E. Joe and Emma Richards Endowment Fund for the support of Lifelong Learning at Goshen College

E. Joe and Emma Richards, of Goshen Indiana, are life-long workers in the Mennonite Church. Their ministries have included working in Hokkaido, Japan, Lombard, Illinois, and the Illinois Mennonite Conference.  During the years in the States, both were bi-vocational leaders, serving as pastors and public school teacher and administrator.

E. Joe and Emma’s life-long ministry has been to help people develop the fruits of the Spirit for service in God’s kingdom. Their passion for the ministry of Jesus Christ has been centered on helping people learn more about God, enabling people to grow spiritually and developing people’s talents to serve God.

E. Joe and Emma’s call to service culminated in service to older adults through the envisioning and working with Goshen College in the establishment of a Lifelong Learning Institute. Through their efforts, the encouragement of their children, the vision and support of Goshen College and President Shirley Showalter, the foundation for an Elder College was established in year 2000. Later Elder College became known as Lifelong Learning Institute.