Family

Doug and Cheryl met at Bethel College in Minnesota, USA. They were married in 1986. In 1996, 10 years later, God blessed them with the adoption of Christopher. Two years later, Benjamin joined our family in the same way. Recently as 12/05 Ohka has come to live with us.

Doug was born and raised in Japan, son of Dr. Stan & Joyce Conrad(EFCA-IM missionaries in Japan for over 40years). Cheryl was born in St.Paul,MN and her father was a pastor for over 35 years in the Baptist General Conference.

Chrisopher was born near Tokyo, Benjamin was born near Nagoya, Japan and Ohka was born in Fukuoka.

Ministry Past

Doug and Cheryl first were lead to Japan in the early 1990’s . Doug’s call to Japan was somewhat natural, as he had grown up in Japan. Cheryl wasn’t sure about her call going overseas until after one year living in Japan where she also grew to love the Japanese people and their culture.

Doug and Cheryl have been involved together in a wide variety of ministry opportunities since they were married in 1986. They have worked as a team in doing music ministry, small group Bible studies, children’s ministry, youth and college and career ministry.

Doug did his undergraduate work at Bethel College and at Colorado Christian College. He studied Music and Bible. While in Japan he felt a strong need to complete a seminary degree to become more effective in church work. He received a Masters of Ministry from Trinity Seminary (IN). Besides missionary work in Japan, Doug was the Associate Pastor at Central Free Church,Mpls.MN from Fall of 1999. until June 2003. Doug was ordained in the summer of 2005 by the Evangelical Free Church of America.

Cheryl has been teaching in both private Christian schools, International and public schools for over 20 years. Cheryl earned both her BA and MA in education at Bethel College. She is most passionate working in children’s ministries. She has been involved in teaching and developing curriculum in a number of settings. She also enjoys sharing inspirational messages with women.

Ministry Future

Our main task is to be actively involved in a church planting team. The teams work to build several churches in one district. A Japanese pastor is usually part of the team at an early stage, if available. The vision is to grow stronger districts rather than planting a new church in a new area every four years and then move on. We also hope to raise young adults to be discipled and to feel God’s call to full time ministry. Currently we are attending the Fukuoka EFC that has a 11year history. It is the first EFC church on the Kyushu island. Another church has already been started with the help of a EFCA-IM team. The Fukuoka EFC has grown and we are excited about starting a Christian Center, that would be the start of a new church!

Cheryl is currently teaching 2nd grade at Fukuoka International School. With added finacial support we anticipate Cheryl be able to work more on her Japanese language and able to use more time in ministry. With improved language skills, Cheryl’s desire is to be able to build deeper relationships with women and to be able share Bible stories in Japanese to children. With Doug’s ability to speak Japanese quite fluently, he has been able to build relationships quickly. His desire is to use more of his pastoral skills for discipling, preaching, and teaching.

It is our desire to be involved in the following areas in Japan to assist in multiplying healthy churches amoung all peoples.

Outreach and Relationship Building Activities: English conversation classes, baking or craft classes, Introductory Bible classes, special holiday events with various age groups, ski trips and camps, and giving musical concerts.

Discipling and Christian Living Activities: Small group Bible studies for men and women, social events, weekly worship, training seminars, teaching and preaching.

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