(Click here for a video of John reading today’s Catch.)

A servant of the Lord and dear friend of the Catch is now in the arms of Jesus. I am sure God had a grand welcome for Roberta Stevens, one of His prized disciples. And she was truly a servant — a servant’s servant. Roberta was quiet, and her actions spoke louder than her words, although her words were sometimes loud enough. She was quiet unless you asked her her opinion, at which point, you would always hear it.

Roberta served as a missionary to Japan for over 30 years earning the term “Sensei” or respected teacher. She taught English using the Bible as her text — a smart way to introduce the gospel without focusing on religion in a culture that would frown on that. When possible, however, she would teach Bible studies sometimes at great personal risk.

Over the last few years, we have been fortunate to have Roberta serving here at the Catch in many different roles. She has led discussion and prayers in our Bible studies, edited and compiled some of our writings and took a special interest in several Catch citizens in crisis, demonstrating how an online community can become up close and personal. Her advice and counsel was always timely, wise and often challenging. We will miss her greatly and especially her frank and directed leadership. 

Heaven is rejoicing, however, and I’m sure those lives she has touched — many she won’t even have realized — who have gone ahead before her are welcoming her with open arms. 

Thank you, Sensei Roberta.