Byron Johnson, a native of Cartersville, GA, came to faith in Christ at the age of 16 and soon after experienced significant spiritual growth as a student at the University of West Georgia. Through the ministry of Campus Outreach (CO), he was discipled throughout college, and in turn began discipling others, participating in retreats, conferences, and both domestic and international mission projects. A pivotal two-month mission trip to Mexico City confirmed God’s call on his life to pursue full-time vocational ministry, particularly with a burden for the need for more African American missionaries. After graduating in 1990, Byron served with Campus Outreach for 20 years in multiple leadership roles—including campus staff, campus director, area director, and regional director—ministering on campuses such as Alabama State University, Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University.

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In 2012, Byron founded VISION 9:38, where he serves as Executive Director, focusing on mobilizing and equipping ethnic minority missionaries for gospel ministry in the U.S. and abroad. Over the course of his ministry, he has raised more than $5 million to advance missions efforts. He also holds a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary, is a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, and serves widely as a consultant, advisor, and conference speaker in the areas of leadership, fundraising, and diversity. His prayer and passion remain that God would continue to raise up minority missionaries to labor faithfully in His harvest.

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Byron is married to Kim, whom he met on a Campus Outreach summer mission project, and together they have five adult children: Kelsey, James Byron II, Kaitlyn, Jordan, and Jonathan. They currently reside in Atlanta, GA.