Mrs. Virginia Sisk and her husband, Dr. Don Sisk, went to Japan as missionaries in 1964. After returning from Japan, Dr. Sisk helped missionaries and churches around the world through Baptist International Missions, Inc. (BIMI). Mrs. Sisk has been his dear wife and faithful companion. The Sisks moved to Lancaster, California, in 2003, where Dr. Sisk serves as the missions department director of West Coast Baptist College, and Mrs. Sisk teaches the class “The Missionary’s Wife.” Recently The Baptist Voice interviewed Mrs. Sisk about her life and ministry as a missionary’s wife.

What was your reaction to becoming a missionary to Japan?
I was fearful. Until we left for Japan, I had never been out of the United States. When I thought about going to a different country as a missionary, I’ll admit—it was frightening.

What were some challenges you faced?
The hardest challenge was the language. I was born and raised in Kentucky, and I spoke Kentuckian English. Learning Japanese was a challenge. The culture was completely different. Religion and culture were always connected, and everything the Japanese did centered on their religion. It made me more aware that I needed God’s presence and guidance in my life. I began praying more often, too.

What were some of the ways you feel you were able to help your husband?
I think my submission to God’s calling on his life helped him. I wanted to be a good wife and submit to his leading as my husband. I also tried to be a good homemaker. I took care of our two children and made sure Don had good food to eat.

How did you make time for your family while you were on the mission field?
When we first went to Japan, we were all involved with language school. On Saturdays, when our daughter Renee was out of school and Don wasn’t involved with something else, we made that day a family day. Every other morning, we would just have something quick for breakfast, but Saturday mornings we would have a big family breakfast. Afterwards, we would sometimes go to the bowling alley. There weren’t many entertaining places to go in Japan, but the bowling alley was neat for the kids.

Did you ever feel forgotten during your time in Japan?
Sometimes you feel that your friends forget you, but even during difficult times I knew God didn’t forget me. This past year when I had surgery for a brain tumor, I knew God didn’t forget me, even though I didn’t know how to cope with it at first. I praise the Lord the operation was successful. My life verse has always been Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” When something like the brain tumor happens, I always rely on the Word of God. I just know that Christ is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother. He said He would never leave us or forsake us. I always felt that God was there.

After fifty years of marriage, what has sustained your commitment?
My secret is remembering the vow Don and I made to each other on our wedding day. Whenever I disagreed with him, I would think, “This is ‘til death do us part! ” I learned to pray through difficulties, and I learned to say, “I’m sorry,” even when I didn’t think it was my fault.

How did you transition from BIMI to Lancaster Baptist Church?
When my husband first said we were moving to Lancaster, I was a little surprised. Retirement from BIMI meant not traveling every week. It meant being able to see our children and grandchildren. It was also tough leaving BIMI—it was so much a part of my life, but God had a purpose in moving us.

Lancaster Baptist Church made the transition much easier. When we first came in 2003, everyone was so good to us. I didn’t think I could be content in California, but I would go back to what the Apostle Paul said, “In whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” I made friends and got involved in the ministry. Be content wherever God places you—enjoy it, and be involved in whatever you can.

Who has influenced your life the most?
First, I would say my mother. She was a wonderful Christian lady. She was a hard worker and raised me with my four sisters and two brothers. We didn’t have a lot of Bible training in the home, but Mom and Dad always took us to church. My mother taught me to give my best to whatever I did. I’ll never forget her telling me, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”

Second, I would say my husband. He has always wanted to serve the Lord since he was saved at the age of sixteen. He has always had compassion for the lost. His love for the Lord and his desire to glorify Him have been a great influence in my life.

Third, is my pastor, Dr. Paul Chappell, and the people of Lancaster Baptist Church. The friends we have here have done so much for us, it is beyond words. The opportunity to teach at West Coast Baptist College is something I never even dreamed I would get to do. God always gives more than you expect.

Fourth, is Dr. Lee Roberson. He was my pastor for many years. He was always there for us when we left for Japan and when we returned home. When you heard him preach, you always received something that would help you grow spiritually.

I keep thanking the Lord every day for giving me more time on earth and more opportunities to be a blessing to somebody else. He could have taken me, but He left me here for a reason. I pray I will fulfill that purpose while I am still here. I often tell my husband, “I’m still your thorn in the flesh.” I am so thankful that God saw fit to give me just a few more years.