Thierry and Antonia Richards
What have your experiences of 9:38 been?
First, as a student, I had the privilege of meeting up with a 9:38 ministry trainee weekly to study the Bible. After 4 years, in which my understanding of God’s Word and his purposes deepened, I attended the 9:38 Student Conference, which helped me think through the possibility and practicalities of different types of long term paid gospel ministry. After university, I worked as a 9:38 ministry trainee at St Ebbes church in Oxford for two years - which provided me with a real experience of the day-to-day life of church work. I particularly valued seeing from the inside what others on the church staff did, and came to appreciate much more the wide range of ministries the church ran.
Any particular highlights from your time as a ministry trainee?
Getting to know the staff team and seeing their faith constantly in action. There were weekly meetings when we would all chat and pray about recent and upcoming events. Seeing prayers answered and hearing of God’s word going out was a constant, real encouragement. My second highlight would be the 9:38 Ministry Trainee Conference, which happens each January, where I remember some fantastic talks on 2 Timothy - applying Paul’s teaching so clearly. And, thirdly, giving talks and getting really constructive, helpful feedback from much more experienced bible teachers.
What are you up to now, and how would you say 9:38 has equipped you for your current work?
We currently work in Japan, in a church in central Tokyo, which wants to teach the Bible to Japanese businessmen. Huge elements of what I learnt from the 9:38 training are transferrable to a Japanese context. But it’s the real experience of understanding what full time Bible teaching work involves and how to do it wisely that is most useful - for this as, I think, for other ministries too.
