I grew up in Ohio and lived in the same city until I was 23. Besides my home state of Ohio I have lived in Florida, Illinois, Hawaii and South Carolina. My hobbies are playing praise songs on the guitar, doing active sports and getting together with friends and family. I also love the outdoors and especially enjoy walking on the beach or through forests filled with the wonder of God’s creation.
Until age 21, the Creator God of the Bible was not a part of my worldview. Whatever the case, if it could not be explained logically or scientifically I was not interested. Of course that was before I knew that it takes more faith to believe in evolution than it does to believe in a personal God who designed the Universe with a purpose in mind. At one point God put within my heart a burning desire to know truth and the purpose of my existence. He used an older sister, a co-worker and some acquaintances to lead me to Jesus, the one who is the truth and who gives real purpose in life.
In those early days of growing in Christ, I had a vague desire to be a missionary, particularly to Japan. Why I had that desire cannot be explained in human terms because I had never known a missionary nor any Japanese people. In fact, I knew nothing about the country except that they had a statue of a big Buddha and ate with chopsticks. Looking back, I know that it was God who planted that desire in my heart.
My call to missions was not a lightning bolt experience that I’ve heard so many have. Rather it was following God’s leading day by day that led me to the point of applying for missionary service to Japan through the International Mission Board. How he did that would be another story all its own.
Until age 21, the Creator God of the Bible was not a part of my worldview. Whatever the case, if it could not be explained logically or scientifically I was not interested. Of course that was before I knew that it takes more faith to believe in evolution than it does to believe in a personal God who designed the Universe with a purpose in mind. At one point God put within my heart a burning desire to know truth and the purpose of my existence. He used an older sister, a co-worker and some acquaintances to lead me to Jesus, the one who is the truth and who gives real purpose in life.
In those early days of growing in Christ, I had a vague desire to be a missionary, particularly to Japan. Why I had that desire cannot be explained in human terms because I had never known a missionary nor any Japanese people. In fact, I knew nothing about the country except that they had a statue of a big Buddha and ate with chopsticks. Looking back, I know that it was God who planted that desire in my heart.
My call to missions was not a lightning bolt experience that I’ve heard so many have. Rather it was following God’s leading day by day that led me to the point of applying for missionary service to Japan through the International Mission Board. How he did that would be another story all its own.
After attending several universities and working in various types of employment, I moved to a city near Kobe, Japan in 1993. During that time I worked as an English teacher and studied the language. In 2000 I went back to the States to join the International Mission Board and then was sent to Yokohama to study the Japanese language and do ministry. In 2003 I moved back to the Kobe / Osaka area where I am presently serving.
I enjoy being a missionary in Japan mostly because I love the people and have a desire to see many surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I once saw a map of the world showing all the nations Japan had invaded during WW2 shaded in red. I was amazed at what this nation could accomplish when it was united in intent and purpose. Envision with me if you will, the following scenario: As a result of your prayers and God moving in hearts across this land, instead of 1% of the population being Christian, the majority of the population is Christian. With that same united effort with which they served the emperor, they now serve the Lord Jesus. Imagine looking at that same map. This time, the countries once shaded in red are now shaded in gold to signify the countries that the Japanese have led into the Kingdom in obedience to the Lord’s command given in the Great Commission. This nation seems to move as one and I truly believe that salvation will sweep across this land once the fire of evangelism has begun. I am so thankful that God has allowed me to do mission work here and be a part of what God is doing and is going to do in this country.
Email: wondrbar@gol.com
