Recommendations
Recommendations and Endorsements
Dr. Steve Wilt
Dr. Gary Shockley
Dr. Charles F. Scheide
Dr. John Master
Rev. Ric Garland
Braille (Music Artist)
To Whom It May Concern:
As General Director of Fellowship International Mission, I am pleased to offer this letter of highest recommendation to you regarding Kazu and Amy Kato. Having successfully completed the 2007 Fellowship International Mission Candidate Orientation, Kazu and Amy have become FIM Appointees to Japan. Their unique backgrounds and life experiences have set them on a course that I believe will lead to fruitful ministry for the cause of Christ in Japan. Their passion to see the Japanese church expand and cultivate a new generation of leaders inspires all of us here at FIM.
Kazu and Amy exude a gracious confidence that will enable them to surround themselves with spiritually dedicated people to assist them in their work. They seem well suited for each other and to the task that the Lord has laid on their hearts for them to do.
The task that lies before them now has commonly been called “deputation,” or more recently, “support discovery.” Kazu and Amy are working hard to discover those churches, organizations, and individuals who will become part of their support team. We would strongly encourage you to stand behind this fine couple both by your prayers and, if possible, by financial support.
We are excited about the prospect of assisting them in ministry in Japan as God moves in their lives to provide the prayer and financial support they need. Any questions you might have regarding the Kato’s should be directed to Francisco deSouza or to Dean Ressler, or call our toll-free number, 888-346-9099.Yours in His service,
Steve Wilt
General Director
Fellowship International Mission
To Whom It May Concern;
Kazu and Amy Kato are tremendously burdened for the people of Japan known as the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan is in desperate need for the clear presentation of the gospel. I believe Kazu is one who loves his lord and has a desire to go where God leads him. It is well known how difficult it is for most missionaries to learn to communicate the gospel to the Japanese. This must not stop our efforts! In fact, the Lord has someone who understands the language, the culture and has been blessed of the Lord to have a strategy to make those desperately needed inroads to clearly present the gospel. The people of Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church have united not only to take on the Kato’s as one of our projects, but we are committed to be their sending church. As pastor, I can say, our church is 100% behind them.
I have watched Amy (Ketchum) Kato grow from a little girl in our Nursery to a young lady committed to serving the Lord. I have watched how God brought a godly man into her life that is focused on doing God’s will. I have had many conversations with them during these past few years and have prayed with them. I know they are equipped to go and to fulfill the great commission.
Of course we know as believers, we are mandated to fulfill the great commission! His word tells us to go and to preach the gospel to every creature, and that means the four corners.
Will you join us as we send Amy and Kazu to a people group who need the Lord? I ask you to pray for them. Will you ask the Lord how you might unite with us to get them to the field which is already “white unto harvest”?Yours in HIS Service,
Gary Shockley
Senior Pastor, Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great confidence I recommend for missionary service Kazuaki and Amy Kato. My history with the Kato family goes back to the late 1970’s when I was one of Kazu’s parents Bible/Theology professors at Word of Life Bible Institute. Years later I performed the same task with Kazu. Then, after assuming the role of Associate Academic Dean at Word of Life’s Florida campus, I had the privilege of teaching and getting to know Amy (then Ketcham) Kato. I watched as Amy and Kazu began to date, and rejoiced when God made the two one.
When informed of their intention, under the leading of the Lord, to return to the land of Kazu’s birth for ministry I rejoiced but with some apprehension, for while it would not mean much change for Kazu, it would be a major cultural adjustment for Amy. But after watching her accept numerous assignments at Word of Life these past couple of years, and sensing her passion and commitment to the task, that apprehension has been greatly alleviated. My observation is that the Lord will be able to use them in a significant manner once they establish their missionary base in Japan. Amy has displayed maturity beyond her years, a maturity demonstrated in the days of their courtship, and Kazu certainly has a firm grip on the manner of ministry he believes the Lord has called him to flesh out. And both are committed to the carrying out of their part in the Great Commission. I recommend them heartily to the task to which the Lord appears to be leading them.
Sincerely,
Charles F. Scheide, D.Min.
Word of Life Bible Institute
Hudson, Florida
To Whom It May Concern:
Kazu is one of the most godly and visionary individuals I have encountered in my years of ministry. For over a decade I have observed him to be a committed student and a perceptive communicator of the Word, a creative, practical, and faithful man. The local church I attend has agreed to have part in the financial and prayer support for Kazu and Amy as they begin the ministry in Japan for which God has uniquely equipped them. It is my joy to be part of their spiritual journey, and I commend them to you.
John Master, Th.D
Philadelphia Biblical University
To Whom It May Concern;
Please accept this as a letter of introduction of Mr. Kazuaki Kato.
Having known Kazu and Amy for 3 years, I can without reservation say that he is a person of integrity and passion. As our Assistant Dean of Men here at the Word of Life Bible Institute, I have observed Kazu’s passion and love for teaching God’s Word, as well as in mentoring many of our student men. His sharpness of mind enables him to “rightly divide the Word” and clearly teach its principles.
Having been privileged to have Kazu on our Bible Institute staff, I highly recommend him to you as one who desires to continue to follow the Great Commission and establish churches in his homeland of Japan.
Rev. Eric “Ric” Garland
Vice President, COO
Word of Life Bible Institute
Hey, this is Braille. I have a heart for Japan myself but I think the background and giftings of your family will create many strong ministry opportunities. MUCH LOVE.
