Roberta’s residence and the bulk of her ministry is in Tokyo. She is starting a program in hopes of placing volunteers of all ages year round in Japanese Baptist Union churches and institutions.Dear Journal friends,
When Douglas McArthur fled the Philippines during WWII he had the audacity (or foresight?) to say “I shall return.” When I left Japan for cancer treatment I did not have the confidence to say “I shall return” because I did not have a sense at all about what my future would be. But due to prayers of so many people, good doctors and medicine, God has seen fit to send me back to Japan.
I Have Returned! I arrived August 22nd in sweltering heat. It almost felt nostalgic after spending one year in the moderate climate of Seattle. I thought by escaping up north after I arrived, I could simulate Seattle’s coolness. No way! But now I am able to visit many people from my previous ministry, which takes my mind off the heat. I’m slowly gaining momentum as I push myself a little bit more each day doing chores around this cabin helping to strengthen my body and heart!
Forgetting Since my purpose this past year was to try to rest rather than represent Japan to you all, I found that I had “forgotten” a lot. For instance, I had to be reminded of the necessity of calling the big wigs at our central office from the airport to tell them that I had arrived safely. I stayed at a friend’s house the first night. I had forgotten about the “culture of slippers”: put them on in the entry way, but take them off almost immediately before entering any room with a rug or carpet, or before entering the WC. I’d also forgotten to remove them as I put my feet up on a hassock when I wanted to rest my legs. I’d forgotten how crisp iceberg lettuce is and how sweet tomatoes are; I’d forgotten how delicious grapes are and the need to peel them before eating. But the one thing I found that I hadn’t forgotten is my uncanny desire to find any opportunity to share my faith.
Remembering Before leaving the airport I turned on my Japanese cell phone. It lit up with about 10 messages of welcome from those people who had been praying for me and were now welcoming me back. These people are part of the present great crowd of witnesses that Hebrews talks about. You who are reading this letter are also a part of this great crowd of witnesses who have seen me through the trials of the last year, and I am confident that you will continue during the next few years I have left in Japan. There are several ways you can do this. If you are an American Baptist, you’ll want to read the next paragraph for some in-house business. If you are among the forty-three people who are not one, you may skip to the last paragraph!
For American Baptist Members One way to continue supporting me is through the upcoming World Mission Offering. Here is my take on this offering: While I was ill I was reminded of the large number of people involved in my care as a missionary. And I often thought “how would I do this or how can I manage that” without this staff? Take for instance my Area Director, Stan Murray. He not only has responsibilities for me while I was ill, but cares for many missionaries in East Asia, including working with Baptists in countries like Vietnam where we can’t send missionaries. Without the World Mission Offering his services to me and others would be curtailed. In the case of Haiti, this tragic earthquake has made it possible for us to have a part in rebuilding that country rather than doing patch-work support for an inadequate base. Fortunately, other organizations are also involved in this monumental task but American Baptists and their missionaries have been and will be there in the long-term. Remember, give to the WMO.
A Word to All I am in need of an EXTRA LIFT !! Yes, my ministry is still not totally underwritten. Due to some very generous people, your monthly gift can be matched dollar-for-dollar. This matching will continue for a year. In brief, your gift needs to be a first-time monthly commitment, and you need to indicate your participation by writing the first month’s check to International Ministries or using a credit card by Sept. 27th at noon. What do you think? Can you join in partnership with me? Please check out this link http://www.internationalministries.org/drives/extra_lift_matching , or email my MPT convener, Dave Kelley at torn...@gmail.com for an explanation and commitment card. Thank you for praying about this great opportunity.
Lastly, please note my new address as of Sept. 6th:
Roberta Stephens
Senkyoshi Kan
1-50-1 Mutsuura-Higashi,
Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama
Kanagawa-ken, Japan 236-0037
In Christ, Roberta