God Redirects Missionaries

MAPUTO, Mozambique: With hearts open to God’s will, missionaries Michael and Jessica Richardson saw two closed doors as His direction.

The Richardsons were part of a team that pioneered a work among the Shiriana people of Venezuela. But a Venezuelan government resolution ordered NTM missionaries out of tribal areas, so they had to move out. They explored ministering among the Shirianas across the border in Brazil, and this week found out that was not going to happen.

"There is no way for us to even visit the area, never mind work there," they wrote.

Their hearts ache as they think of the relationships they built with the Shirianas.

"We worked so hard preparing the soil of their hearts for the Gospel," they wrote. "We dreamed of planting, watering, and watching God grow new believers to maturity in Christ. Now we must trust that God will do His work in His time."

But their service to God is not done. Back in October, as it appeared the doors were closing on their ministry among the Shirianas, Michael suggested to Jessica the possibility of serving God in Mozambique.

"At that time her response was an emphatic, ‘I couldn’t go there!’ … A few weeks ago, Jessica came to me and said that the Lord had changed her heart: ‘If He leads us to Mozambique, I am willing to go.’"

After talking with missionaries who have served in Mozambique, and fasting, praying and seeking Godly counsel, the Richardsons believe the Lord is leading them to Africa.

Please pray for the Shirianas, who are now without a Gospel witness. Pray also for the Richardsons as they adjust to many changes — not only geographically, but in culture and language.