About

Olwen and me in Bruges (Belgium) earlier this year (2016)

My name is Stephen and I’m a 60-something Brit who’s been living in Belgium for the last 30 years. I’ve also lived in the US, Germany and Italy and worked in Denmark (a lot – lovely country!) and elsewhere.

I’ve been married to Olwen for over 40 years and we have 4 daughters – all married to wonderful men – and six grandchildren (soon to be seven!)

In September 2016, I retired from my job at the European Commission and we moved to Nagoya, Japan for six months.

During those six months, Olwen – a TEFL/TESOL-qualified teacher with over 20 years experience – taught English to Japanese ladies there using the Bible and other Christian books as texts, while I provided logistical support (otherwise known as food shopping and cooking!) She has done this in Brussels for about 14 years (see her web site) and it was Japanese ladies returning to Japan who first invited her to go there and do the same. At first this didn’t seem possible, but God made it clear that it was not just their invitation but His too, so we went!

At the end of the six months, we returned to Belgium and are now in the process of clearing and selling our house there in order to return to Japan for at least three years in September (2017). This is what we believe our Father has for us next. It’s His dream for us – His call – and we’re excited to be part of it!

Footnote: in 2016 I qualified as a TEFL/TESOL teacher, too, and I’m also a musician (bass and drums).

Updated June 2017