NEWSLETTER
19 September 2024
MISSION JAPAN: NEWSLETTER

It was barely two weeks ago that we said goodbye to the Van der Watt family. They had been in South Africa for three months for a well-deserved time of leave, strengthening family and friendship bonds, as well as visiting various congregations and supporters across the country. Just one week before the Van der Watts returned, the group of six members of the RCJ Diaconal Committee also departed back to Japan. They were in South Africa for a 10-day Diaconal study visit. It was indeed a busy but wonderful time!

The purpose of this short newsletter is to update our supporters on all the developments here at Mission Japan and to provide feedback on decisions made during our General Annual Meeting that took place at the end of July in Stilbaai.

First, a bit more about the visits. Our arrangement is that our missionaries return to South Africa for a home visit every 3 years. These visits are twofold. The first goal is to visit as many supporters as possible, deepen established relationships, provide feedback, and testify about their ministry, life, and work in Japan. It is, of course, just as important to approach new supporters during this time to help support the work in Japan. A second, but extremely important goal, is that they can rest and strengthen their family bonds locally. Stéphan’s parents are no longer young, and therefore every visit is precious for them as a family.

Stilbaai once again served, as in the past, as the base from which various visits to congregations across South Africa took place. During this time, Carina continued with great dedication the homeschooling of their four children. We had many requests for visits to congregations, but we trust that you will understand that in just three months, it was not possible to visit everyone in person. Please feel free to take advantage of Stéphan and Carina’s offer to connect via Zoom during a church service for a conversation with the congregation. We have been using this technology with great success recently, and its reach is much greater.

During the three months in South Africa, Stéphan ministered at various congregations and held group meetings. Sometimes, it was even possible for the whole Van der Watt family to join in these visits, depending on the logistics. Stéphan also attended several conferences and other speaking opportunities during this time. One such event was a conference on diaconate held at the University of Pretoria. During this event, Stéphan presented an academic article, and our friends from Japan were also able to share some of their experiences in Japan regarding diaconal work.

Then there was the study visit of the RCJ Diaconal Committee. The group of six members consisted of a pastor, a lecturer, a psychologist, and three students. The Diaconal Committee of the Reformed Church in Japan (RJC) has been financially involved for many years in various projects in the NGK Free State and Western Cape Synod region.

Furthermore, Mission Japan’s leadership held a very successful General Annual Meeting at the end of July in Stilbaai. With Stéphan, Carina, and their children present, it was a time of meetings, reflection, prayer, and discernment for the future. It was also a time of support and thankfulness for the Lord’s faithful goodness and provision over many years. Rev. Tobie and his wife Annalie de Wet are currently in Niihama, Japan, and therefore joined the meeting via Zoom.

Mission Japan’s leadership was once again deeply impressed by God’s work through His faithful followers and servants. Tobie and Annalie’s work in a small congregation within a non-Christian context truly makes a difference, and the Lord is adding people to this small community of faith. Stéphan and Carina’s work in Kobe at the local congregation and the Kobe Reformed Theological Seminary is sometimes challenging but very meaningful and soul-refreshing for them. As Mission Japan, we have once again realized that the Lord is confirming that we must be there together, serving with the RCJ in God’s Kingdom.

We also looked at Mission Japan’s finances during our meeting in Stilbaai. This is where we are truly astonished at the Lord’s provision – also through you as supporters. We are deeply grateful for your faithful support. The economy is slow, and in Japan, the cost of living is becoming much more expensive as inflation has also taken its toll. Despite this, we were able to approve a new budget and reflect on the possibility of sending a second missionary couple to Japan.

Here is a brief summary of the key decisions that were made:

• Tobie and Annalie will remain in Japan until the end of their 3-year term (mid-2026), after which they will return to South Africa. Mission Japan is responsible for their repatriation and reintegration here in South Africa.

• The activities of MJ in cooperation with the Ring of Shikoku (where the De Wet’s are working) are contained in a new cooperation agreement that is in the final stages of finalization. This agreement confirms our commitment to each other and the work in Japan and outlines how we will approach the calling of new missionaries to Japan.

• There has been a request from the Ring of Shikoku to send a new missionary couple to Japan with the departure of the De Wet’s (who are currently serving as bridge missionaries). The Lord has reaffirmed this request during our meeting, and it was decided to proceed with the recruitment of a second missionary couple for Japan in cooperation with the Ring of Shikoku. The MJ commission that will lead the recruitment of new missionaries will be headed by Rev. Gawie Gouws from Swellendam. More information will follow later.

• In 2025, DV, a visit to Japan will be made during which formal discussions will be held regarding the new cooperation agreement, which will also include the calling of a new missionary couple.
  We thank each of you for:

• Continued support through prayers and finances.

• Faithful companionship with our missionaries in Japan (emails, WhatsApp messages, calls, etc.).

• Assistance with the visits, hospitality, creating opportunities for contact, conversations, transport and accommodation, and meals, etc.

We also ask with confidence for:

• Continued intercession for the Van der Watts and the De Wet’s ministry, work, and lives.
• Specific prayers for Niihama congregation.
• The process of calling a second missionary couple to work in Japan with the Ring of Shikoku.

Greetings in Christ Jesus, in fellowship.
Rev. Johann Winterbach (Chair: Mission Japan)
Dr. Nico Mostert (Secretary: Mission Japan)