Threads: One Family's Unlikely Adventure in Business, Mission and Church Planting
Arlene Richardson does us a favor by reminding us in her book,Threads, that it is possible to bring people from diverse viewpoints and religious perspectives together for a common good. Writing from the perspective that God might use her efforts to make a difference in the lives of unreached peoples, Arlene takes a step of faith and launches HeartCraft ... and the impact is powerful. Read this book expecting God to use you, too, even when you least expect it.—Bob Creson, President/CEOWycliffe Bible Translators USAThreadstells the inspiring tale of one woman’s adventure that became the genesis for business as missions. Arlene Richardson’s story is one of faith, innovation and love that continues to impact lives around the world.— Ken Burenga, Former President & Chief Operating OfficerDow Jones & CompanyIn a world of unreached people groups and growing hostility to a Christian witness, marketplace ministries are becoming more and more relevant in making the gospel accessible to the nations.Threadsis the intriguing account of a young missionary who launched a grassroots business enterprise long before it was recognized as a valid methodology. The reader will be inspired to read how God worked through cross-cultural adjustments and personal challenges to reach the hearts of the people. Not only did the gospel take root through this innovative vision, it continues to flourish, as does the business.— Jerry Rankin, President EmeritusInternational Mission Board, Southern Baptist CconventionIn her new book,Threads,  Arlene Richardson beautifully captures the creativity and challenge involved in the cross-cultural missionary enterprise. In her down-to-earth, conversational style, Arlene relates the thrilling story of a quilt-making venture that has grown into a business enterprise which has provided  employment and spiritual hope to thousands of people in the developing world. Set against the backdrop of a larger effort to reach the as yet unreached,  it is a poignant story filled with adventure and color. Threadscomes from Arlene’s heart and is squarely aimed at our hearts. Reading it enlarged my vision for the unreached and heightened my passion for the work of Christ in the world.    — Dr. Jim Stevens, Senior PastorChrist Community Church, West Chester, PennsylvaniaWhat a blessing!Threadsis the thrilling story of what God can do when ordinary people follow him in obedience and trust to venture not only into new contexts and relationships, but into new and innovative undertakings for which they feel totally inadequate except for God’s faithful and directing presence with them … and of the incredible ripple impact that such a venture can have in bringing together people continents apart to advance God’s purposes among the least-reached peoples of the world.— Gary R. CorwinMissiologist, serving with the International Office of SIMAssociate Editor, Evangelical Missions QuarterlyMore than a great God-story of a unique international business adventure among Muslims that required vision, entrepreneurship, persistence, partnership and prayer, this page-turner also breaks new ground. Of the current top 25 books on Business as Mission (BAM), all are authored by males! What a welcome addition, and contribution Arlene Richardson makes to this growing body of literature with her engaging book,Threads. — Tom SteffenCook School of Intercultural Studies, Biola University. Co-author with Steve Rundle ofGreat Commission CompaniesThreadsis a modern-day version of the loaves and fishes miracle. Arlene Richardson tells her amazing journey of watching God turn some old, forgotten scraps of fabric into an industry that blesses the nations. May our Lord weave a tapestry composed of thousands of similar businesses focused on the world’s unreached that produce eternal results for the Kingdom of God.— Debby Jones, speaker & authorLady in Waiting: Becoming God’s Best While Waiting for Mr. RightThreadsis a powerful autobiographical account of the life and work of the “Quilt Lady,” Arlene Richardson, and her family’s decade of life, work, business and ministry in Southeast Asia. Readers be warned: this is a real page-turner. Block some time for this one. You won’t want to leave it until you are finished. Much more than a superb BAM (Business as Mission) case study, this is the story of a faith journey to share the transforming truth of Jesus Christ with a persecuted people who had never embraced the gospel. It is packed with life’s lessons and God’s blessings—prayer, faith, grace, obedience, miracles, sacrifice, suffering, and more. Thanks, Arlene, for this one. My students will love it!— Mike Barnett, Ph.D., Dean, College of Intercultural StudiesColumbia International UniversityThis is a must read for anyone thinking about doing cross cultural ministry among unreached people groups.  Arlene Richardson tells her spellbinding story of how God surprised her, by using the business she founded to bless others and start a movement of people becoming followers of Jesus.  You will laugh, cry and shout for joy as you relive this exciting story of obedience and victory!”— Durwood Snead, Director of globalXNorth Point Community Church, Alpharetta, GeorgiaEasy to read, intriguing and a fresh look at the reality of one woman’s steps of faith to make an eternal difference. This is a must read for any woman who seeks to be a Proverbs 31 woman and make her life count for Christ.— Bob SjogrenPresident, UnveilinGloryThreadswill keep you reading like a gripping novel. This is the true-life experience of a young missionary wife seeking to follow God’s desire to meet the physical and spiritual needs of an unreached Muslim people group. The resulting successful ministry presents a strong case study usable as a text in intercultural studies.Threadsincidentally demonstrates the outworking of the core values of Pioneers.— Dr. Edwin L. (Jack) Frizen, Jr.Mission Consultant, Pioneers