Missionary Interview

Wednesday afternoon in Demoss Hall, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Brittany Richard, a part-time missionary for CoLaborers International. She shared her experiences from this past summer in Zambia as well as other trips she has served on to help give a glimpse into the life of a missionary.

How did you first get involved with missions?

At the age of 13, Richard went with her church on a missions trip to Costa Rica. She immediately fell in love with missions and felt called by God to serve in this way.

Have there been any older missionaries you have looked up to?

She noted that the leaders on her trip to Costa Rica were who she first saw as inspiration to pursue more opportunities in this field, but that there were not any specific missionaries she saw as role models.

What places have you been?

Aside from Costa Rica and Zambia she has also served in the Dominican Republic.

What challenges do you face serving in a foreign country?

Cultural differences are the most prevalent issue when serving in another country according to Richard. She emphasized how hard it is “getting used to how things run in a different context.” Specifically, she noted that contrary to the United States, in Africa people are more concerned with building relationships than achieving tasks.

Was it difficult being away from family and friends?

While there certainly were times when she missed her loved ones, she said the thrill of travel makes up for that and she enjoys the independence.

Who were you serving alongside and what’s the community like?

During her time in Zambia, Richard served primarily with one other intern as well as different Zambian volunteers. The local church was the primary place for fellowship. There, Brittany and her fellow intern grew closer to each other and the community of local believers.

What was the hardest adjustment to make while living in Zambia?

Learning how to be flexible was the aspect she emphasized most. There were many times she wanted to live by her own schedule, but she “just had to go with the flow.”

Do you see mission work in your future plans?

Richard answered with a resounding “definitely.” She is currently pursuing a degree in psychology so that she will be able to work with “troubled youth.” Ultimately, she would like to open her own school in a Latin American country to provide a safe haven and minister to the younger generation.

Are there any specific memories you look back on from your time in Zambia?

The thing that stood out to Richard most was the hope she saw beginning to flourish. “ We worked with kids who were taught there was no hope for them. The one’s who stayed, it was amazing to see the shift in their lives, getting to see the hope come back into their lives.”

How have you seen God change your life through this experience?

The most prevalent way Richard felt the Lord spoke to her was by confirming this is how He wants to use her life. Furthermore, she learned that it was good to allow herself “to deeply care for people even if [she] couldn’t fix the problem.”