About Bill Harris -

I grew up in Southern California and graduated from Biola University with a degree in business (with a minor in communications).  After marrying Robin, I worked for 10 years in video production for InterAct Ministries, living in Alaska, Canada, and eventually Oregon.  During that time I obtained an MA in Communications (Video/Film).

As part of my work, I went to Russia in 1992 to produce a documentary on the changes happening in the evangelical churches in Yakutsk, Siberia. I came back very enthused about what I observed there and began to learn Russian in hopes of returning. In 1994, I was invited by the Association of Evangelical Churches in Yakutia to come and serve as a consultant to local Russian and Sakha pastors and Christian leaders.

I studied for and received my ordination and moved with my family to Russia, living there from 1994 until 2004.  During that time we focused on learning Russian language, as well as both the Sakha and Russian cultures and worldviews. In my work as a consultant to Russian and Ukrainian Christian leaders, I emphasized the importance of understanding and valuing the local context of Sakha and Russian culture so that the churches being planted in Yakutia would be more culturally relevant to the ethnic mix in the local churches. During that period, we returned to the USA, allowing both my wife and I to earn MAs in Inter-Cultural Studies. The Association of Evangelical Churches in Yakutia continued to grow after we left; eventually a number of indigenous churches were planted which reflected Sakha culture, language, and values.

In 2004 we moved back to Los Angeles to help our children transition into college (at ages 15 and 18). During that time, I did an MA in Organizational Leadership. Soon after I completed that degree, we left InterAct Ministries to work with Operation Mobilization in their Heart Sounds International division, based out of Atlanta, GA. I now serve as their administrator and am doing a lot of video production again (a return to my pre-Russia life). Heart Sounds supports culturally-relevant and biblically-appropriate worship, especially in places where Christ-followers are restricted, persecuted or unknown. This is done through providing services in audio and video production, training and teaching, and song writing workshops.

I am also helping Robin in her dissertation research, doing video production for her interviews, both in her field work and for occasional projects here at home.  We enjoy this teamwork and our life here in Georgia!