The city of Richmond, Kentucky will never be the same. For a little more than three weeks recently the love, grace, and truth of God flowed through its streets and into its homes. Many were touched by it. Richmond is located about 25 miles south of Lexington and 110 miles southeast of Louisville. Metropolitan Cincinnati, Ohio, sits about 112 miles north of the city.
Who lives in Richmond?
According to the US Census Bureau, the population was 30,008 in 2006 and is expected to be 34,292 by 2010. Richmond is Kentucky’s sixth largest city. This is comprised of about 12,000 households within the city limits, about 15,000 if the near environs are included. All of these homes received a pack of literature in the first five days of the “Good News! Richmond” outreach.
The racial makeup of the city is given as 88% White, 9% African American, 0.29% Native American, and 1% Asian, with a mix of other ethnic groups in small numbers. Hispanic or Latino of any race are 1.21% of the population. I think those on the gospel team would agree that we were warmly received by almost everyone.
The stats show that Richmond tends to be poorer, whiter, and younger than the rest of Kentucky, on average, although these numbers may be somewhat skewed by the presence of Eastern Kentucky University. For example, about 32% of the population is in the age category from 18 to 24, and another 27.5% from 25 to 44.
The median income for a household in the city was $25,533, and the median income for a family was only $36,222. About 17% of families and 25.0% of the population are listed as below the poverty line.
Statistics aside, those we met behind the doors and on the streets of Richmond were the kind of people Jesus came to save: captives to sin, those crushed by the sorrows of life, and many who were broken-hearted.
Looking for venues
The Christians of Bluegrass Bible Fellowship have an efficient building, two units in a commercial strip just off the interstate. It was suitable for the first and third weeks (door hanging and follow-up) but we were able to secure the use of a meeting room at a local hotel for most of the middle week, including the special evening sessions with brother Joe Reese (ON).
The city has numerous parks, the most prominent being Lake Reba Recreational Complex. There the local believers rented a large outdoor pavilion for us that overlooked the water. Our lunches were served there. Other parks were ideal for various kids clubs held throughout the week; some of these continue.
The downtown business district consists mostly of Victorian-style structures. There was not a great deal of foot traffic in the CBD, but Joe Reese received permission from the city to park his “Never Thirst Again” water concession trailer there, right in front of the municipal building. He was able to distribute almost all the water he had, except what he would distribute going home.
We also used a hall in the Richmond Area Arts Council downtown for a special luncheon for the ladies. About 45 of our own ladies were joined by about 50 women from the community for a gospel presentation from the life of Corrie Ten Boom given by Vickie Gaynier (OH) followed by a meal. Many good contacts resulted from this event.
Who came to the “Good News Richmond” gospel surge?
Believers from across the U.S. and Canada (even a few faithful brothers from Ireland!) joined the Good News on the Move team as they linked arms with the assembly in Richmond. The Lord provided happy and eager workers, some who came from as far as Oregon on the west and Newfoundland on the east, as well as from MT, CO, WI, SD, NC, SC, ON, NY, GA, and many other places (even Ireland!).
The few families that comprise the assembly were heroic in their efforts, and we trust you will continue to pray for them as they press on in this vigorous work. Brothers Larry Sax (SD) and Jerry Denny (NC), among others gave help in the extensive planning necessary.
What now?
Elders Jim Harmon and John Frasher recently wrote:
It is with deep love and appreciation for each of you that we want to express our gratefulness for your efforts in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ here in Richmond, KY. Many of you came from all over the USA, Canada, and Ireland out of devotion to our Savior to share His love with the lost of our city. Others of you couldn’t be here in person, but stood shoulder to shoulder with us before the throne of grace. What a privilege to see your prayerfulness, perseverance, and zeal for our Lord in sowing the seed! Thank you for giving, giving, and giving for His honor and glory. We were tremendously blessed to see the Lord’s work in and through you. The Lord Jesus Christ is worthy!
We just said “good-bye” to the last of the laborers who stayed an extra week after follow-up week, in order to reach the nearly 300 contacts that were made during the “Good News, Kentucky” outreach. The surge greatly impacted people in Richmond. Some of the original contacts have led to others and we are seeing a rippling effect of the gospel. Bible studies are being established with interested individuals. So far these have been “one-on-one” Bible studies with men, women, and two couples who have not studied the Bible before and are reluctant to join in a group study with others. Pray that these will come to know the Lord through His Word.
Many of you may remember Raphael, a new Spanish speaking believer who is hungry for the Word and faithful to meet with the believers. He is full of questions and continues in discipleship studies with the brethren. Pray for him as he is also being bombarded by a JW friend and others. Another Spanish-speaking lady, Maria, has trusted the Lord as her Savior and brought her three children to meetings on Sunday. We are also continuing on with the children’s work in three areas of the city. These have been well attended.
Please pray with us that the Lord will bring us to individuals He has prepared. After return visits and phone calls, we are still not getting in touch with some of those who were initially contacted during the outreach. Pray that all obstacles will be overcome in bringing the Light to those who live in darkness.
The Lord has done above and beyond what we could possibly ask or think. We value your constant prayer support for all He is doing and for the assembly of believers as we continue follow up. Again, we are grateful for your labor of love for our Savior and the encouragement you have been to us.
On Behalf of Bluegrass Bible Fellowship
With love in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Jim Harmon & John Frasher
