Bio

Alan and his wife, Jan, met in preparation for a Bob Jones University summer mission team to Manitoba, Canada. Both were already sensing the Lord’s call to serve as missionaries, and they were married in 1979 and joined GFA in 1982. They served in Japan for 17 years, during which time Alan led a small rural church and then planted Calvary Baptist Church in the large city of Nagoya. In 2002, he accepted GFA’s invitation to return to the States to become an administrative director. For several years he served as director of recruiting and oversaw the training program for GFA missionaries. The Pattersons’ ministry also included extensive travel around the world to visit GFA missionaries and conduct survey trips. In recent years, Alan has served as Regional Director for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The Pattersons especially enjoy this role as it gives them the privilege to fellowship with, encourage, and offer counsel to GFA missionaries. They also enjoy their role as grandparents to six delightful constantly growing and changing grandchildren.