20 January 2016

Dear supporters of Mission Japan

KAREN STRYDOM

It is with sadness that we announce that Mission Japan will not send Karen Strydom as missionary to the Reformed Church in Japan (RCJ ) anymore.

We were hopeful of sending her out soon. She has been employed by Mission Japan and for the last couple of months she raised funds with several congregations, groups and individuals. Everywhere she told the story of her calling to Japan with conviction. We shared in her calling and contributed much in preparing her for going to Japan.

However, since November 2015 it emerged that she has theological convictions that are contrary to our Reformed confession. For instance, she specifically rejects infant baptism, and she objects to the practice of the confirmation of faith of young people. In light of the specific work she would be doing in the RCJ (as youth worker), the RCJ’s own rather strong Reformed identity and our two churches’ long relationship of mutual respect, and after many discussions, we as Mission Japan and the RCJ, together with Karen, realised that it would now not be wise to continue the process of sending her to Japan. We are of the opinion that it will also not be in Karen’s own best interest to become intimately part of a church in which she would not really feel at home. To us, this is a sad disappointment! We can imagine that it will also be a great disappointment to all of you who enthusiastically shared in her calling and started to support her. We are keeping contact with Karen and pray that soon other opportunities for her to go to Japan will arise. We assist her where possible.

Mission Japan employed Karen for several months. We have had financial expenses in terms of her salary, visiting congregations, etc. Contributions for Karen’s going to Japan helped to carry these costs. We can think that some congregations or individuals might be so upset with these developments that they would rather want their money back. Please let us know and we will send your money back to you.

We would like to assure you of the sensitive and responsible way in which Mission Japan’s management tried to handle the matter. Decisions have been taken with compassion.

Once again we would like to thank all Mission Japan’s supporters. We want to continue with the work in japan, in close partnership with our sister church, the RCJ. We are grateful for the wonderful work our missionaries have always been doing and are doing in Japan. We appreciate the warm relationships between Mission Japan and the RCJ and hope to continue strengthening the ties. In this we request your continued support and prayers. We are convinced that the Lord, in whose service we are and who’s love is compelling us, will guide us along the way.

May the Lord have mercy on us.

Gideon van der Watt
(Secretary)