Richard and Kathryn

Reaching Lost people in the middle of Suffolk

Rich and Kathryn needed a way to remain in Debenham. They were burdened to continue living in this hub village, reaching the community they know and love. They’re house was becoming rapidly unsuitable for their family and ministry, meanwhile house prices rocketed in this already expensive area…

Debenham is situated in the middle of mid-Suffolk. It is a hub village which serves many other villages and hamlets. It is the social and geographical hub - including pre/primary and secondary schools, a leisure centre, shops, cafes, GP surgery, vets, other businesses, and a growing population. Three miles away lies the smaller village of Mickfield…

Rich is the pastor of Mickfield Evangelical Church. Historically the church was an old brethren Gospel Hall. Under the leadership of local farmer and founding pastor Mark Howson, the church grew and became a thriving FIEC hub church…

Rural churches are under-resourced and often struggle to reach an increasingly changing rural population. Yet 17% of the UK lives in rural areas and the gospel needs are profound. Many significant Christian leaders, like Roland Taylor, Richard Sibbes, John Winthrop, William Gurnall and J.C. Ryle haled from, or ministered in, Suffolk villages…

‘the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few’! The challenge remains, to effectively reach the next generation of local Suffolk people with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to train up the next generation of local Christian leaders and gospel workers for God’s rural harvest field.

Thanks to Mission Housing, Rich and Kathryn remain in the heart of the local community, looking forward to the next season of gospel seed-sowing.