No one prepares food the same way and no Christian walk is the same. Everyone comes to the cross with different knowledge and experiences. Like babies, we all grow differently. Richard Well’s call to become a pastor in spite of his blindness was no different.
Last week, in part one, we learned Richard Wells was a gifted musician who provided for his family by playing mostly in local night clubs and restaurants. As time went on, Richard’s Christian walk grew to a point of decision. He came to the conclusion he must trust God completely and wholly.
Seminary.
Placing complete trust in Christ in 1993, Richard decided to attend seminary and become a preacher. The Louisiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind purchased Richard a new computer, printer, and braille embosser, and some training to assist his studies.
Accustomed to using a typewriter, a Perkins Braille Writer, and people to transcribe his braille into assignments for teachers in high school, he was both thrilled and perplexed with the technological advances of his new toys. Upon their arrival, Richard instantly hooked everything up. He laid a book flat on the scanner, hit a command, listened to it squeak for a minute, then it read a page to him. Totally intrigued, he immediately dissected this device to see how it worked. A new love for technology was born.
Richard concentrated on studying, and supplemented his income through several odd jobs. God also met many of their needs 
through generous, kind people during those years.
Licensed as a Southern Baptist preacher, a ceremony was held in which Richard preached his first sermon. To his surprise, many workers and patrons from the club he last worked, darted through the door. Many hadn’t attended a church in 30-40 years. Richard preached, “I apologize for giving you mixed signals for all the years we worked together. Please forgive me for that. I have made a decision to follow and serve Jesus totally.”
A 4.0 GPA was achieved by Richard during seminary. Much encouragement was also given from peers and faculty, yet one message consistently rang loud and clear through those years. Though admired and respected, They had no idea what God had in store for Richard. “Can’t be pastoring Churches just aren’t going to call a blind pastor,” they repeated.
Knowing what God called him to do, Richard prayed, “Maybe you didn’t call me out of the clubs to become a pastor. Lord, please show me what it is You have for me to do.”
Seeking Employment.
Uncertain of God’s next step, Richard knew he needed to find a way to make a living. Contacting a job consultant friend of his, he asked if she knew of any available computer jobs. In August of 1996, she called back, “An internet service provider is hiring technicians. By the way, you’re going to need to know support for Windows ’95.”
Since Richard had never seen windows 95 before, she brought nine floppy discs by for him to install and learn over the weekend before Mondays interview. Whether he was a fast learner, God was with him, or both, his hard work paid off. Hired on the spot, this job lasted 28 months before the company was bought out by a larger company.
Willing to relocate, another job was found in Florida working for developers of the first computer screen reader for the blind. Within a week, Richard and Lila found a mobile home park in which to live. It specified age 55 and over, but made an exception when learning Richard was a minister.
The park manager invited Richard to lead a Bible-study for the residents living in the park. Surprised and delighted, Richard accepted. He taught for the next eight years. That’s when his wife and himself lost their jobs within the same week.
Answered Prayers
Their daughter, Shelly, looked for jobs closer to home. She found a job for a computer repairman (on-site) in Tyler, Texas. An interview scheduled and airline tickets bought, the company phoned to cancel the interview. The boss said, “We’re not interested since you are blind.”
Infuriated, Shelly shouted discrimination to state officials. While Richard and Lila were trying to decide what to do with their tickets. The phone rang again. The interview was rescheduled.
Phone ringing again, their oldest daughter called. “Can you preach for my friend’s church while you’re here for your job interview? She learned you were an ordained Southern Baptist preacher and her church is looking for a new one.”
“Sure.” The way he seen it, he was going to be turned down for the computer job, so he might as well be turned down for another one.
God had a different plan. Richard was denied the computer job alright, but after preaching, he was asked to look at the parsonage next door to the church. The board met and unanimously voted him to be their pastor.
It’s been almost ten years and Richard tells everybody, “The Lord literally picked us up by the scruff of our necks and flung us from Florida to Texas.”
What inspired you the most from Pastor Richard’s story? Please share with us in the comments below, and share his story with others too.
As always, I’ve enjoyed you stopping in during your busy summer schedule. Tuesday is my birthday (my husband’s too). I want to share a BONUS with you for my birthday gift.
BIRTHDAY BONUS – I have written a short story, “Richard’s Challenges of Being a Blind Pastor.” To receive this special gift, click here (http://changingfocus.life/subscribe) and it will be sent to you on my birthday, July 12th. Thanks for celebrating with me, and thanks to Richard Wells for allowing me to interview him. He has a magnificent story.
© 2016 – 2019, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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