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 Tidbits Friends,
[singlepic=25,150,,right]While all kinds of thoughts and feelings have been swirling around in me recently, I have tried to think positively about the future while dealing with reality. I won’t repeat here what has been said recently regarding the urgent need for all missionaries to be fully supported by September but I did want you to know that God has begun to provide in surprising ways. Anyone who has checked out my Skype window might have noticed that I replaced the kitty picture with a cow! The reason is that I want to keep focused on the scripture that says “God owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” I am trusting God for a small herd! Maybe you’re interested in investing monthly in first one leg, then another, or maybe a horn (reminiscent of the 50’s children’s game called “Cootie”), or maybe one whole cow! Enough said now.
I want you to know that I am not moping around but am still serving you here, for now, and need your prayers in the Lord’s work. Some of the busiest days are behind me, only to dawn again this week in the culmination of a year’s worth of effort.
Japanese celebrate anniversaries in a big way. This week the Japan Baptist Union Women (JB) will celebrate their 50th Anniversary. I serve on the executive committee of this group with a 2-4 year commitment. Therefore I’m right in the middle of their planning. At present, among the nine living missionary women who have served on this committee during these fifty years, two are still in Japan including myself, and the rest have returned to the USA. The Japanese women have invited any former missionary who served on the committee in the past to join in the Anniversary celebration March 25-27. JB women have sacrificed greatly during the year to bring six of them to Japan for the conference. This is their way of recognizing the work of all missionaries to the development of women’s leadership.
[singlepic=26,150,,left]Recently I completed the details of their arrival, and one by one they are arriving at Narita Airport. It is exciting to see them come. Their average age is 76. Each person has different circumstances, is staying a different length of time, and with different types of lodgings. I’ve dealt with numerous situations. Saturday I went to meet one former missionary who had such intestinal problems that we could not leave the airport. However, it was a learning experience for me to see the medical facilities at the airport, and learn how late the trains are in operation between the airport and where I live 90 minutes away. ABW President, Terri Simpkins who will be one of the plenary speakers arrived on Sunday, with speech in hand!
Now that most people have arrived and the number of emails has decreased to zero, I’m working feverously to finish preparations for my parts of the program. The only thing I‘m lacking is energy and sleep! But I’m full of enthusiasm and hope. The JB Women need a battery recharge. Through the impact of these guests and the challenge our committee plans to give out, our prayer is that this year will mark a turn-around. Our theme comes from Romans 12:11-12. My prayer is that they would not be lagging behind in diligence but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, and rejoicing in hope.
We would all covet your prayers for health, wisdom, energy and the movement of the Spirit during these next few days. As always, I owe you so many thanks for your support both prayerful and financial.
In Christ,
Roberta