The Van der Watt family’s involvement with the RCJ began in April 2009, 15 years ago. They were sent to Shikoku Island through Mission Japan. Their role was to support and equip 19 small congregations and to follow up on the pioneering work of Rev. Tobie and Annalie de Wet, whose work in Japan started 50 years ago (1974).
Stéphan and Carina learned much about the challenges and joys of the body of Christ in rural Japan. Their ministry focus was on the RCJ Tokushima congregation, where they lived for six and a half years. Carina and another church leader started a blessed ministry with young children called Happy Kids. By God’s grace, the ministry has wonderfully grown, 14 years after Carina initiated it.
The focus of the Van der Watt’s ministry later shifted to the Western ring, centered around the Kobe-Osaka-Kyoto area. Stéphan was appointed as the minister of this ring in 2019. He also works locally with the Kita Kobe congregation, where Carina takes a leading role in children’s ministry, Sunday school, and is involved with the women of the congregation.
She has accumulated 13 years of experience as a homeschooling mother—the challenge and blessing of a trilingual setup remain her passion and calling. Carina’s (online) English classes, the regular hosting of Japanese friends and foreigners, and her hospitality open doors for the transfer of the gospel of hope to many.
She also remains actively engaged in studying Japanese, a lifelong task. If you don’t find her reading in her spare time, she’s probably out running.
Stéphan’s primary responsibility is as a lecturer in missiology as well as pastoral theology and care at Kobe Reformed Theological Seminary (KRTS). Through this role, he is directly involved in equipping and training church leaders who focus on evangelizing the 99% of Japan’s population who do not yet know Christ. Normal days at the seminary begin early in the morning with a short Bible message and prayer meeting led by students. Between classes, there is a daily formal chapel service where lecturers usually preach.
Since KRTS is considered the frontline of the RCJ’s witness work, student training goes much deeper than academic content. It is about the holistic development of balanced leaders. By the time a student graduates from KRTS, they have had many more opportunities to speak publicly and lead services than students at most similar seminaries elsewhere. The day-to-day rhythm of preparing and delivering lectures—in Japanese—remains a significant challenge for Stéphan. Additionally, there are many opportunities for ministries in the wider church, through preaching, offering seminars on topics such as marriage enrichment, or leading workshops on pastoral care topics, individual counseling, and more. Sports and mountain climbing outings with their children, as well as family camping, bring balance to his life.
In April 2023, Rev. Tobie and his wife Annalie de Wet (after their retirement) were sent to Shikoku Island for three years of ministry. They are doing important but challenging work in the city of Niihama with very few Christians. The de Wets hope that their ministry will also build a bridge to pave the way for young missionaries who can follow in their footsteps. Although they have been steadfast for years, they still ride their bicycles eagerly.
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“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
2 Corinthians 4:5
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