Missionary - Walter Stevens
Question: I’m sure there are many that will read this article that don’t know you well, so can you give us some background information on you and your family, and how God led you to the place where you serve today? Don’t forget to give us the names and ages of all the children.
Reply: Dolly and I were raised in a traditional Gypsy family in the U.S. All of our great-grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from various countries in Europe. Our home was bi-lingual. Dolly and I were married within our culture, December 9, 1971. Our marriage was prearranged by our parents. We did not speak to one another until the day of the wedding. Before our conversion in 1980, Dolly was a fortune teller and I was a con-man in a traveling carnival. After we were saved we were discipled in a good Independent Baptist church in Ohio.
Question: How well have you adjusted to the culture?
Reply: For us this was no problem as we are full blooded Rroma (Gypsies)
Question: What new challenges have you experienced that you didn’t experience before?
Reply: As we are aging we are now experiencing health issues. Dolly has cancer and I have high blood pressure and other issues.
Question: What is the most influential religion in the area you are working, and what unique challenge does that present?
Reply: Catholicism and Russian Orthodox. They pose no problems as they are out of touch with the people. The religions we battle the most are the Pentecostals and Reformation church. The Pentecostals appeal to the flesh of the Rroma as they are very carnal people. The Reformation church gives it’s member a false sense of salvation.
Question: How will you go about evangelizing the people you are trying to reach?
Reply: Our most productive tool of evangelism is open air meetings. We work mostly in rural areas and the people will come just out of curiosity. God has allowed us to see many saved this way.
Question: What methods will you use to train and disciple the new converts?
Reply: The typical methods (western) of discipleship do not work here. Most of our people are poorly educated and some cannot read at all. Our discipleship is predominately done in and during the church services. Every time the doors are open our people are there to feast on God’s Word. We have seen tremendous spiritual growth among our people.
Question: What are some of the goals you have set for yourself and the ministry?
Reply: To continue church planting, to enlarge our Bible institute ministry. To bring someone on board to help teach our people how to read and write. To try to establish some sort of factory to put our men to work.
Question: What advice would you offer a missionary preparing to serve in Europe?
Reply: Raise a lot of money. I am serious. The Euro, poor economies, inflation, taxes and gas prices are killing us. Finances affect what we can and cannot do for Christ.
Question: How can your home church encourage you and other missionaries on the field?
Reply: We enjoy hosting teams. It exposes the greatest Christians in the entire world to our people and at the same time exposes our people to the U. S. churches.
Missionary - Dolly Stevens
Question: How are you adjusting to the culture?
Reply: It has not been a problem for me as I can identify with the Rroma women as I am a Gypsy.
Question: Do you involve yourself in the ministry, or is your focus on taking care of the home and the children.
Reply: My main focus had been the home. But since my cancer that is even limited. I do get involved with our VBS programs and women’s meetings.
Question: What is a typical day like for you?
Reply: These days not much. My lung cancer has affected my breathing, so I am limited to what I can do.
Question: What advice would you offer the wife of a missionary preparing to serve in Europe?
Reply: Fall in love with Jesus and fall in love with your people. Being prepared for heartaches and being disappointed. If you’re prepared you will handle it better. Don’t call the U.S. “home”; call your field “home”. Invest. You will never be sorry you did. The dividends are eternal.
This question is for both of you.
Question: How can your home church encourage you and other missionaries on the field?
Reply: We enjoy notes, cards, emails and little things that we get from the states. Dolly enjoys some of her favorite cooking magazines from time to time.
Question: What are the greatest prayer needs you have for yourselves and the ministry, keeping in mind that this article will not be read until a few months from now.
Reply: Dolly’s healing of cancer. Finances for our many ministries. Others to answer God’s call to work among the Rroma of E. Europe.
Question: What would you like to say to your home church, and your other supporting churches, that perhaps we didn’t cover in this interview?
Reply: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Without YOU we could not be faithful to our call.
