We were both raised in wonderful Christian homes and graduated from Prairie Bible College. Steve came to Japan as a summer missionary with SEND during his Bible school years. It was at that time that God confirmed a strong desire to be involved in ministry in Japan. Steve realized that God wanted to use the talents that He had given him to help evangelism in this country.
God called Belva Rae to Japan as a young child of nine years. Many missionaries had stayed in her home, an opportunity that God used to clarify that He wanted her life to be lived among Japanese to be a light shining in their dark world.
Our philosophy of ministry has always included our entire family, as we feel strongly that God has called us as a family to this land. Our kids have worked alongside us and throughout our city. They have often created an in-road for us to share Christ's love and salvation.
Steve's main responsibilities are that of facilities director at Okutama Bible Chalet, which puts him to the task of maintenance and preparation of buildings for campers. He leads grounds workers during the summer months, as the task is too heavy to handle alone. He also leads the outdoor programs, which include father/son camps, overnight adventure camps, and mountain hiking. Steve teaches a weekly conversational English class at a research company. He often has opportunities to share biblical values and principles with these women and men. Preaching with a translator is another avenue of evangelism for Steve.
Belva is involved in committees and music at our church, Ome Christ Church. She is also teaching a cooking class at Shonan Christ Church as an evangelistic tool, where a Bible study occurs during the class time. Her evangelism outreaches stretch to children, young people, shut-ins, women, and seniors.
We have been heavily involved in disaster relief since the Tohoku Triple Disaster occurred on March 11, 2011. It has been a privilege to reach out to so many hurting peoples and through the many relief donations to Kotlarczyks Relief Fund (an ongoing project) be able to take tons of relief supplies up north. We continue now with "heart care," seeking ways to share God's hope with many whose trust we have gained. Minami Sanriku was a hard hit area where there was no initial church before the earthquake/tsunami disaster and has become burrowed into our hearts.
Contact us at [email protected].
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