Riders readying for missionary work in Southeast Asia

by Michael Mattison
After graduating from Martin Luther College in New Ulm to become teachers, Jesse and Emily Rider found the calling to become missionaries. They traveled to Asia in 2019 and their work there was cut short due to COVID. Upon returning home, they taught for two years in Michigan. They now have the chance to return to their missionary work and will be heading to Southeast Asia in August. The plan is to settle there permanently.
They will be settling in a city with a population of 10 million people. “It will be an interesting cultural experience to go over there but we think there are great opportunities for the Gospel to be shared that part of Asia,” Jessie said. Buddism and atheism are prevalent in that area. “There will be lots of opportunities to share God’s Word. It is something that we are passionate about and hoping to do it for a long time,” Emily added. “It’s a really neat opportunity in a place that needs Jesus.”

For the entire story, check out the July 12 issue of the Winthrop News.