At Home With The Lord

Military Missionary Warren Webster suddenly went Home to be with His Lord on Monday, March 17 after suffering a heart attack in Japan. He was the pastor of the Yokota Baptist Church near Tokyo. Please pray for Joyce during this most difficult time in her life as she makes the transition back from Japan. They have faithfully served the Lord together for many years.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

by Dr. James Kennard

My first introduction to Missionary Warren Webster and his wife, Joyce, came when we needed someone to relieve a missionary in Okinawa, Japan, so he could take a short furlough. I called Pastor Greg Boyle about someone to go and he recommended Brother Webster. The Lord opened the door for Warren and Joyce to go and God gave them a great ministry while there. When they came home, Brother Warren called me and said that he was interested in going full-time in the military ministry.

The Websters joined with BIMI and as they were on deputation, the door opened in Yokota, Japan. They accepted that call and had seven years of blessed ministry there. Many were saved and during that time he had 25 young preachers come from that church. His pride and joy was to train these young men for the ministry.

I spoke at the funeral and at the graveside in Pasco, Washington. I used 11 Timothy 2:2 at the graveside and said, “Because he poured his life into these young men, he will have many more saved after his death than before. What a legacy to leave behind.”

Here is a statement from Brother Webster’s last prayer letter. I thought it was interesting that he was thinking about just how short life really is here on this earth. He said, “Where has time gone? I am reminded of the brevity of life.” Perhaps the Lord had given him some insight on his soon Homegoing.

The funeral services both in Japan and Pasco, Washington, really honored the Lord. Brother Webster was a veteran and was given full military honors. I want to give my heartfelt thanks to Brother Steve Nutt for flying from Okinawa to Yokota, Japan, to take part in the funeral. I also want to thank the Riverview Baptist Church, their sending church, for the way they stood with and helped this family. Pastor John Paisley has told Joyce that they will be there for her for whatever she needs.

A memorial fund for Brother Webster has been set up through the BIMI Military Fund to help with the great needs in the ministry of Military Missions. All contributions will be used to plant churches near military bases and help military missionaries. If you want to make a memorial gift to this fund, please send it to Baptist International Missions, Inc., P.O. Box 9215, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412, and designate it for “Warren Webster Memorial acct. #642.”