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Threads: Unexpected Adventures in Business, Missions and Family
It all started with a box of scraps ...
When newlyweds Steve and Arlene Richardson arrived in Southeast Asia, they were full of hopes and dreams of befriending their neighbors and sharing the gospel in a Muslim-majority country of nearly 175 million and very few believers. The cultural barriers seemed enormous, and the Richardsons were often overwhelmed with the economic needs as they observed their friends struggling to provide for their families in the face of crushing poverty. Even greater were the spiritual strongholds that held them in the grip of religious tradition. How could they even begin to help? Threads tells the story of how Arlene launched a business venture that brought Muslim and Christian employees under one roof, designing, cutting and sewing quilts for beds around the world. Threads recounts the Richardsons’ journey—the sorrow, joy and unbelievable answers to prayer that sustained them in their labors and drew their family into a story that only God could write.
Arlene Richardson works with Pioneers, a mission organization with church-planting teams in 100-plus countries. She is also the founder of a ministry that helps people in need by marketing products from small- and medium-sized enterprises in the developing world. Arlene and her husband, Steve (president of Pioneers-USA), have four daughters and many grandchildren.
When newlyweds Steve and Arlene Richardson arrived in Southeast Asia, they were full of hopes and dreams of befriending their neighbors and sharing the gospel in a Muslim-majority country of nearly 175 million and very few believers. The cultural barriers seemed enormous, and the Richardsons were often overwhelmed with the economic needs as they observed their friends struggling to provide for their families in the face of crushing poverty. Even greater were the spiritual strongholds that held them in the grip of religious tradition. How could they even begin to help? Threads tells the story of how Arlene launched a business venture that brought Muslim and Christian employees under one roof, designing, cutting and sewing quilts for beds around the world. Threads recounts the Richardsons’ journey—the sorrow, joy and unbelievable answers to prayer that sustained them in their labors and drew their family into a story that only God could write.
Arlene Richardson works with Pioneers, a mission organization with church-planting teams in 100-plus countries. She is also the founder of a ministry that helps people in need by marketing products from small- and medium-sized enterprises in the developing world. Arlene and her husband, Steve (president of Pioneers-USA), have four daughters and many grandchildren.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 22, 2022
Such a great story! I work for the same organization Arlene serves with and we hope to publish a revised edition of this book in the next few months, before a new book by her husband is published. I re-read it to look for things that might need updating.
July 18, 2025
An Encouraging True Story
Threads is an encouraging story of cross-cultural ministry and compassion. It is told in a simple, clear, straightforward manner. Not preachy, nor apologetic. Just tells it like it is. I found it refreshing. Oh, and apparently we once bought one of their quilts. We use it as our bedspread, and have done everyday for years now; still going strong.
Threads is an encouraging story of cross-cultural ministry and compassion. It is told in a simple, clear, straightforward manner. Not preachy, nor apologetic. Just tells it like it is. I found it refreshing. Oh, and apparently we once bought one of their quilts. We use it as our bedspread, and have done everyday for years now; still going strong.
February 14, 2024
I liked how this book showed the beauty and challenges of ministering to others and the amazing network the authors created all from a simple box of fabric scraps. What small thing do I have or can I use to better the lives of those around me?
April 17, 2023
Clearly shows the work of God and how missionaries can be used
February 2, 2014
Wonderfully fun book to read!
June 11, 2016
Great story about how God can work in and through the lives of those who trust and obey him.
July 10, 2013
A good story about God's amazing work around the world; told in a simple and humble manner.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews