An Extremely Merry Christmas to One and All
2011 has been The Year
of Extremes. Oklahoma, along with the rest of the country, has experienced
weather extremes with flooding and drought, snowfall and hail, staggering heat
and frigid temperatures, with tornadoes and earthquakes thrown into the
mix. It has also been a year of
economic extremes. Yet through all
the challenges there have been so many reports of extreme generosity and sacrifice by fellow Americans, which reminds
us of our precious and Godly American heritage.
The ministry of Literacy & Evangelism International
(LEI) continues to be extremely
fascinating as missionaries with a common vision for a literate,
Bible-reading world visit, train, and connect across the globe. Sid leads as executive director of LEI,
and Christa writes and edits major publications. We also visit churches to share reports of what is happening
in the international field, and we are extremely
grateful for all who support our work with prayer, words of encouragement,
and financial gifts. This ministry
continues to be the core focus of our resources and energy.
Winter
Extreme winter weather caused record-breaking snowfalls and temperatures - Oklahoma’s coldest temperature (-31*), Tulsa greatest snowfall in a month (22.5 inches), and Tulsa’s greatest snowfall in a 24-hour period (14 inches). Sid demonstrated his extreme motivation to stay fit despite the winter weather by
participating in this year’s Oral Roberts University Indoor Triathlon. LEI partnered with ORU as the T-shirt
sponsor. You can read more about this event on Sid’s
blog http://sidrice.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html.
Spring
Sid traveled to Joplin to help with the extreme tornado relief effort. Our prayers continue to be with those who suffered from weather extremes this past year. Despite the hot summer to come, we
planted a vegetable garden for the first time in years resulting in a harvest
of dill, scallions, butternut and spaghetti squash.
Summer
Extreme focus
was needed as Christa took Literacy & Evangelism International’s five-week
International Literacy Training Institute (ILTI). With extreme joy, Sid
and Christa celebrated their 30th anniversary and found out the first grandchild is due in mid February. Despite extreme
temperatures (Oklahoma set a record for the hottest month in US history),
Christa celebrated her 55th birthday and graduated from ILTI. Then, Sid flew to Denver Seminary to
begin Doctor of Ministry classes.
The extremely
long, hot summer continued as record-breaking summer heat and number of days
in the 100’s increased (14 consecutive days). The highest temperature for Tulsa
was recorded at 113*F!
Fall
It was an extreme
honor to spend time celebrating Mom Rice’s 92nd birthday in
Tulsa with the siblings, grandchildren, and great grand children. Alice Rice is the widow of LEI's founder, Reverend Robert Rice. Sid celebrated his 55th birthday this year as well. An extremely
earthshaking experience, on November 5th, Oklahoma experienced
its largest earthquake. An M4.7 occurred in the wee hours of the morning
followed by an M5.6 that night.
Despite this drama, Sid enjoyed an extremely
successful deer hunting harvest this season.
Winter
An extreme street renovation shook things up in front of our house. Huge equipment rocked the neighborhood while demolishing the
existing curbs, water system, and street to update infrastructure. We hope the reconstruction is completed
in the New Year. We look forward
to celebrating the holidays with the family in Tulsa.
And most importantly, we join together with people all around
the world to celebrate God’s extreme love. Christmas celebrates the birth of
Jesus, The Savior of the World, who gave up the comforts of his heavenly home
and his noble position to come to earth to be Emmanuel, God with us. God
loves us so much he sent his one and only son to love us to the extreme. Should we not love him extremely in return?
We pray for blessings of peace, prosperity, and good health
for you and your loved ones in the New Year. Merry
Christmas.
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