Wednesday, January 24, 2007
As Steve Richardson follows the career as a missionary in New Guinea he says...
Steve Richardson’s introduction to missionary life began in infancy as his parents, Don and Carol bravely traveled to serve the cannibalistic Sawi tribe in the jungles of Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Through his experiences in childhood, Steve gained a heart for cross-cultural ministry that only strengthened in his adult life. As a high school student, he started Christian youth groups both in Canada and the U.S and was active in evangelizing his fellow students. Because of his father’s book about their experiences with the Sawi tribe, Peace Child, many students at CIU, including his future wife Arlene, knew Steve’s name before he had even set foot on campus in 1981. Fellow student Anna Garlington remembers being impressed with Steve’s diligence and focus in his studies, and surprised at his off-the-wall sense of humor. During one open dorm night, she recalls that girls who visited Steve’s room were treated to the sight of him popping insects into his mouth and eating them, one by one!
While at CIU he participated in evangelistic outreaches in Mexico and spent two summers on mission trips to his childhood home, Indonesia. During this time, he and Arlene married, and after his graduation from the seminary in 1985, Steve was appointed Team leader for a new Pioneers effort in West Java, Indonesia. Arlene’s parents, Ted and Peggy Fletcher had founded this mission only seven years earlier, and the Richardson’s work among the Sundanese Muslims soon became the largest and most effective in the entire organization. The team grew from eight to forty adults, with ministries including church planting, English language schools, and even a Christian magazine. Arlene also began a work called Agape Craft, which teaches national workers how to make and sell various crafts and enables them to provide for themselves and their families. Through their vision, these ministries are still operating today, almost entirely through the efforts of national believers.
In 1995, Steve took on the role of Area Director for Pioneers ministries in Southwest Asia. He was responsible for the oversight of 15 missionary teams during this time. Additionally, he and Arlene spent 18 months establishing ministry bases in Australia and New Zealand. Fellow Pioneers colleague, Larry Filbert marvels at Steve’s abilities in leadership, noting the difficulty of working cross culturally to establish healthy teams with few interpersonal problems. Larry notes, "People are drawn to Steve, and they readily follow him because they truly love and respect him." Lee Bruckner, a former member of the Pioneers Board of Directors, describes Steve as quiet and humble, patient and decisive with a passion for God and compassion for those without a knowledge of God. These outstanding leadership qualities earned Steve his current position as CEO of the Pioneers organization in 1999.
As such, Pioneers is now 1122 members strong with 137 teams serving in 71 countries among 94 people groups. This work, as well as Steve’s life, is powered by his vibrant daily walk with the Lord, and he freely shares devotional insights and inspiration with co-workers and friends. His fellow CIU classmate, Kent McQuilkin writes, "It is rare to find someone so calm, and yet so inspiring, so gracious, and yet so visionary, so steady, and yet so very productive. God bless you, Steve, and multiply you throughout the earth." Indeed, God has. CIU family, congratulate your 2003-2004 Distinguished Alumnus, Steve Richardson.
Steve Richardson’s introduction to missionary life began in infancy as his parents, Don and Carol bravely traveled to serve the cannibalistic Sawi tribe in the jungles of Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Through his experiences in childhood, Steve gained a heart for cross-cultural ministry that only strengthened in his adult life. As a high school student, he started Christian youth groups both in Canada and the U.S and was active in evangelizing his fellow students. Because of his father’s book about their experiences with the Sawi tribe, Peace Child, many students at CIU, including his future wife Arlene, knew Steve’s name before he had even set foot on campus in 1981. Fellow student Anna Garlington remembers being impressed with Steve’s diligence and focus in his studies, and surprised at his off-the-wall sense of humor. During one open dorm night, she recalls that girls who visited Steve’s room were treated to the sight of him popping insects into his mouth and eating them, one by one!