Richard began ministry with Trans World Radio in 1973 in Swaziland, Africa. Later that same year, he met Carolyn. They were married there in August, 1974. They served in Swaziland until 1980 as he helped to build and maintain the new radio station.
Then a family of five, the Wests were transferred to Guam where they served for 21 years. Rich and Carolyn adopted three children while serving there.
Richard had many and varied responsibilities on Guam, some of which included:
- Building construction and grounds upkeep
- Vehicle and machinery maintenance
- Chief antenna rigger
- Electrical engineering and operation of the transmitters
In 2003, the Wests joined the TWR team on Bonaire for the next four years.
In 2007, they relocated to Elkhart, Indiana where Richard continues to serve with TWR at SonSet Solutions. SonSet Solutions provides technology-based solutions to advance the Gospel worldwide.
The ministry has invested time and effort into the production of high power 100 kilowatt shortwave transmitters, AM transmitters, and lower power shortwave and FM transmitters. Furthermore, antennas have been prepared that can be taken into countries in suitcases. Over the past four years, over 49,000 SonSet® radios have been processed and placed around the globe. These pre-tuned FM radio receives have been sent to many needy and unreached areas of the world.
Richard continues to be responsible for the building maintenance at SonSet Solutions. He is currently working construction projects, and engineering an antenna switching matrix and radio planting in various areas.
Carolyn went home to be with the Lord in early 2012. Daughters Heather, Stacy, and Sara are married. His daughter Roxanne lives in a group home. Katie and Bryce both graduated high school. Katie is in college and Bryce is working. Richard is the proud grandfather of five.
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