Richard Funk's high school teacher left a lasting impression on him that decades later propelled him towards a German speaking country of ministry. Richard and his wife Hazel serve the Lord in Austria through leadership development. Richard came to Abbotsford, B.C. for the first week of April to participate in the MBMS International Conference for Country Representatives.

1. What’s the strangest food you’ve eaten in your country of ministry?
Entrails- "Beuschel". The food there is excellent, but entrails would have to be the strangest food I’ve encountered.

2. Who is the most influential living person in your life?
My high school teacher. He believed in me and at that age it left a big impression on my heart. He was also a great influence in my love for learning German. He once asked me, ‘where was God when they bombed Dresden?’ I sometimes feel helpless in not being able to impact my high school teacher in this way.

3. If you could take one characteristic from the life of Jesus and excel at it, what would that be?
Shepherd. I love being a Shepherd to people and I want to have that heart of compassion.

4. Favourite passage? Why?
All of Psalm 23. The theme of the Shepherd really impacts me
 
5. Why did you choose this part of the world to serve in?
My German high school teacher really instilled in my heart a love for the culture.

6. What is the most challenging aspect of your ministry?
Dealing with conflict situations. Tensions are always challenging to deal with, even in the context of ministry.

7. What motivates you when you don’t see fruit in your ministry?
The heart of God and knowing his word. He is faithful and answers our prayers in his time. 

8. What do you love most about the country where you are serving right now?
The people are gentle and beautiful. They take time to get to know you. At first they are reserved, but once you are a part of their lives they really open up to you.

9. Finish this sentence in the context of your ministry…
“Five years from now, I hope…”
To witness the Austrian Mennonite Conference planting two more churches and to have resolved several conflict situations.