Mennonite Mission Network worker Richard Friesen passed away August 11 at the hospital in Formosa, Argentina, where he had been receiving treatment off and on since a light stroke in late June. On August 3, Richard suffered cardiac arrest and developed pneumonia in the following days. During the medical crisis, his wife, Ruth Anne, and coworkers shared meaningful times of singing and praying with Richard. The family and team are grateful for the doctors who worked so hard to save his life and for the compassionate hospital staff. Ruth Anne has been joined by other family from the United States for the funeral on August 13.

Richard had recently completed his work on the Toba language New Testament revision project along with a team of Toba translators. Richard and Ruth Anne were planning to return to North America in 2011.

Please join us in prayer that God would comfort and strengthen Ruth Anne as she grieves the loss of her husband of almost 28 years. Also pray that the faith-sharing to which Richard dedicated his life will continue in powerful ways in the Argentine Chaco and throughout the world.