"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)When Paul said farewell to the Church at Ephesus, he knew that many difficulties awaited those from whom he parted, and those to whom he was being sent. More importantly, he knew that his own life was going to be endangered time and again. And yet, he went on to Jerusalem to face the afflictions that were promised to him. This is the kind of courage that a missionary needs, the kind of boldness and nobility of soul that Christ requires of his followers.
For sixteen years, Vancouver has enjoyed the presence of Stephen and Marcia Hasbrouck, missionaries and Bible teachers who have opened their home to the community, worked with immigrants, taught numerous Bible classes, worked in small groups, served in one church and planted a brand new one, all the while training the younger generation to work hard for the sake of the Gospel. We are thankful for all that they have done in this city for the sake of Christ. Now, they have turned their hearts back to Japan, where they served for thirty years before coming to Canada, with the hope that they can continue to serve the Lord Jesus Christ as missionaries. They are at a crossroads in life, a time of life when most people are planning vacations, thinking about retirement, or settling into a quiet and comfortable routine. Instead, they have chosen to return to one of the most difficult mission fields in the world--Hokkaido, Japan, renowned for its harsh winters of long-lasting blizzards, its sad economic history, and its abandonment of Christianity (it had initially been a very productive field for churches in the late 1800s and early 1900s). Our prayers go with them, as we hope with them that many souls in Hokkaido will hear the call of Jesus and follow Him on the Way of the light, love, and truth that is only found in the Word. Stephen and Marcia Hasbrouck will be leaving this month. The work at City Church will be continued by Stephen Hasbrouck, Jr., their son, by the grace of God and with the help of all the brothers and sisters at City Church of Christ and in our supporting congregations around the world. We will be needing your prayers!
God bless you, Stephen and Marcia! You have been parents to all of us, and you have let your lights shine among many, like a city on a hill that cannot be hid. May God grant your heart's desires, and may your ministry bear much fruit in Christ.
Sayonara!
