Dr. Howard and Bonnie Carlson

Howard and Bonnie Carlson served 12 years in Israel (1965 - 1983); surviving 2 major wars.  They pastored 4 churches until four years ago, when they decided to re-enter the mission field in Kenya, co-laboring with Raymond and Ruth. Howard and Bonnie are both teachers at FCB, and often evangelize at the outreach churches supported by Go! International. 

Howard was team member of ICR's Mount Ararat excavation; Co-leader of 5 study groups to the Middle East; Chairman of ICCC Biblical & Archaeological Commission; Chairman - Tel Mardikh Study Center, USA; founding principal of Heritage Christian School - Tacoma, Wash.(1971); Hospital administrator, Baraka Hospital - Israel, (1972 - 1976); Executive Vice President, Faith Theological Seminary, (1982); Co-founder and second President of PMU, (1985, 1987);  V.P. Of Middle East Bible Council (1965 - 1970); Executive Committee member of ACCC, (1986 - present); to name a few.

There were many offers to serve, but Howard and Bonnie said the Lord's direction was Kenya, where they also felt was the greatest need.

“Our direction must be provided by the Holy God in whose presence we stand. God grant us a continuing church in which idealism may remain unstained, and guide us to the ‘well done’ of our Saviour.” Howard

Dr. Raymond and Ruth Carlson

Raymond and Ruth Carlson have labored 35 years in Kenyan and Uganda, where they have helped start five Bible schools, trained pastors, and helped plant dozens of indigenous churches. Raymond says it will take another 100 years to complete the work he has begun.

Many times he has entered the bush where no missionary has ever been, earning the title of 'the Go Man.' God directs and Raymond goes. He states he doesn't want to be a Jonah; that it's a fearful thing to run from God; even more fearful than being robbed many times, poisoned, snake-bit, spider-bit, laid flat with malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, tick fever; escaping cholera and thugs with machetes; yet they continue to rejoice in bringing the love of Christ to Africa.

Raymond is a graduate of Highland College; Faith Theological Seminary; and holds a doctorate in Biblical counseling. Since 2000, except for one trip to Kenya for the 2003 Women's Conferences, Ruth has remained in the States because of a disease contracted in Kenya. Raymond travels to Kenya three-four times a year- overseeing and assisting the many Go! outreach schools and churches, and preaching in the bush. As a result of their lifetime work, thousands of souls have been given the gift of salvation and eternal life with Christ.

Raymond stresses that their whole policy is to help the African nationals to be indigenous, self-sustaining, and independent.  Raymond states, "It's a high ideal, but we want the churches to be for them, not for us.”

"The Carlson's own nothing in Kenya, except a vehicle to take them to the outreaches, and a few necessary personal and teaching items.  They trust the Lord to meet every need and their concern and prayer is that the Lord will call others to come and help."  Sylvia Baron - Author of  'Willing Fools for the Sake of Christ - The Carlson Chronicles' and Go! International Historian - Website Writer and Photo-Graphic Designer..

From a mission newsletter the early 1980's

Raymond and Ruth receive gifts from Pastor Kilolo for being brave missionary warriors in the late 1960's.

"Willing Fools

For the Sake of Christ"

The Carlson Chronicles

A book has been written to chronicle the lives of the two Carlson families. The pages are filled with 1000 photographs and stories that witness to the love of Christ for the African people, and a walk by faith in God in Bethlehem. This book is not for sale, but is a gift to you for a donation of $25 plus $9 to cover shipping costs. Write to: 

Go! International

P.O. Box 111653  -  Tacoma, WA. 98411

The Go! International website is built, written, designed, and maintained by volunteers and supporters of Go! International. The Baron Family.

Unless otherwise listed on the pages, all photographs on the Go! International web pages are the exclusive property of

GO! International Copyright 2003 – All Rights Reserved

The photos may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other without express permission from the executive members of GO! International.

Copyright 2003 © GO! International – All Rights Reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other without express permission from the executive members of GO! International.