Gail Beran
17122 25th Ave NE
Lake Forrest Park, WA 98155

Gail ended her term of service in September 2003, after a leave of absence of one year. She is available to speak when her schedule permits. To invite her to speak in your church, see her current contact information on the Mission Speakers page.

Gail was appointed to serve in Japan as a mission co-worker in July 1999. After completing a year of language study, she began her assignment with the Korean Christian Church in Japan (KCCJ) in July 2000. As assistant to the Secretary of the KCCJ, her duties include English correspondence and publications. One day each week Gail works for the Council on Cooperative Mission, providing care and support for missionaries from North America and Europe who are serving the United Church of Christ in Japan.

Gail has lived in Japan since 1988, serving as a missionary through the Reformed Church in America and teaching English at various schools. Her experience in the mission field began early, since she is the daughter of Presbyterian missionaries in the Philippines, John and Carolyn Beran (retired 1998). Although growing up in this way had an impact on Gail’s career choice, she feels that she is following her own path. "I was drawn into mission service because I had felt (and continue to feel) God’s leading to be in this type of ministry," she writes. "I truly believe God called me to Japan, and that is why I am here."

Letters from
Gail Beran

• April 2002
• October 2001
• May 2001
• December 2000
• June 2000
• December 1999

"I have come to love Japan, its people, and to appreciate many aspects of Japanese culture," Gail writes. "I have been impressed with the dedication and commitment of Christian Japanese to live out the gospel message in Japan. Their decision to receive Christ as their Lord is not taken lightly, and many face areas of deep struggle over this decision. Their willingness to put the Word into practice and to reach out to the needs of the community has also been a blessing to see. They are small in number, but their impact is felt within this country."

From 1988 to 1994, Gail was a missionary associate for the Reformed Church in America, teaching English at Baiko Jogakuin Junior/Senior High School and Baiko Junior College in Shmonoseki, Japan. She also taught English at the YWCA Junior College in Tokyo and served as personnel assistant for the Council on Cooperative Mission. From 1994 to 1999, Gail worked as world mission program associate for the Reformed Church in America, teaching English at the YWCA Junior College, at Ferris Jogakuin High School in Yokohama, and at the Korean Christian Seminary.

Gail holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, and a master’s degree in education with a focus on teaching English as a foreign language from Temple University in Tokyo, Japan. She is a member of the American Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa, and attends the Shirogane Kyokai church in Tokyo, Japan.

Birthday: September 27