Bryan and Janet Thompson

Missionaries to Japan

Making Jesus Christ known among the unreached of Japan's 126 million people is the aspiration of Bryan and Janet Thompson, who just finished their second term of service in Japan. With less than 1% of the population Christian and most Japanese having never even opened a Bible, there is a lot of work to do.

The Thompsons spent their first term in Japan learning to communicate in Japanese, adapting to a very different culture, and gaining experience in ministry and Japanese church life. They are convinced that starting churches in the many locations where there are none is the most effective means of reaching Japan for Christ. In their second term they did just that, helping to plant the Lighthouse Church in Sapporo, Japan. Bryan was also the coordinator for OMF's short-term teams in Japan.

Born and raised in the Milwaukee area, Bryan grew up in a large Christian family and came to know the Lord at age 14. He was studying pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin when the Lord drew him to devote his entire life and future to God's service. After graduation and some work experience, he spent 19 months in Japan teaching English and doing friendship evangelism.

Janet, born and raised in Brookfield, Wisconsin, is also from a Christian home, and has three sisters. She came to Christ as a child and grew through church involvement. Her interest in missions was sparked while she studied nursing at UW-Eau Claire. Following college, Janet practiced career nursing and sought God's guidance as she was impressed with the great need for overseas workers.

Bryan and Janet were married in September of 1987, and studied at Columbia Biblical Seminary together a year later. Janet earned a certificate in Biblical Studies and Bryan earned a Masters in Intercultural Studies.

The Thompsons have three children: Lauren (1991), Stephen (1994) and Ian (1996).