Sterling College

Ruth (Adams) ’50 and Gene ’51 Spear went to Japan as missionaries after graduating from the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary. In the fall of 1955, the couple moved to Japan. They studied Japanese and did some preaching with the aid of an interpreter.

After about two years, they started evangelistic services in the Covenanter Book Store in Kobe, Japan. Soon after, the group moved to Okamoto on the east side of Kobe. They continued their work and ministry with this group for 21 years until a well-functioning Japanese congregation was organized and handed over to a Japanese pastor.

The Spears then moved on to Mukonoso in Amagasaki, near Osaka, and started a new church plant. This church was organized and Gene served as the pastor for a short time period. In 2001, after 46 years of service as missionaries in Japan, the Spears retired and left this second church, again, in the capable hands of another Japanese pastor.

While being pastors and church planters were their main responsibilities, many other “little jobs” accompanied these. They also served as business managers of the mission, fulfilled responsibilities in the Japan presbytery and taught apologetics in the Kobe Theological Hall.

The Spears helped to build two church congregations within the country of Japan. One of the churches is presently making plans to plant a daughter congregation. As many know, Christianity makes up less than 1% of Japan’s population. Ruth and Gene Spear have played key roles, for the glory of God, to ignite a fire in the hearts of a people who desperately need the hope and salvation that come from Jesus Christ alone.

The Spears, now retired, reside in Olathe, Kansas.