~~~~ W. Douglas Johnson ~~~~
Doug was born (5/18/61) and raised just north of Chicago, Illinois. He served four years in the Air Force as a Security Specialist and was born again in 1979 while in the Air Force. He spent two years overseas in England and Germany.
Doug was called to full time ministry in 1985 and went to North Central University, Minneapolis, MN. He graduated cum laude 1989 with a BS in Cross Cultural Ministries. Doug married Erlene Coats 8/15/87 in Rio, WI.
He was called to First Assembly of God Yucca Valley, CA, in February of 1990 to be an Associate Pastor in charge of youth, CE, Evangelism Explosion and visitation. He served as youth rep. during this time. He also led mission trips into Mexico with his students through Vanguard University. Many of these young people who participated are in, or preparing for, full-time ministry now. Doug was ordained in Southern Cal. April of 1992.
Doug became senior pastor of Needles, CA, Assembly of God January 1, 1994. During his tenure at Needles A/G, he restored a devastated church, led the Needles Ministerial Alliance into cooperative services (which continue today), served on Southern California Kids' Camp staff and was approved as a missionary to Russia by A/G World Missions.
Doug went to North Central University as a result of the call to go to Russia in 1985, long before the Iron Curtain was torn down. His attitude was: "If you want me to go, Lord, you'll have to make a way." The Iron Curtain came down, and the Lord made a way. Doug and family arrived in Moscow in February, 1999.
During the Johnsons’ first term, Doug served as the church planting coordinator for northwest Russia. He has helped start more than six new works where there was no previous gospel witness. He has taught in the Moscow Theological Institute and taught Russian pastors through its extension in St Petersburg. He also served as interim pastor of International Christian Assembly in Moscow for 8 months. Doug is currently preaching and teaching and helping to plant more new churches through Project 42. This is a plan to reach 42 cities in Russia with populations of over 100,000 where there is no Pentecostal church. He is also the NW Regional Coordinator for the Russian Royal Rangers.
Doug loves hunting and fishing, working on old cars and games.
~~~~ Erlene (Coats) Johnson ~~~~
Erlene (3/13/67) was raised as a pastor's kid in the Midwest, the daughter of Rev. Dallas & Sharon Coats. Her father pastored in Minnesota and Wisconsin and pastored a Native American church in Gresham, WI. He is now retired. Most of her family serves in the ministry. Erlene graduated from high school in Horicon, WI. She graduated summa cum laude from North Central University (Minneapolis) in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in Sacred Music, with an emphasis on piano. She has served as worship leader, church bookkeeper, choir director, Sunday School teacher and Children's Church pastor. Erlene loves to sing and play the piano. She holds a specialized license with the Wisconsin/ Northern Michigan District.
Erlene is the Language Acquisition Coordinator for Russia and has taught in several women’s conferences. She served as financial assistant to CIS/Baltic’s Area Director and is an area financial advisor (unofficial). She also directed the International Christian Assembly’s 2001 Christmas program and administrated the children’s program. She is currently teaching band and substituting at Hinkson Christian Academy and is president of the Parent Teacher Fellowship there.
Erlene loves to read, the color purple, Precious Moments and plays the piano. E-mail her PKTwin1 at AOL dot com
~~~~ Our Three Children ~~~~
Meridith (Meri), was born 7/31/90; She loves reading, cats, butterflies, singing, and listening to music. Meri Likes drama and choir. She is often called Masha, the Russian variant of her name.
Kaitlyn (Kate), 10/15/91; Kate loves to read, music, drama & sports . Kate likes purple, red, ladybugs, drama, and sports. She is often called Katya, the Russian variant of her name. Kate has been accepted at Southeastern U. also to major in English. She plans to teach.
Christopher (Chris), 4/30/93; He loves sports and plays basketball, baseball and soccer. He also plays the drums. Chris really enjoys the Play Station 2 and army stuff. His favorite color is green, and he likes Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Email Chris at sportsboy43093 at AOL dot com (just don't expect a quick response)
