Dear Supporters of Steve and Saeko Manders,
Thank you for your gospel partnership with Steve and Saeko with Emilie over the years.
I am writing to give you the sad news that on Friday 16 January our brother in Christ, Steve Manders, graduated to Glory. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in June 2025, and had been undergoing chemotherapy. We thank God for Steve, his life and his ministry. He has been serving with OMF in Japan together with Saeko, since November 2006.
I know that Saeko and Emilie would be grateful for your prayers at this difficult time. We grieve with them, remembering too the gift of hope that our Lord Jesus kindly gave us.
We have recently received updates and communication from OMF Japan colleagues that is included below. We apologise for the short notice of these details.
The bilingual funeral will be at Toei Church, Sapporo at 19:00 (Japan time) Wednesday 21st January (tonight). Livestream will be available. Please click on this link Steve Manders’ funeral 21/01/2026. Please feel free to share this link with others who may also be interested to join the service online. We believe the link should still be available after the funeral service tonight.
For anyone wishing to write a condolence message to Saeko and Emilie, reply to this email at au.info@omfmail.com, and we will forward it onto them.
For anyone wishing to contribute a financial gift to help cover the cost of the funeral and for Saeko and Emilie’s personal use – there will be an online option. Information concerning this option will follow next week.
If you have questions regarding your financial support for Steve, please direct your queries to Peri at au.accfin@omfmail.com.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
In Christ,
Paul Jessop
National Director
OMF International (Australia)