An Indonesian missionary to the country of Guinea-Bissau in Western Africa, Ritha first came to The Dalles to perfect her English in order to go to Brazil to learn Portuguese (Guinea-Bissau’s official language). In June of 2000, she made it to Guinea Bissau, where she learned Portuguese-Creole, living in several villages, teaching Sunday School to Animist & Muslim children, training youth to teach & evangelize, and discipling new believers.
In 2010, God guided her focus to reaching the Futta Fulla, a strong Muslim tribe, also learning their language. With her team, she serves in the Boe area which has about 100 Muslim villages. Settling in Tchetche as their base, they reach out through direct evangelism, education and health services. In 2019, the first Christian school opened; and there are plans to start a Christian clinic, too.
Even while home in Indonesia caring for her father, Ritha has led Bible studies for women and trained missionary candidates for service.