Updated: D. John Richard memorial service information | February 5, 2018

D. John Richard

(February 20, 1923 – February 3, 2018)

A graveside service begins at 3 p.m. (with a viewing open at 2:30 p.m.) on Saturday, February 17, at the Chapel of Hughes Family Tribute Center, 9700 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas, TX 75220 (https://www.hughescrownhill.com/directions). A memorial service with reception follows at 5 p.m. at Northrich Baptist Church, 1101 Custer Road, Richardson, TX 75080 (http://www.northrich.org/overview/). A celebration for the life of Rev. Dr. D. John Richard in India is also anticipated. Details will be announced soon.

Memorial gifts to honor this bond servant of the Most High One may be made to International Friendship Evangelism, which ministers to international students primarily at Syracuse University (www.friendshipevangelism.org), to Action International, which evangelizes, disciples and develops primarily underprivileged people in urban areas (www.actioninternational.org), and/or to RREACH, a global proclamation ministry which evangelizes leaders and strengthens pastors to reach large numbers of individuals worldwide (www.rreach.org).

Rev. Dr. John Richard’s family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, memories and prayers from all over the world at this important time.

Received: April 29, 2021

Follow-up, fruitfulness, family | February 2, 2018

Dear praying friends,

The brief:

Dr. Richard’s ministry in two difficult countries was fruitful

Five Dallas GPA candidates now have visas; 23 others will be applying/reapplying

Dr. John Richard (95), Dr. Richard’s father, is ill

GPA St. Lucia is in progress

High-level security issues forced the cancellation of a national GPA

The bigger picture:

Dr. Richard’s meeting with friends of friends in a restricted area led to good discussion and ongoing interest. He also had a somewhat impromptu opportunity to speak with young entrepreneurs. Praise God and pray for good follow-up and transformed lives.

We thank God for five Dallas GPA candidates with visas. Five have been declined, although four plan to reapply. Pray for the pastor wrestling with the disappointment of not being able to come. Also pray for these pastors with upcoming appointments: T, Cameroon; K, Liberia; E, Brazil; S, Gabon; A, undisclosed.

Dr. John Richard (95), Dr. Richard’s father and “spiritual hero,” is having health issues. Please ask the Lord to watch over him and guide the family in caring for him.

GPA St. Lucia began February 1. Pray that the young pastors attending will be specially connected, united and strengthened. Also pray that a shipment of books they need will arrive in time.

The international events team is aiming for 25 national GPAs this year—a large undertaking. Pray for new ways to establish connections for national GPAs. One scheduled for pastors from a closed country had to be cancelled because of high-level security issues. Please pray for the brothers and sisters courageously proclaiming the Lord Jesus there.

For the very best…of many…everywhere.

Received: April 29, 2021

What is he doing? | January 29, 2018

Dear praying friends,

What in the world is Ramesh Richard doing? And where? Writing, among other things. We’ve been praying for Dr. Richard to get quality time to develop ideas and write. God has provided a precious pocket of time for this during his current trip to Southeast Asia. Please ask the Lord to bless him with clear direction, creativity and productiveness. Pray that this time will be deeply refreshing in Christ.

Ramesh also anticipates tremendous opportunities for personal proclamation along the way, the Lord willing. Pray for:

A private gathering of believers and pre-Christian friends in a place where Gospel exposure is strongly curtailed.

Sessions with mission leaders in a land where the Church is growing and, sadly, so is opposition.

Comprehensive protection.

In the area of strengthening proclaimers, intercede for:

Dallas GPA preparations – Visas remain a critical concern. Two (of two) pastors have been denied so far. Pastor C from Cote d’Ivoire, Pastor I from Macedonia, and Pastor R from St. Kitts and Nevis have appointments in the next 10 days.

National GPAs – GPA St. Lucia is set for February 1 – 10. Other upcoming ones include Zambia 2, Laos, El Salvador and Central African Republic. Our goal is the right 25 pastors at each one.

GProCommunity – New technology tools and processes are proving invaluable in serving pastoral trainers globally. The teams are working hard on set-up and learning. They also seek more colleagues, especially in Southeast Asia.

Finally, please continue to pray for good fruit from our Media Outreach messages on Peace. If you have friends wrestling with life and the idea of God, suggest LifeRocks.org. We pray they’ll find what they are looking for!

Received: April 29, 2021