As JCL's full-time Director he now provides leadership and administrative support for our work. Selvan and his wife Mary have two sons and live in Sevenoaks, Kent. Selvan would value prayer for wisdom and effectiveness in his work, a heart for people, and a clear sense of priorities amid many opportunities and needs.