Called to missions at the age of five and to Japan at age twelve, it would take twenty years before Rick Lucas and his wife, Jean, arrived in Japan as missionaries. The Marine Corps was the first to take him to Japan, where he baptized the first of many converts. Today, that first convert pastors a church in Alabama. Following their graduation from ABI, he and Jean served as pastoral assistants, youth pastors, and evangelists until the Lord opened the door for them to serve as Associates In Missions. On AIM, they pastored and taught at the Bible school in the Leeward Islands. After receiving missionary appointment, they served as furlough replacements in Guam and Micronesia before finally arriving in Japan in August of 1984.
Their appointment began with ministering to the U.S. Military stationed in Asia because Japan was not accepting missionaries to the national church. During the first term, they were able to see works opened at four U.S. Military bases in Japan. God also brought some wonderful Japanese people into these churches, and after one term, the UPC of Japan agreed to open the door once more to missionaries. The Lucas’ appointment was then broadened to include ministry to the Japanese.
In thirty-three years of missionary ministry in Japan, they have witnessed many military and international people from all over the world come to know the Lord. However, the most exciting to them has been the wonderful revival among the Japanese. The Lucases have taught Bible school, pastored, opened numerous new works, been involved in extensive writing and overseeing the translation of materials, training and development of leaders, and served as General Director in Japan for seventeen years. The greatest and most exciting days for God’s work in Japan’s history are happening right now, and it will only get better in preparation for the Lord’s coming.