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In 1986, Richard Smoak began his missionary work as an AIMer in Kenya. Since receiving full appointment to Tanzania in 1988 and to Burundi in 1998, he has been actively involved in various evangelism initiatives, church planting and developing leaders. A major focus has been on instruction in the Bible school program in Tanzania and its expansion to currently having three school locations. This focus on ministerial development has enabled the empowerment of Tanzanian pastors to now teach in and manage the three Bible schools plus provide for more ministers to facilitate the opening of new churches. Also, much effort has been put into the translation of Bible school books, tracts, and other materials into Swahili, the language of Tanzania. In October 2023, the Tanzanian church became nationalized by electing a Tanzanian to the office of superintendent. While Richard continues to serve as an advisor to the national boards and pastors of Tanzania and Burundi and maintains involvement in the long-term advancement of the Bible schools, in 2016, he was appointed as the area coordinator for the seventeen nations of East Africa.