Huff's congregation hosted Martha Mensendiek, missionary from Japan, on May 19, 2009. Martha was a very engaging speaker, who has ties to Eastern Pennsylvania. We have her presentation on tape for anyone who would like to view it; please see Pastor Kropa. Her farewell letter is printed below.

Farewell from Martha Mensendiek

Thank you, Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, for inviting and hosting me during the months of April and May! Through your warm welcome and hospitality, and your faithful witness to the Good News in your communities and beyond, my own faith and passion for the church and its mission were deepened! I enjoyed getting to know you and your congregations, to see the beauty of your churches, and to share in the fellowship of Christian community in this beautiful part of God’s world! I am grateful to the Conference staff who coordinated my schedule, to Ann Few for accommodating me in her home, to the many people who helped with transportation to and from churches, for the delicious meals prepared, and for sharing so much with me. Thank you too for your interest in hearing about Japan and about our partnership with the Christian church in Asia.

Please pray for me as I return to another term as missionary in Kyoto, Japan. Pray for the Bazaar Cafe, (our coffee house ministry) so that we will continue to be a welcoming place for all, a place to share God’s love with those on the margins of society. And I would appreciate your prayers as I take on new challenges at Doshisha University. I plan to work on addressing the problem of date rape and other forms of sexual violence on campus, which so far has been ignored. Finally, please keep the ecumenical peace movement in your prayers, in its work to preserve and promote Japan’s peace constitution, and to support non-violent solutions to world conflicts.

May God continue to bless your churches and your communities!

In Christ’s Peace,

Martha Mensendiek