Wellspring Board and North American staff praying over Co-Founder, Richard Taylor.

A Fond Farewell

Today, Wellspring co-founder Richard Taylor and his family will step on a plane and begin their journey from Kigali, Rwanda, to Vancouver, Canada. It’s a trip Richard has taken many times over many years … but this time is different. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the story of the Taylor family, and in the story of Wellspring, as Richard officially ends his time with the organization he began fourteen years ago. After four wonderful years based in Rwanda, the Taylor family are returning to Langley, BC, and beginning a new journey at Trinity Western University.

How do we begin to say goodbye to someone who has been part of Wellspring’s story from its very inception and whose vision and passion have been a guiding light to the organization? Well … you don’t! We know that this is not truly a goodbye, as Richard, Ericka, and their boys will forever be part of the Wellspring family, and that the impact they have had in Rwanda will be felt for years to come. Instead, this is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy that Richard leaves and to look forward together to all that is still to come.

If you attended our Vancouver Gala in May, you will have caught a glimpse of just how much Richard means to this organization, but you will also have seen the deep love that Richard carries for Wellspring and for the people we serve in Rwanda. Richard spoke of Wellspring being tattooed to his forehead, and we know that he will always be an ambassador for Wellspring wherever he goes!

Richard, we give thanks for all that God has done through your years of hard work and service, and for the privilege of being part of this journey with you. Your vision and servant leadership have directly impacted more lives than we will ever know and your example will continue to serve as an inspiration for people of all ages who long to make a difference in the world. Thank you for all you have done to make Wellspring thrive. We are forever grateful.

We also want to acknowledge the incredible role that Richard’s wife, Ericka, has played in this journeysomething that there will never be enough words to do well! Ericka, your capacity for generosity, compassion, and hospitality mean that nobody crosses your path without being changed. Through your nursing skills and daily love and care for those around you, you have been a living demonstration of the heart of service that is in the very core of Wellspring. Like Richard, you have supported Wellspring from before day one and have left an imprint that will forever be part of this organization’s DNA. 

Thank you so much, Taylor family! We send you into this new season with our gratitude and blessing, and are excited for all that God will do in and through each of you in the years ahead.


Click here to learn more about how God took the passion of Richard and co-founder Jeff, the vision of His people in Rwanda, and the dedication of partners here in North America, and weaved together the story of Wellspring.