A Flower with Roots

“I had the privilege of visiting the Shokei School in early 2003—and then of helping host its wonderful choir as they came to Seattle later that year. A Flower with Roots helped me appreciate the development of the school and one of its early leaders, each often taking ‘three steps forward and two steps back,’ all the while depending on divine guidance that came from both open doors and closed ones.”  


—Paul D. Aita, Special Assistant for Southeast Asia and Japan, American Baptist International Ministries





“What a great book and what a fascinating story! Roberta Stephens has told the journey of Mary D. Jesse in a way that brings missionary work from the mid-twentieth century to life, along with all of its challenges and victories. Roberta Stephens is the perfect person to share this history, since so much of it parallels her own story. I highly recommend A Flower with Roots!”


—Glenn Gunderson, Lead Pastor, Purpose Church, Pomona, California





“A Flower with Roots is a fascinating contribution to cross-cultural studies as well as Baptist, mission, and women’s studies. This well-researched story of Mary D. Jesse and Shokei Girl’s School tells of educating Japanese girls in a context of war, personality conflicts, financial strain, and ethnic prejudice. It portrays the successful transition from mission to indigenous leadership and from dependence to independence. Shokei’s struggle to retain faith while facing rising nationalism is especially instructive.”


—Reid S. Trulson, International Ministries Executive Director, Retired