Son of
missionary parents, Richard was born and raised on the lower slopes of Mount
Kenya, along with his two brothers and sister - "The most tranquil
upbringing a child could have had." He travelled to England for his
secondary education, before going to Cambridge University as an
undergraduate. He then went on to study for the pastoral ministry at
Ridley Hall Theological College, Cambridge.
He comes
from a family whose Gospel preaching tradition began with D L Moody's sermon of
September 26th, 1882, when his grandfather, 14-year-old Tommy made his
response, and later became a preacher himself. Beginning his ordained ministry
in Beckenham, Kent (where he met his wife Liz) Richard, together with Liz, went
on to lead churches in Harold Wood and Northwood, prior to their time in
leadership at All Souls, Langham Place. Following his retirement as
Rector of All Souls in November 2004, Richard was awarded an OBE in HM the
Queen's 2005 New Year Honours' List for services to the Church of England.
Richard's
speaking engagements have taken him into Europe, Australia, Africa, USA and
Canada. He has written over twenty books, including 'The Top 100
Questions' and '150 Pocket Thoughts' - published by Christian Focus
Publications. He is also known for his hymnwriting and his regular
contributions on Christian radio and television - including his co-hosting
(with the Revd Dr Paul Blackham) of the Open Home : Open Bible, and 'Book by
Book' on-screen Bible Study series.
Close to
Richard's heart are mission and outreach. For many years he has been UK
Chairman of African Enterprise. Also he has been a keen supporter of the
ministry of the BGEA, including serving as Chairman of 'Mission '89' held in
London England with Dr Billy Graham. Richard was honoured to accept an
invitation to join the board of Gospelcom International in 2004, as their very
first international board member. The following year in 2005 (thanks to
the generosity of some American friends) Richard's own website was launched -
at www.richardbewes.com.
Most sadly,
following an illness, Richard's wife Liz died in May 2006. Two sons, a daughter
and four grandchildren make up the family today.
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