I began my ministry as a freshman at the University of Mobile in 1980. I graduated from Southern Seminary in 1988 and I have served in a variety of churches over the past 25 years.
Melody and I have been married for 27 years. During our marriage, our ministry has taken us to various states and countries. We are currently serving at Koza Baptist Church in Okinawa, Japan. Melody and I were married on December 19, 1981. Since that time she has been an important part of my life and ministry. She grew up in a minister’s home and she well understands the challenges and joys of serving the body of Christ. The Lord has truly blessed me through Melody and I am more effective within my ministry because of her involvement.
We have three wonderful children, daughter in law and two grandchildren. At times they are tools in God’s hand to bring teaching opportunities in our lives. We are blessed by the love our children have for us, each other, and the Lord. All three are followers of Christ and are seeking to grow in their relationship with Him. Our life and ministry together has led us to various churches and even countries. These experiences have given us a greater desire to “know God and to make Him known.”
My wife and I were stationed at Kadena in 72-76. Fond memories of a warm people. Our daughter was born there. Today, we are visiting her home in Sarasota FL for the holidays.
Our spiritual lives were affected positively during that time, and on returning to the US I left the military and went to bible school. I hope you are finding a fruitful ministry among the servicemen and women, and that together you are finding ways to reach out to the locals (I remember tract blitzes “dozo, yonde kudasai” still!). I think my only regret from our time there is that I didn’t take more advantage of reaching out to a people group that has a very low percentage of the population converted to Jesus Christ.
Hello…
Thank you for the reply.
We are having a great time in our ministry on Okinawa.
We are seeing many of the military community families coming our way. We are also seeing some in roads to the Japanese community. We work very closely with the Okinawan Baptist Convention and they are being effective in reaching the community for Christ. In 2006 we were part of the Franklin Graham Festival in Okinawa. The Lord used it to bring the international community together and many gave their life to Christ.
Thank you for your word and God Bless!
Tim Smith
Koza Baptist Church
Okinawa, Japan