Since our previous news update, much water has flowed into the sea—along with the sweat running down our backs in heat that refuses to relent. The heart-wrenching funeral of a beloved colleague’s wife, the joyful wedding ceremony of a former student, Carina and my 20th wedding anniversary, and the birthdays of two of our children were just some of the highs and lows we’ve experienced. And then: the incomparable, great joy of someone from a completely Buddhist background surrendering her life to Christ, and being baptized by Rev. Tobie de Wet at RCJ Niihama. All glory to the Lord who continues to work through His Spirit in surprising ways!
There was also a string of camps and special (summer fun) gatherings for children in our neighborhood, who practically have no idea what the Bible is, or who Jesus or the church are. All of this filled our days with meaningful interactions and opportunities to deepen relationships—and to share, in simplicity, the first glimpses of the gospel with many people hearing it for the first time. We’ve also been astonished in many ways by God’s provision in recent times, far more and far greater than what we could ask, think, or pray for. Again: don’t stop reading. Below, the De Wets continue the story.
Furthermore, there’s a lot of new information to share about our ministries, with well-researched sources that can help open and unlock the Japanese context for you—in light of broader global trends in world missions. Click here.
Lastly, but by no means least: Mission Japan’s management committee has just prayerfully and officially opened the recruitment process for suitable applicants who have a sense of calling to work as missionaries in Japan. This is a major new initiative, in collaboration with our sister church, the Reformed Church in Japan, focusing on the island of Shikoku. Click here for the official advertisement.
Please also pray with us for the Lord’s clear guidance in this. In the meantime, take a look at this video that introduces Japan afresh and makes a heartfelt appeal for deeper involvement, with a view to finding new co-workers. We’re very grateful to DJ Muller (Kaapkerk) for editing the video.
Our annual leave is just around the corner, and we’re really looking forward to it. Please pray for rest and renewed strength and vision going forward.
Your prayers, support, and care inspire us.
With deep gratitude,
Stéphan, Carina and family; also on behalf of Rev. Tobie and Annalie de Wet (RCJ Niihama)
TESTIMONY ABOUT BAPTISM
Sunday, 20 July 2025, was a red-letter day in the life and history of the small congregation of RCJ Niihama—a day of celebration, with the angels in heaven rejoicing (Luke 15:10) because of the baptism of Yasuko (pseudonym)!
We understand that, for some of you, it might seem a bit strange to make such a big deal about a single baptism. But please understand the reality of the church and mission context in Japan. There was indeed a time when the RCJ (Reformed Church in Japan) was one of the fastest-growing churches in the country, but today baptisms are rare—not only in the RCJ but across most denominations in Japan, especially in rural areas.
In the RCJ Shikoku Presbytery, which consists of 16 congregations, there were only five baptisms last year in total (one of them was a woman from Peru who was baptized here in Niihama). In our more than 20 years in Japan, we have personally only been involved in a handful of cases. The members of the Niihama congregation cannot recall a single instance in their roughly 50-year history when someone was baptized in a worship service (apart from the Peruvian woman last year). They are excited about what the Lord is doing!
Yasuko’s testimony is truly moving—just like every testimony of someone who comes to faith and repentance from a completely non-Christian background. There isn’t a single Christian in her entire family, circle of friends, or acquaintances. Her religious and family background is Buddhist. Her husband is an atheist. Yet, she began to wonder in her heart about the meaning of life and about God. Through the internet, she came into contact with the Christian faith and the Bible, where she found the answers (or rather The Answer) that convinced her. For several years, she deepened her understanding of the Bible, the Christian faith, and Jesus Christ solely through the internet.
She felt the need to attend a real Christian church and even to be baptized, but—like most Japanese people—she lacked the courage for a long time to actually walk through a church door … until one Sunday here in Niihama, in October 2024.
Yasuko is a nurse and often works on Sundays, which meant she couldn’t attend worship services regularly. But for the past nine months, she faithfully joined our Thursday afternoon Bible studies, working through the Apostles’ Creed as preparation for her baptism and church membership.
Our consultant pastor (another minister from our presbytery) met with her shortly before the baptism to confirm the sincerity of her faith, her understanding of Christianity (discipleship), and to discuss her church membership (faithful attendance at services, active participation in church activities, financial responsibility, etc.).
Yasuko’s faith and commitment as a young Christian are moving and inspiring! One of the practical things she did to express her faith was to remove all the Buddhist symbols from her home (which are extremely important to Japanese people).
Give thanks to the Lord with us for His grace in her life, and pray with us for her journey of faith together with the congregation here in Niihama.
