Missionary Update: Paul & Cyndi Richardson
Post Date: 2012-01-22 13:49:47
January 2012
My son Josiah's favorite tee-shirt says "Livin' a Dream." When I see that shirt I am reminded that life is meant to be lived to the fullest. The abundant life God calls us to may not be easy or safe. Abundant life includes grief, pain, risk, failure, tragedy and uncertainty. But it is lived with a loving heart, an engaged mind, and a wealthy soul. The life God beckons us to can well be described as living a dream. I have so much to be grateful for. Josiah and I just returned from an amazing adventure in the mountains of Central Java and the north coast of Sulawesi. The purpose of our trip was to provide training for teachers in both locations, but of course the highlight was six days and nights of non-stop quality time with my son.
We enjoyed an eight hour train ride through the night, crossing a rope bridge stretched out over a canyon, braving a flying fox, lots of fun with my brother Shannon and his family, eating the spiciest food in Indonesia, (so hot that it shut down my throat, kept me from breathing for awhile and sent tears to my eyes), lots of laughter, many inspiring moments and spiritual unity with Indonesian teachers.
I praise God for carrying our family through an amazing year. For me this has been a year of learning and listening to others. But there have been many opportunities to share words of hope with others. One of the highlights of 2011 was a trip to Canada to speak at two Christian family conference centers on behalf of Mustard Seed. Mustard Seed also lined up my fourth interview on a TV show called 100 Huntley Street. The half hour conversation can easily be watched on-line in two parts if you click here: Part One. Part Two.
Thank you to those who pray for us and give so generously. The global economy is bleak, and the world feels increasingly chaotic, and yet our supporters have stood resolutely with us in our quest to advance the hope of Christ across the most populous Islamic nation on earth.
Friends, may God strengthen you for all that He calls you to in 2012. Take a deep breath of God?s grace this year. Step to the edge, and make the leap of faith. May He set us all free to be a voice of God?s hope among the nations, even as we respond to the words of Jesus ?
"Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?"
"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to Me."
May 2012 be your most courageous year ever.
Paul Andrew Richardson
East Java, Indonesia
BLOG: www.FaithActivators.com
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