Evangelist and missionary Darrell Richardson is joining us with a new message, so we are excited to hear what the Lord has put on his heart to share with us today. If Darrell is new to you, you may listen to his other sermon, “Defining Evangelism,” on our website at www.inthefieldaudioscriptures.org. You can also read about him and his mission ministry in Kenya and reach out to him on social media or by emailing him with comments, questions, and prayer requests.
Darrell has provided an update since he was last with us. Even though he is retired, Darrell still works part-time, teaching students business English and helping them fulfill their dreams of working in a global community.
Teaching English is a mission component, allowing many non-profit organizations to take on; however, Darrell does it with a twist. Referring to the biblical text, we quickly learn that the Apostle Paul was a tentmaker, meaning he made his money to carry on his mission by working in carpentry and other trades, selling his goods to others. Typically, he did so under a “tent.” See, in missions back then, and even in Jesus’ earthly ministry, not many people gave or contributed money to those people trying to proclaim and fulfill the gospel. Traveling (even on foot), finding food and a place to sleep, and providing for others going through difficult times costs money. So, Jesus and Paul created what we call today “microbusiness”: Earn what you need to cover your expenses and provide for others as God intended.
Let’s go back to Darrell’s mission, shall we? He can reach students in over 100 countries by teaching business English online. Many of these countries do not adhere to Christian teachings; however, through his perseverance, Darrell has had countless students asking him who Jesus is. He also has had students that just wanted to talk about Jesus and Christianity for their online class time and doing so by hiding in closets and under their beds so no one would find out their hearts were turning to the Lord.
Darrell’s mission has been to take some of his online teaching earnings and forward them to care for the children attending Gracie’s Academy in Kehancha, Kenya. Darrell planted this seed by building the school several years ago, and now more than 200 students are attending regularly. The primary school is receiving an extension with a junior secondary school, which you and I would call middle or junior high school here in the States, with the help of a non-profit in Sweden; however, the children still need their meals. Many children only receive food from school, so they receive two meals and a snack each school day.
If you or maybe your church would like to sponsor Darrell so he may continue to help feed the children at Gracie’s Academy, you may do so by holding a church or community fundraiser. Contact me, Christie Richardson, at (843) 212-6545 to make financial arrangements to get the funds to Gracie’s Academy. Digital event fundraising can also be set up for you or your church, or even peer-to-peer fundraising. More information can be found at inthefieldaudioscriptures.org; click on Donate or on Fundraising Campaign for more information. Various fundraising platforms are now available for you and your church to add to your websites and to share on social media, making fundraising simple in a digital community.
As you can hear, the ministry is seven days a week, and I hope it inspires you to reach out to the Lord in prayer for pastors serving their communities worldwide, whether they are serving in contemporary church buildings, building water wells, helping with agriculture, or even teaching to provide food for young children. Darrell is another pastoral example of taking risks to preach God’s Word - no matter where it is or what it takes. I know you are ready to listen to today’s new message, so I hope you enjoy the sermon titled Who is God? with Evangelist and missionary Darrell Richardson.
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