Pastor Stephen’s Leave of Absence

Dear friend,

“And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile’” (Mark 6:31).

I met another pastor in the hospital one day when we were both visiting patients. He was an older brother who had many years of experience behind him. We chatted for a few moments and exchanged name cards. Just as we were about to head off on our different ways, he touched my arm, looked me in the eyes and said, “Young man be sure to take a break or you will break!” I lost this man’s contact information and have never seen him again, but I remember his exhortation to rest when it is needed.

Our family has enjoyed three years and eight months of continuous living here in Indonesia. It has been a joy to serve actively through most of that time. However, it has been a while since we were in the United States and we have let some family and personal issues go unattended for a little too long. Several weeks ago, I began discussing this with the JIBC elders and later the deacons. After considering different scenarios, they have offered us a three month leave of absence from the ministry at JIBC, which will begin on October 25.

During this time we will be tackling some health issues and taking care of some other business matters. I would like to make it perfectly clear that there is nothing “wrong” between our family and the church we love. In fact we are excited about the many great things going on at JIBC this season, which we will regretfully be missing. Serving at JIBC has been a joy for us. This is one of the reasons we put off a trip to the States for so long.

Among the many gifts the Lord has given to JIBC are our elders, deacons, office staff, ministry directors, and Pastor Dave. With all these good folks actively leading and serving I am confident the church will continue growing and thriving during our leave of absence. It is not our church after all, but it belongs to the King of Kings - and He never needs a rest! He will take care of every detail!

I would like to ask you to join us in prayer for JIBC over the next few months and for our family too. I hope you know you will be on our hearts and minds the whole time and we will be remembering you before the throne each day!

Meanwhile, there is a lot of work to do in October. The new RBI class starts on October 4, October 9 is World Missions Sunday, and Lord willing we will have a baptism service later in the month. May the Lord help us to glorify Him in every way!

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John
Jakarta International Baptist Church