RHK Volunteer Spotlight - Remembering Richard Tempel

This month we want to honor long-time RHK volunteer, Richard Tempel. “Mr. Rich” served in our evening program for more than 10 years. In 2014, he and his wife, Janel heard about the need for volunteers at RHK to come and share Christ’s love with our kids and they decided to do just that together. Volunteering wasn’t always easy, but they loved it!

Kids and volunteers who came on Monday nights, were greeted by “Mr. Rich” at the door as our Safety volunteer, keeping watching over all who came in. Rain or shine, freezing cold or extreme heat, it didn’t matter. He was there at this post to ensure the safety of our RHK family. When program was over, he was there to greet parents at the door and escorted volunteers and staff to the parking lot to make sure they got to their cars safely.

Once the program began, he moved inside and happily served wherever he was needed. Sometimes, as a mentor with the kids, other times teaching the Bible lesson or leading the memory verse station. Rich loved the kids and his RHK family - and they loved him back.

This past November, Rich was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer and went to be with Jesus on May 27, 2025. Rich loved the Lord with his whole heart. He continued to talk about Jesus with everyone he could, even during the weeks he spent in the hospital before his passing.

He is greatly missed, but he is in the presence of our Savior and Lord and we couldn’t wish anything better for him than that!