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Former Belhaven College staff member prepares for mission field in Japan: Part 2
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BRENT’S TESTIMONY
Brent grew up in Inwood, Iowa, a small town of fewer than 800 people. Raised in the Christian Reformed Church (which closely resembles Presbyterianism), he attended Dort College.
Brent describes the family he grew up in as a “solid Christian family.” Rather than having had a dramatic conversion experience, such as St. Paul, Brent says his growth in the Christian faith has been more gradual.
“Just as infants and young children cannot love and serve their parents, but merely depend on them and love the attention and things they receive, so I did not naturally love and serve God, but grew to understand who He is and to love Him for that, as well as for what He did for me,” he said. “And what has He done for me? He gives me eternal life through the sacrifice of His Son -- nothing that I have done makes me deserving of this, or contributes in any way to my salvation! He also gives me a sure hope in this earthly life, as well as a purpose and calling.”
As a young man, Brent says he had his life planned out. “I would teach history, work on a master's degree in counseling during my summers, and eventually be a counselor at Dordt College. I would also marry soon after college and have a family,” he said.
As a young man, Brent says he had his life planned out. “I would teach history, work on a master's degree in counseling during my summers, and eventually be a counselor at Dordt College. I would also marry soon after college and have a family,” he said.
Things changed after a year of teaching school in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Brent switched gears, becoming a youth director at Grand Rapids, Michigan church for two years, before becoming a Resident Director at a business college in Flint, Michigan. Brent continued pursuing his master’s degree during the summers.
CAREER AT BELHAVEN
Before ultimately coming to Belhaven in 2000 as Resident Director and Coordinator of Student Life, Brent spent three years working for a Christian college in Huntington, Indiana, and then two years as a Resident Director for California Baptist University.
After working in the residence halls for 11 years, Brent became the Dean of Student Life.
“In this role, I supervised the residence hall staff, handled discipline issues, and worked with the dining commons manager, the campus counselor, and the health center,” he said. “I always enjoyed college students and was confident I would retire after a long career in student development.”
Now, as he’s on the verge of entering the mission field, Brent says, “My original career plans were not nearly as exciting as what God had in store for me, or where He is now leading me!”
Brent remains single, but says he can see now has God used his singleness to provide ministry opportunities that would have been less feasible, had he had a family. “I believe God will provide in that area in due time, however!”
While in Jackson, Brent has been a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, as well as Redeemer Church, which meets at what was formerly Trinity’s facility.
“I have been blessed to learn a great deal from the ministries of both churches. At Redeemer, I was involved as the webmaster, in the gospel choir, and a deacon. I recently have given up all these roles as I am traveling the country to raise support,” he said.
“I have been blessed to learn a great deal from the ministries of both churches. At Redeemer, I was involved as the webmaster, in the gospel choir, and a deacon. I recently have given up all these roles as I am traveling the country to raise support,” he said.
PREPARING TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY
Until Brent leaves for Japan, he will be traveling the United States raising support. He is available to speak to various groups—churches, individuals, ministry organizations, etc…
“I will be learning to fully depend on God's provision during this time,” he said. “I have a feeling I will not get to 100% until I do fully trust God, and not my own efforts.”
Brent has a facebook page to help spread awareness about his upcoming mission work, titled “Land of the Risen Son.” Often questioned as to why he would choose Japan, of all places, the home page sheds some light on this:
Brent has a facebook page to help spread awareness about his upcoming mission work, titled “Land of the Risen Son.” Often questioned as to why he would choose Japan, of all places, the home page sheds some light on this:
“Although Japan is known as the "Land of the Rising Sun," it does NOT know the Risen Son. With approximately half the population of the USA in an area the size of California, only 0.4% of the people know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. This makes Japan one of the largest unreached people groups in the world. Despite this, Japan, like all of creation, belongs to its Creator -- it is the Land of the Risen Son!”
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To learn more about Brent’s ministry, visit http://brentkooi.blogspot.com or contact him at brentkooi@gmail.com.
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