Tobias is Greek for “Yahweh is good”, and Issara is Thai/Lao for “Freedom”. I think this describes well who I am. Or you can just call me Toby for short as some of my peeps are in the habit of doing. I am an anonymous blogger and must remain so even though it goes against every fiber of my post-modern upbringing that values transparency. Only busta’s put up fronts and fake the funk if you know what I mean.
At the time of this writing I’m in my late a 20’s, a father of two and a half, missionary, church-planter, businessman, development worker, gamer and musician…among other things. I don’t consider myself an expert in any one thing but if I could offer something it would simply be my heart – for out of its overflow pour words and deeds. All I can give you is what I say based on what I do.
I’ve put off starting a blog for several years due to a combination of struggles. The greatest being the security risks. You see we live in a very closed Asian country doing all of those things listed above. People in our country who choose to share Jesus or start churches can end up in prison or missing. Some have paid the ultimate price. Knowing our names, our work and our country poses a significant security risk to our names, our work and our country. So for the safety of all those involved names and locations in Asia will always be changed but the stories of course will always be true – as well as the passion.
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. Read, discover, engage…
For the Kingdom,
Tobias Issara
The Asian Rough Rider 
engaging, thought provoking, life transforming
I agree, Jesus is totally engaging, thought provoking and life transforming!
A missionary kid friend of ours grew up in Ghana, E. Africa. He told us that “Issa” means God in their language and had consequentially removed the painted letters on the back of his Nissan truck to reflect that. (I have no idea why I shared that with you. =P ) I actually wanted to say how much I love your blog and am praying for you as you follow God in Asia. It is an area of the world dear to my heart as well. Blessings,
Diane
Thank you for the kind words and wonderful imagery. I will never look at Nissans the same. Now that you mentioned it, I just realized that “Issa Masih” means Jesus the Messiah in Arabic.
We appreciate your prayers as well and who knows, maybe we’ll see you on this side of the globe one day. Either way, the influence of your writing and words are already here and I’m sure will go farther then you can possibly “ask or imagine”.
Peace,
Tobias
Greetings from Cambodia. I recently took a prayer circle ride up from Phnom Penh to Luang Prabang and further north. Much to see and much to pray for.I would be interested in your perspectives on regional praying. I am doing this with my semi annual prayer circles circumnavigating Cambodia border. Thanks
So sorry for the insanely slow response…you probably won’t ever read this. But I do want to say that motorbiking riding and prayer walking is something we do often and in our context, gets pretty extreme. Someone has to GO and pave the way in prayer. I am ecstatic to hear that you are doing that regionally! This gives me even more ideas about how we might broaden our own vision. If you ever read this and are open – let’s talk about riding together!
I greatly appreciated the ‘pioneers’ blog. Please contact me, I would like to talk with you. Have a look at our website.
Hey Bob, checked out your website and really appreciate what you do! Thank you for your years of wisdom and service. we can exchange emails on twitter. You can direct message me here: https://twitter.com/AsianRoughRider