Tobias Issara

Tobias is Greek for “Yahweh is good”, and Issara is Thai/Lao for “Freedom”. Others call me Toby for short.  For security reasons I use a pseudonym. Since I live and work in closed access nations, gotta keep things on a down low. No matter where I am on the planet, God is good and I can’t help but share his goodness with others. I’m hoping my story, vision, and clandestine ninja activities can contribute to your hope, freedom, and joy.

Jesus Follower
Family Prioritizer
Cross-Cultural Church Planter
Disciple-Making Missioner
Kingdom Mobilizer
Ninja Enthusiast

I started following Jesus and serving cross-culturally as a teenager over two decades ago. I’m now a father of three, and seasoned missionary, life-coach, church-planter, businessman, development worker, writer, gamer, musician and ninja. I’m not perfect but I will always be passionate and pour out my whole heart – for out of its overflow pour words and deeds. All I can give you is what I say based on what I do.

There is always a risk to sharing the truth. Everything I share with you is true even though we work and live in high risk creative access countries. People in our countries who choose to share Jesus or start churches often face opposition or persecution. Some have paid the ultimate price. So for the safety of all those involved the names and locations I use will always be changed but the stories remain true.

Another thing to remember is that I am South-East Asian. My parents left to the U.S. as refugees in the early eighties where I was born and raised. There are many of you like me and I believe this gives us a unique perspective into life, ministry and mission.

For the Kingdom,
Tobias Issara