The Park Avenue congregtion has always had an interest in evangelism beyond Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee. In the early 1970′s the congregation began her aggressive missions work by sending Wes and Glenna Harrison to Hanover, Germany (1972-78). Next they sent Evertt and Ileene Huffard to Nazareth, Israel (1976-81).
In 1977 the Park Avenue congregation sent Dwight and Josephine Albright to Tokyo, Japan. Thus began their interest in and concentration on evangelism in Japan. The Albrights returned to Memphis in 1986, but continued to be liaison between Japan, the congregation, and those interested in Japan missions.
Robin and Cyndi Cannon were sent to Okinawa, Japan, in 1990 under oversight from the Park Avenue congregation. They continued their efforts there until 2001. Upon their return the congregation picked up oversight and support for Tracy and Anne Bezner who replaced the Cannons in Okinawa (2001-08).
While a student at the Harding Graduate School, Masa Nonogaki and his wife Mari, worshiped and worked with the Park Avenue congregation. Upon his graduation and return to Japan, the congregation took on his support and oversight. Since returning in 1996 they have worked to establish a Japanese congregation in the Yokota suburb of Tokyo.
Ivan Voser, another student at the Harding Graduate School, also worked and worshiped with the congregation. As he neared graduate and time to return to his home town of Thun in Switzerland, he asked that the congregation help support his work there. He returned to Thun, Switzerland, and began working with that congregation in 2002. Park Avenue has continued to support and oversee his work.
For further information on the Park Avenue congregations current workers, please see the links below:
