Who we are
Paul and Angela Richardson
Paul and Angela Richardson were a part of the team that planted West Ridge Church in 1997. In twenty-four years, they have served in various roles, including Kids, Groups, Outreach, and Leadership Development. Paul has been a part of the teaching team at West Ridge for more than two decades. Both Paul and Angela have spoken at Churches and Groups great and small on Marriage, Anxiety, and Christian Living.
Paul is the Co-Founder of Engage Burkina, which works to bring clean water, education, and development to Burkina Faso, West Africa.
Cody and Samantha Richard
Cody and Samantha Richard, along with their two daughters, moved from the Charleston area of South Carolina to Scotland following a clear sense from the Lord to reach and serve the people of Edinburgh. Cody serves as Associate Director of Prayer and Leadership Development at Take Hold Church, with a heart to cultivate a culture of prayer and raise up leaders rooted in the presence of God. Samantha is passionate about walking alongside mums and children, creating spaces of care, connection, and belonging.
Together, they are passionate about living simply, being intentional, and loving deeply. They love sharing life with others—opening their home, building community, and exploring new places as a family. They are grateful to be part of what God is already doing and long to see people encounter Jesus and be formed into His likeness.
Connor and Annie Hughes
Connor and Annie met at Young Life camp in 2018 and got married in 2019 (with our very own Paul Richardson officiating the wedding). Connor worked four years on field staff for the ministry of Young Life, working with teenagers, and then worked at a private school in Student Life and coached lacrosse. Annie worked as a Labor and Delivery nurse for two years and then moved to an administrative role outside of the healthcare world.
Ever since they got married, their hearts have been tugged toward international ministry and the calling to join Take Hold Church was a clear door opened to “declare His glory among the nations” (1 Chron. 16:24). They are humbled and honored to be a part of the work that the Lord is already doing in Scotland. Their hearts seek to show Christ to the Scottish people through kindness and community, making all feel welcome to come and hear the Good News.
While Annie loves the outdoors, you will most likely find her with a good cup of coffee and enjoying a wee chat with friends. Connor’s love of the outdoors and animals will lead you to find him connecting with the nature-loving community out on the trails."