Steve Metcalf, OMF International missionary to Japan for 38 years and a pastor of the Japanese Christian Fellowship, London, died on June 7, aged 86.
As a teenager Steve was interned by the Japanese, following their occupation of north China, during the Second World War. In his first internment camp Steve made a personal commitment to Christ. In a second camp at Weifang, Shandong Province, Steve met the Olympic gold-medallist, Eric Liddell, who had a profound influence on his life.
Eric Liddell’s running shoes
Stephen Arnold Metcalf was born in Kunming, south-west China, in October 1927, the son of China Inland Mission missionaries. He was a keen sportsman, which brought him friendship with Liddell, who was also in the Weifang camp. Liddell gave Steve his own running shoes when Steve’s footwear was in tatters and Liddell challenged Steve to pray for his enemies – the Japanese. When Liddell died in February 1945, Steve promised God that he would go to Japan as a missionary.
