Jay and Maureen Richards

The Richards originally learned about the Rafiki Foundation in the 1990s through Bible Study Fellowship. They have been interested in Rafiki ever since, and in early 2020, they had the opportunity to take a short-term mission trip to the Rafiki Village Kenya and learn more about the work God is doing in Africa through Rafiki. Jay and Maureen saw the need for missionaries and were humbled to find out that Rafiki had been praying for a couple with just their skills. The Lord has made it clear that he was calling them to serve as long-term missionaries with Rafiki, and they are excited to participate in the work.

Jay has his master’s degree in business administration which he has used in a variety of different jobs. Maureen earned her master’s degree with a teaching certification out of a desire to be more involved in their children’s education. While working on her degree, she discovered classical education, and she has been teaching in classical Christian schools ever since. Inspired by their training as Colson Fellows through the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Jay and Maureen served together in prison ministry through Prison Fellowship, teaching reading and writing classes to the inmates.

The Richards moved to the Rafiki Village Malawi in July 2021. Maureen helps prepare young people to become classical Christian teachers by serving as Dean of the Rafiki Institute for Classical Education (RICE). She is also in charge of Orphan Care at the Rafiki Village. Jay serves as the Village Administrator, overseeing the operations of the Village, supervising the national staff, and maintaining the plant and equipment.