Satomi Mercer: Loving Cross-Cultural
Satomi is one of my heroes in the “Cross-cultural” marriage world. When we met she was several years ahead of me in terms of experience and every time we talked I would glean little gems from her stories. She is calm, has a great sense of humor and her love for God, her family and her nation shines brightly.
Joy Teague Matienzo: Hi Satomi, please tell our readers where you are from and how you came to know Jesus?
Satomi Mercer: I live in Yokosuka, Japan. I grew up in a Pentecostal church and got baptized when I was 13.
JTM: How did you meet your husband and how long have you been married?
SM:I met my husband, Ray, at a Bible College in Oregon, USA. We have been married for 33 years.
JTM: What has been your biggest challenge being married cross-culturally?
SM: There has been plenty of miscommunication, naturally. When we assume what the other person is thinking, BAM! That’s when it happens – the biggest misunderstanding. Misunderstanding leads to judging each other and judging leads to distrust.
JTM: What do you think is the most fun thing about being married cross-culturally?
SM: Being able to travel and meet people that would otherwise be impossible. He loves my side of the family and I his side. Food is a big part of the fun.
JTM: The last time I saw your kids they were in primary school. What are they up to these days?
SM: James is 30 and just about to move out of our house. He works on the U.S. military base here in Yokosuka as an accountant. He serves as Music director for Every Nation Church in Yokohama. Alishea lives not far from our house with 2 missionaries. She is the Director at the church we pastor. She teaches English part time at preschools and an elementary school. James and Alishea have a YouTube channel together. (Link is below)
JTM: What do you see as your biggest gifts and how has God used them to serve where you are?
SM: Among the 9 gifts of the Spirit in I Corinthians 12, my strongest gift is Discernment of the Spirit. I feel it is essential when pastoring people.
JTM: Is there a specific scripture that has meant a lot to you throughout your life?
SM: Yes. Ephesians 4:12 is my life verse.
To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. This is my Identity scripture. I had such a low self-esteem even after I met Jesus, or had not really met Him in the way that I needed to. The fact that God made me the way He wanted me to be and He had things for me to do was a great revelation. I don’t have to compare myself with others the way I used to. I don’t have to accomplish anything to be accepted by God. I am free to decide to obey God to please Him.
JTM: Can you tell us about a time when God used another woman to lift you up or encourage you in your faith or daily living?
SM: One time I was visiting Ray’s family for Christmas or Thanksgiving. I was asked to slice cucumbers. I asked my step mother in-law how thin I should cut them. She said, “However your heart desires, darling. Don’t try to please people. You can’t please everyone.” She was not even a believer but God used her to change my way of life at that moment more than many wonderful sermons that I had heard.
JTM: What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time?
SM: I love learning about history, science, personality and psychology. I love listening to podcasts on those topics. I love drawing, crocheting and cooking. I got into making tofu from scratch recently.
JTM: Is there a “most requested” family favorite recipe that you can share with us?
SM: Karaage – Japanese Style Fried Chicken
Cut up boneless chicken thighs
Marinate them for 30 minutes or more in a sauce made of the following:
Yogurt, salt, pepper, ginger paste, garlic paste
Coat each piece in potato starch
Fry in 350 F oil for about 7 minutes.
Sprinkle salt while hot.
Serve with lemon or lime edges.
Enjoy a video from James and Alishea’s YouTube channel.
Very encouraging. These testimonies give hope for those struggling with their overseas chalenges.
Great interview Joy; loved the questions you asked Satomi and really enjoyed her answers. When God is in a marriage, it can thrive. Happy to read that her children are doing well too!