INSIDE OUT: Beginning on a personal note, where were you born and raised?

Becca Johnson: I was born in Marshall, MO, daughter of Pastor William and Sis. Louise Stark.

IO: Did you go to Bible college?
BJ: No, I didn’t attend a college. I was blessed, however, to have Pastor R. L. Grohman as our pastor in Hannibal, and he provided excellent Bible teaching and invested many years of leadership training in our lives.

IO: Did you go to secular college?

BJ: No I didn’t but, I recommend young people to go if you are able to go.

IO: Tell us about your family?

BJ: I have two beautiful children—Abriah, who is 9 years old, is learning to play the piano and loves to write and draw. She is a sweetheart and loves God with all her heart. Jace is 4 years old and loves his trains and baseball. He is a very active little guy. I have been blessed with an amazing husband who is an amazing dad as well. Matthew is my best friend and my dream come true (he is a Christian and good-looking). I feel blessed to have the family God gave to me.

IO: What is your favorite food?

BJ: #1 choice is chocolate and coffee. Then the real food is salmon, broccoli, spinach fruit salad; and then, of course, Mexican food!

IO: If you could have dinner with one person who is alive today and that you have never met, who would it be?

BJ: I would love to have dinner with Vesta Mangun. I have heard a lot of great things about her, but have yet to personally meet her.

IO: Do you have a hobby?

BJ: I love to take pictures of my kids, I enjoy a good book, and I of course consider shopping a full time hobby :0)

IO: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

BJ: Exactly where I am because I know that is where God wants me.

IO: Has there ever been a time when you felt like you didn’t know God’s will?

BJ: I have always been taught that the will of God is not a mystery. Serve Him with all your heart and He will put all the pieces together in His perfect timing. I have found this to be very true, and I have learned not to question God but just simply trust Him with all my heart. Trust goes a step beyond faith; I know that God is doing what is best for me.

IO: Today’s youth are dealing with issues that no other generation has had to face; what do they need to survive?

BJ: Young people today need to develop a personal walk with God. It all starts with keeping a clean heart and protecting yourself from temptation. It is so important to consistently pray, fast, and read the Word of God. Choose your friends wisely and surround yourself with Godly influences.

IO: Your husband has just been appointed to the position of Director of Promotion for the General Youth Division. Are you excited about this dynamic change in your lives?

BJ: I am excited to be a part of God’s work. We served in youth ministry at our local church for 15 years, and we both still love to work with youth after all that time. They keep me young! We feel passionately about guiding this generation in a positive direction for their future and the future of our children.

IO: What are some of the challenges that you expect to face?

BJ: The biggest challenge for me is moving to a large city. I grew up in a small town, and living in the city is new to me. Although I have always loved to shop, shop, shop in the city; I have never lived in a city larger than 20,000 people. I’m looking forward to creating new friendships in the area.

IO: What advice would you give to a young lady that feels a call to the ministry—either as a preacher’s wife or as a minister herself?

BJ: I would talk with your youth pastor and your pastor. They will pray with you and help guide you in the right direction for your life. Being in the ministry is being a servant.