Roberta Stephens

Dear Tidbit Friends,

I feel a little like I am in the “Amazing Race” trying to finish so many tasks before the end of the year, most important of which is getting this letter out to you!

Some of you thought you had been dropped from my RobertaTidbits mail list. Some of you who pray faithfully for me noticed and asked. With both feelings of gratitude for remembering me, and chagrin for not writing, I wrote back to say, just bear with me a little longer. You are all important to me.

Fall Blitz: I went back to the USA to help with the fall campaign for the World Mission Offering. I was able to meet some new friends who are receiving this letter for the first time. I visited churches and ABW Association meetings in Washington, Oregon and California. Along the way and in between I met many other people. Although it was not a restful time, it felt good to be in contact with people who really wanted to hear about ministry in Japan.

After I arrive back in Japan, frankly, I was overwhelmed with the work left behind. It weighed heavy on me. I struggled to prepare the basics of Bible studies and a lengthy speech given at the Shokei Alumnae of Tokyo/Yokohama area. By the time I recovered from the shock of a break-in to my apt. while I was out shopping and a fender-bender, it was nearly December. During that time, our American Baptist missionaries to Japan were able to get together for a retreat. I’m including their picture here. It was such a blessing to get together with them and it gave us a chance to pray and play together. Because they are such special people it invigorated me. I’ve included their picture here.

Trip to India: I’ve been preparing with five Japanese women to attend the Asian Baptist Women’s Union Conference in Kolkata, India from Jan. 6-9, 2009. This is the Asian Women’s branch of the BWA. The Baptist women of India have been prayerfully preparing for this large gathering. I would appreciate prayers for this time away.

50th Anniversary: Another project I’m working on is for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Japan Baptist Union Women to be held March 24-26th. A number of former missionaries who served the women will be returning to join in. I have been working on their travel schedules, places for them to stay and the program.

Volunteers Complete Successful Service in 2008: In mid-October Margie, the last volunteer for 2008, left Osaka after completing a month of service ministering by her presence to nursery school children, mothers of toddlers and the elderly in social welfare programs. There were a total of 17 volunteers with service beginning in April. Volunteer work is not just confined to the summer months. There were ten volunteers under age 25 and seven volunteers over age 40. There was a sizable age group missing! The volunteers came from Washington, California, Colorado and Pennsylvania. Their “work” comprised of cleaning the outside of church buildings, building a deck and adding siding, cutting tall, tall grass and digging ditches; teaching English to toddlers, elementary school students, high school students and adults. Several worked in three day church camps doing crafts and just plain rough housing! Nearly all volunteers had a chance to give their testimonies in word and song and some taught the Word, and using praise songs in worship. All volunteers found out that volunteering involves not just “doing” but “being,” as they fellowshipped and worshipped with Japanese Christians. Several volunteers who had been in Japan before got to see how faith was developing in the hearts of some people they had met previously. One sister-church relationship is being formed because of the impact of one volunteer.

Volunteer Paul commented, “I’m glad I volunteered in Japan because, it showed me how big God is and how little I know and understand of the beauty of his people and creation.”

David commented: I am glad I volunteered in Japan because I met many wonderful people who showed me how God was working in Japan and it encouraged me to do God’s work wherever I am.

You see that their comments are not what “I” did but what they learned about God! That’s what volunteering is all about.

Doing this program alone would have been a big mistake! I had the help from our missionaries in Japan and one Japan Baptist Union staff person, Pastor Sachiko Toda. We are looking forward to you applying for service in 2009. I will describe some of the opportunities in my next letter.

These are difficult times for everyone financially, spiritually and psychologically. But God knows all about it. I believe that God will continue to carry out the mission in new ways and might be asking you to help out, in spite of lacking resources. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and is the richest of anyone. If God is our master and guide, why wouldn’t He provide a way for you to participate in His work? That work might be volunteering, or it might be giving, or it might be praying, or it might be helping to send a volunteer because you cannot go. Whichever it is respond to that nudge in 2009 and watch the miracles take place. May God richly bless you as you begin this New Year.

In Christ,
Roberta Stephens

P.S. Please check out a journal I wrote on IM web page by clicking here.