As I was preparing for my trip to Africa I wanted someone to go with me for accountability and companionship.  I don't like being isolated form others for long periods of time.  So I began praying and looking around for someone to go early with me.  When I approached Richard Johnson about the idea he jumped on the opportunity instantly. 

One of the reasons I wanted Richard to go with me was so that I could pour into him so that when we returned he would be even more of a help to me than he already was.  We had a blast together.  Never on cross word in 23 days.  Multiple stories were created through our time together. 

Below is a picture of Richard and I standing on the shore of the Indian Ocean.  We had to spend an extra day in Dar Sa Lam so we took advantage of it and hired a taxi driver to give us a three hour tour.  Really glad it turned out this way.

Every time someone asked me how my trip went I always respond with the same answer, "life changing."  Its hard to put into words what seeing people who live in such poor conditions does to you; especially when you live in such a blessed country. 

The trip was life changing for Richard also.  Every night we took time to write in our journals and share how god was speaking to us.  One evening Richard told me he felt God wanted him in Africa to finish our church, start the orphanage and teach some of our Africa brothers some construction skills.

To say that I was shocked is an understatement.  We prayed for a week about this and the more we prayed the more we knew that was exactly what God had in store for Richard. 

People tell me they are going to do things for God's Kingdom all the time.  But few actually go through with it.  You don't have to worry about that with Richard.  He is selling everything he has and preparing to go.  Right now he is spending time with Madison (his precious little girl) and taking care of any loose ends before leaving.  On July 18th we will pray over Richard because he flies out the following morning.

I am asking you to begin praying for Richard starting today.  He is leaving the comfort of America, his family, his job, his house and his life to make a difference for God's Kingdom and not his own.  Pray for God to use him in a mighty way.

He also needs funding.  He isn't being paid a dime while in Africa.  We want several people to sponsor him while gone.  We also need to take care of his airplane ticket.  It will cost close to $2,500. 

If your willing to help Richard financially please call the church office at 864-850-0580 and ask to speak to Ann.  Or just comment here on my blog and I will be in touch.

GOD BLESS YOU RICHARD.  You will receive crowns the majority of American Christians will never receive.  Proud of you my friend.