Helen Dexter Missionary Outreach: Japan

Helen during a typical Sunday church service at Takamori Church, Kyushu Island, Japan. Instead of pews, the members sit at tables with study materials at hand during the sermon. Fall 2002 photo.

Helen as a guest speaker at a church about an hour's drive away from the Takamori church.

Helen enjoying fellowship at dinner at Takamori Church with guests. She is standing between Ken and Ruth Wakayama, of the City of Fukuoka. At left is Eulalia Spoor, a native of Canada, founder of Takamori Church. Second from right is Maihara sensei who has served faithfully in the church leadership and ministry for many years. Beside Eulalia is Ikki san, who has a glass blowing business. At far right is Yuko san, who is staying temporarily at the church with her mother, not pictured.

Mt Aso, a smoldering volcano on the Island of Kyushu, Japan. Takamori church is about 15 miles from where Helen took this photograph. Mt. Aso last erupted about 200 years ago. The crater continually gives off smoke and fire and appears to have enlarged significantly over the last decade.

View from the balcony of Helen's room at Takamori Church, overlooking the beautiful mountains and lush rows of a nearby tea garden.

My first visit to Japan in December of 2001 was made all the easier with the warm hospitality of my cousin's son, John Diefenbach, shown at right rear, and his wife Terry, at their home in Toyko, where he is an architect. Terry took time from her busy schedule to show me the city and take me to many fine restaurants. The young couple in the foreground were guests with us for dinner at the Diefenbach home.

The front entrance to Takamori Church. Meeting room is at ground floor at right. Helen's bedroom and balcony is seen at top, right. The Takamori Church building was built 20 years ago by parishoners. Below is the left side view of the building.

Enjoying a typical barbecue with friends in the church backyard..

Wednesday morning Bible study, lead by Maihara sensei, left. At center in the purple sweater is Masuda san, head of church the Sunday School program. The meeting is held around the Kotatsu table. An electric heater hangs under the table and is used during the winters months with a quilted table cloth extending over one's lap and legs. Small kerosene stoves are also located in each room, but there is no central heating in the building.

Helen with Eulalia Spoor, center, founder of Takamori Church, and Maihara sensei, at the church podium.

Sunset at Takamori, as viewed from this photograph taken by Helen on her balcony at the church, Fall 2002.

View Helen Dexter's Photo Album on India

Read a review of Helen Dexter's book, Its' Never Too Late With God, Tales of a Late Life Journey in India

But w hy does Helen Dexter like the Frank Sinatra postage stamp? LINK

Return to N. H. Commentary Home Page