References and Endorsements

I have been following Richard’s ministry for many years. They are heading a project based on a field-proven ministry to further develop a transferable and repeatable strategy of relational evangelism with adults in the business and professional communities in Latin America who currently are outside the reach of most evangelical churches. The strategy is an adaptation of the successful approach of Search Ministries in the USA and includes a significant element of apologetics which has awakened the intellectual and spiritual curiosity of the university educated Latin American. Richard, and his wife, Margarita, have decades of experience in ministry in Latin America together with an extensive network of Christians and churches in the continent.

David Naugle, Th.M. Th.D., Ph.D. Former chair and professor of the Philosophy department of Dallas Baptist University.

If you're looking for someone to help you answer life's most important questions, I can't think of a better "guide" to come alongside you than Richard Houston. I've known Richard as a personal friend for years, and I’ve watched his outstanding ministry for decades. He has worked tirelessly across cultures and countries to bring God's light and love to hundreds of people in search of the Source of life. One thing I love about Richard is that his ministry starts with his bringing Jesus’ love home to his family first. So, if you’re looking for timeless answers to hugely important questions, I urge you to read his book. And look for anything Richard Houston does on the internet as well. He is an outstanding teacher and trainer who can help you find God’s truth, love and wisdom for your life!

John Trent, Ph.D. President of StrongFamilies.com Author of The Blessing and LifeMapping

Richard and Margarita’s passion to communicate the Gospel, their personal qualities as well as their links to and past residence in Colombia as missionaries has permitted them not only to obtain a knowledge of the cultural characteristics of the country but also to have relationships with influential people who have access to other influential people in many fields, essential elements for the Zacchaeus Project to develop successfully.

César Córdoba Retired, former professor and chairman of the Engineering Department of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (one of the most selective, competitive and high achieving universities in the country ) Master’s degree Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

I have known Richard for more than twenty-five years. He and Margarita understand the singularities and peculiarities of the Colombian elite and how to communicate the essentials of the Christian faith to them. But even more importantly they have developed resources and materials in Spanish to facilitate and train others to do so while targeting this important segment of society. I strongly believe that Richard and Margarita are qualified to make a spiritual impact in the lives of influential people of the Colombian society.

Javier Yanez-Arenas, PhD MBA Director and Senior Lecturer Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, Scotland. Former Dean of Business Administration Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia (considered the “Harvard of Colombia”)

Our faith has traversed 21 centuries of history and in many senses gave origin to the way of living and thinking we enjoy within western culture. Today, more than ever, that faith is hanging by a thread, and that thread is our capacity and disposition to transmit the faith to a new generation in an open, intelligent and open manner. Richard has taken that thread to weave a net which combines the power of a sincere friendship, open dialogue and the art of being able to articulate the divine Truth in a manner that those who seek it can understand. I want to recommend enthusiastically that you take advantage of the knowledge and experience of a true evangelist and apologist that is Richard Houston.

Danilo Montero International singer, recording artist and evangelist, pastor of the Hispanic congregation of Lakewood Church, Houston, TX

“My friend Richard Houston leads an important ministry of relational evangelism and is having a significant impact among influential leaders in South America. His cultural, language, and proven teaching skills are a rare asset that God is using to make a difference both in the United States as well as Colombia and beyond. I’m looking forward to partnering with Richard for the advancement of the Gospel in the years to come!” – New York Times best-selling author Lee Strobel, founding director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University

Lee Strobel. New York Times best-selling author

Richard is gifted with a sharp mind and a tender heart, the perfect combination for a book about Christian apologetics. His book will prepare you not only to “respond to all those who ask for a reason for the hope” within you, but also to do so with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

Bill Kraftson, ThM Search Ministries Area Director, Fort Worth, TX Howard Hendricks said that he considers Bill Kraftson as the graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary who has had the most impact on one city.

I have known Richard for a number of years through family connections, but during the last eighteen months I have been able to enter in to conversations of a spiritual nature. This has been an interesting and enriching experience. With his knowledge and command of the subject matter, he has explained and responded to me in a very didactic manner many of my questions. He has resolved many of my spiritual concerns during enjoyable meetings which we have realized frequently during his visits to Bogotá. It is rare that two gentlemen can have such a deep spiritual conversation regarding spiritual matters. I am very grateful to have this opportunity.

Luis, Vice-Admiral (r) Ph.D. President of the association of ex-admirals and ex-generals of Colombia Retired Vice-Admiral, former Inspector General, former vice-rector of the Naval Academy of Colombian

I have known Richard and Margarita for over 20 years and see that they have the profiles required to prudently lower the barriers that influential people of our continent put in front of those who wish to touch their spiritual life. Richard has encouraged me to develop my friendships with influential people some of whom I have already introduced to him. I am confident in knowing that I can entrust these friends to him. And I am sure that our Lord Jesus Christ will support their efforts.

Hernán González President and Chancellor of the Technological University of Colombia CIDCA, former Deputy Minister of Economic Development for the Colombian government

I consider Margarita and Richard as conforming a couple that is an example, not only of a family, but also in their convoking ability due to their charisma and ease at interacting with people of any level, a privilege that permits them to be accepted and esteemed in the community which, thanks to their religious knowledge, can have a positive influence on the people who have the good fortune of knowing and being with them here in Colombia. Their teachings are very enriching and, in my opinion, transform lives. The circle of friends around them corresponds to a prominent and influential group. I consider it very worthwhile to have them frequently here in our country, so that they might be able to amplify their pastoral activities and thus uphold more persons in the beautiful work of training them to know Christ and through him come to God the Father, producing better human beings and with the ability to multiple their knowledge.

Luis Ordóñez, Vice-Admiral (r) Ph.D. President of the association of ex-admirals and ex-generals of Colombia Retired Vice-Admiral, former Inspector General, former vice-rector of the Naval Academy of Colombian

Richard Houston has spent decades taking the essential scriptural truths espoused by Search Ministries to the Spanish speaking world. When Ken and I wrote I’m Glad You Asked our hearts desire was to equip believers to lovingly address the objections keeping seekers from having a relationship with Christ. We are thankful that Richard has taken the essence of IGYA and adapted this text for Spanish publication. Our prayer is for God to use this labor of Richard’s to stir the hearts of those who read it.

Larry Moody, ThM Founder and President Emeritus Search Ministries, co-author of I’m Glad You Asked, Chairman of the Board of Regents, Dallas Theological Seminary, Chaplain to the PGA and Champions Tours.