Hans Bouwman, was born in the Netherlands in 1928. He experienced the occupation of Holland during the Second World War, partly in his hiding place. In his profession as book-keeper, he continued his studies to become an accountant, and while working in an accounting office, he was convinced of a higher call. In 1955 he followed the call of the Lord in going out as a missionary to Japan. In 1957 he was married in Japan to Gerda Hengeveld, also from Holland. Out of this union 5 children were born in Japan: Linda, Marion, Carla, Monica, and Robert. After 30 years of service in the ‘land of the rising sun’, the Bowmans moved back to their native country in 1986 to be of help in the Lord’s work there. They were active in the gospel in the Netherlands and Belgium. Hans Bouwman went to be with the Lord in July 2006.