The Legacy of Richard Meyers
When our purpose aligns with God’s plan for our life, a passion ignites inside of us for Kingdom work. As I reflect on my dad’s memorial, I am in awe of the impact of a life well-lived. My dad, Richard Myers, no doubt heard the words we all long to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
My dad was born and raised on a farm and spent his life working the soil. He continued his education of the soil at Abilene Christian College with a scholarship to their Agriculture department. He loved ACC and the Ag Dept for many reasons, but possibly the best was that he met his love of 62 and a half years, Linda Nell Travis, on that campus.
He began his career working for the US Department of Agriculture. Years later, he accepted a position in chemical sales with Ciba Geigy and chemical development positions for Tri-State Delta and Con-Agra. Ultimately, after retirement, Cheminova, a company based in Denmark, hired him for research and development of cotton. In 2005, Richard received the honor of Outstanding Aggie Alumnus Award from Abilene Christian University for his research and development work with cotton.
My dad had a unique gift and love for the soil, which led him to his passion and most fulfilling work. He began his ministry after he joined a partnership with Healing Hands, which led him to the country of Zambia. After several trips, he met his brother and partner, Thomas Simubali.
Their desire was to meet the people of Zambia in their greatest need: hunger. They began in earnest to educate the people to use their resources of water and compost wisely. The folks there are now known for their yellow buckets and drip irrigation. Villagers know and understand the value of water, so the drip irrigation that was being taught spoke to their hearts and communicated a true message of love and care. They created community gardens that drew villagers to ask and learn how to better care for their families, widows, and communities.
I accompanied my dad to Zambia on two different trips. On the first trip, I was inspired by the discipleship and encouragement my dad was to Thomas Simubali. Thomas is a very smart man, a Christian husband and dad, and a bright light for the Gospel in the country of Zambia. Thomas listened intently to every word, problem, solution, and vision my dad had for his people in Zambia. They were quite a team. I attended one of their seminars and witnessed the sheer gratitude of the people to learn how to better grow food, to use their resources, and to care for their families. To see those same people who worked all day sit in the fields to hear the living Word of Jesus and sing praises to their Heavenly Father was awe-inspiring.
On the second trip, we traveled to Zambia during a severe drought. Everything in the country was brown, wells were dry, and we witnessed families walking miles just to carry water on their heads. Thomas drove us to Kasbabi Church of Christ in the middle of the bush. As we were driving through the brown dead brush, we rounded a curve and noticed beautiful big green gardens lined by yellow buckets.
We then pulled up to the church to hear the most beautiful singing. Everyone welcomed us with huge smiles and greetings. They each had to shake my dad’s hand and share their appreciation for the education and love they had received. Their congregation has a true heart of a servant, and their community has witnessed Jesus through their willingness to share the first fruits of their labor.
After the service, they walked and sang us down to get a closer look at their green gardens. We circled around them, prayed, and thanked our Heavenly Father for His favor and bountiful blessing. What an influence this church is to their community, modeling the service and love of their Savior.
Since 2010, this duo has traveled many miles into the bush to educate, teach, and share the Gospel in the fields and gardens of Zambia. Empowering people with the knowledge of how to better provide food for the families and communities is a huge part of their mission. Thomas teaches them to how to feed their families and then feeds them the living Word of Jesus. The footprints of these two has surely left an eternal impact through this mission to change the landscape of Zambia.
My dad’s final wish was that his ashes be spread in the fields of Zambia. He truly experienced his passion coming to life through God’s plan and purpose in using his God-given gift. I am inspired and I will live my life to carry on the same for my God.
We have set up a fund for those who would like to support Richard’s legacy of discipleship and farming in Zambia. To give to this effort, please visit our donation page and choose ‘Zambia Farming God’s Way’ under the Fund Menu. All proceeds go directly to support this mission effort in the nation of Zambia.