Hello to everyone! I do hope that you are all having a blessed day. If you feel that you are not having a blessed day, then I can assure you that spending some quality time with God in prayer and meditating upon His Word will soften the hard knocks you have taken today.

For the longest time I felt as if my calling in regards to teaching the church about programs for the special needs and their families was a ministry of two. Well, actually three. I know that God is in on it because He is the one who told me about it and called me to serve Him in this area. I know my lovely wife, Cheryl, was with me because I have her support, as it should be. That adds up to three right?

Then God sent me a tall woman from Kentucky who grew up in a poor background (as I did) and resides here in Knoxville. Her name is Dr. Sandra Newsom. Sandra is a Speech Pathologist whom I have had the pleasure of working with in the past and I know her have a heart for God, a heart for the special needs, and she is dedicated to her cause of helping people. I have seen her stand toe to toe with Medical Doctors advocating what she knows to be best for her patients. I have seen her go to the point of being reprimanded by her employer for seeing that her patients have what they need. Basically, she knows what she is doing and she is not afraid. She has a brilliant intellect and was instrumental in starting a non-profit in the State of Tennessee in regards to Brain Trauma victims. On top of all this, Sandra is not afraid to be Sandra. Sandra has a style and taste all her own that she likes and if someone else doesn’t like it, well, that’s just too bad. She pays them no mind and keeps on being Sandra. The good Dr. Newsom has volunteered to be a part of the advisory council that I am putting together and I am glad to have her. Her knowledge and experience will prove greatly beneficial as will her heart and desire to help others know God. Sandra is also talking to other people who will become great members of the team when the time comes to begin dealing with the legalities of setting up this ministry.

Okay so that’s four that is in the boat. There’s me, my loving wife, Dr. Newsom, and God. Now I actually have three to talk to. But wait, it gets better. God went all the way to Lombard, Illinois and dragged a woman by the name of Roberta Beckman to my web site. Roberta contacted me in regards to a booklet that I’d written and asked a LOT of REALLY good questions. Other than my wife, Roberta was the first person that I talked to that could actually finish sentences that I’d started. Roberta is a single mom with three (count them) three special needs children. She knows where I am coming from. Roberta is working diligently to establish a major respite program in Lombard which is in the Chicago area. She has recently been appointed to chair the PPC in her Parish. Yes, Roberta is Catholic. Now before my Protestant brethern gets their hackles up let me say this. Roberta has forgiven me for being Protestant. I have forgiven Roberta for being Catholic. And you know what? God has forgiven us all. Jesus said that we are to love God and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. It just happens that God gave me a neighbor in Lombard, Illinois who is Catholic and has a burning desire to bring God’s people back to HIM. As Forrest Gump would say, “That’s all I have to say about that.” Roberta is driven by the Holy Spirit. I could tell you everything that she is involved in but I’d be writing for quite some time and I still have some Bible study to do this evening. Just let me say that Roberta  is a Johnny on the spot get up and go get it done kind of girl. She is also working with her contacts to assist in getting the ministry untracked and up and running. She and her family will be visiting with us here in Tennessee next week and I can’t wait. I am looking forward to the blessings to rain forth.

In the mean time, I have applied to Liberty University Online to persue a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion with an emphasis in Pastorial Leadership. This is what God has laid on my heart. Are my intentions to become a pastor? Well, God has not dropped that bomb on me as yet. However, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, this program will best prepare me for the long term management of God’s Special Angels Ministries. I’m not asking God “why” I am simply going to be obedient and let God work things out from there. I have applied and all Liberty is waiting on is my ancient college transcripts to arrive before granting acceptance. YEA! Go God!!

There is so much going on. God is sending me people who love Him and are not afraid to work for His kingdom. He has me in school and has provided the financial means to attend. He has given me a great church to attend and a Pastor who teaches me God’s Word. Now Father, at sometime in the early part of next year I have this Subject coming up in which  there are at least four classes called GREEK. Father, I’m putting you on notice. I am beginning to pray NOW about this subject for your Divine help and intervention.

As tough as it has been, it has been a blessed day, God bless you all.

Lonnie Richardson