Sid's blog

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

An Extremely Merry Christmas to One and All

2011 has been The Yearof Extremes. Oklahoma, along with the rest of the country, has experiencedweather extremes with flooding and drought, snowfall and hail, staggering heatand frigid temperatures, with tornadoes and earthquakes thrown into themix. It has also been a year ofeconomic extremes. Yet through allthe challenges there have been so many reports of extreme generosity and sacrifice by fellow Americans, which remindsus of our precious and Godly American heritage.

The ministry of Literacy & Evangelism International(LEI) continues to be extremelyfascinating 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 happeningin the international field, and we are extremelygrateful for all who support our work with prayer, words of encouragement,and financial gifts. This ministrycontinues 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 byparticipating in this year’s Oral Roberts University Indoor Triathlon. LEI partnered with ORU as the T-shirtsponsor. You can read more about this event on Sid’sblog 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, weplanted a vegetable garden for the first time in years resulting in a harvestof dill, scallions, butternut and spaghetti squash.

Summer

Extreme focuswas needed as Christa took Literacy & Evangelism International’s five-weekInternational Literacy Training Institute (ILTI). With extreme joy, Sidand Christa celebrated their 30th anniversary and found out the first grandchild is due in mid February. Despite extremetemperatures (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 tobegin Doctor of Ministry classes.

The extremelylong, hot summer continued as record-breaking summer heat and number of daysin the 100’s increased (14 consecutive days). The highest temperature for Tulsawas recorded at 113*F!

Fall

It was an extremehonor to spend time celebrating Mom Rice’s 92nd birthday inTulsa 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 extremelyearthshaking experience, on November 5th, Oklahoma experiencedits largest earthquake. An M4.7 occurred in the wee hours of the morningfollowed by an M5.6 that night. Despite this drama, Sid enjoyed an extremelysuccessful 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 theexisting curbs, water system, and street to update infrastructure. We hope the reconstruction is completedin the New Year. We look forwardto celebrating the holidays with the family in Tulsa.

And most importantly, we join together with people all aroundthe world to celebrate God’s extreme love. Christmas celebrates the birth ofJesus, The Savior of the World, who gave up the comforts of his heavenly homeand his noble position to come to earth to be Emmanuel, God with us. Godloves 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 healthfor you and your loved ones in the New Year. MerryChristmas.

2011-12-07T10:47:00.001-08:00

Samuel Tholley shared yesterday by phone from Sierra Leone that, "people are so eager to read the gospel in their own language... we will teach them how to read." He along with several others are attending a Teacher Training Workshop hosted by Gregory & Agnes Bangura.

Gregory writes, "Today, we will begin the training of literacy champions in Lungi who will in turn go and train teachers. Some of the champions have already listed about 100 teachers to train. 2012 is "LITERACY YEAR" for us. Please join us to open the eyes of the blind!

Amen.

Mrs. Rice's Birthday Celebration

2011-10-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Rice is seated here with Sid, the current executive director of LEI.

At the beginning of this month we celebrated Alice Rice's 92nd birthday here at the office of Literacy & Evangelism International. Mrs. Rice is the wife of LEI's founder, Reverend Bob Rice. She has been an avid supporter and co-laborer in the ministry since its inception. It was a blessing to celebrate with Mrs. Rice and to hear her words of encouragement. She is grateful for the many who continue the work her husband began over 40 years ago. May our Lord richly bless Mrs. Rice for the many years and many ways in which she has served HIM so faithfully. She is an inspiration to all.

Proverbs 31:30-31
A woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

NIV

posted by Christa

Preaching in Indiana

2011-10-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

A special thanks to Jerry Van Auken, Sr. Pastor, FEPC Kokomo, for letting me grace his pulpit. It was a blessing to worship with friends in Indiana. Here's a video link to the sermon I shared.

http://vimeo.com/30434069

Mission Outreach Sunday

2011-10-05T14:15:00.001-07:00

In August, Ralph and Jean share the Literacy & Evangelism ministry with their local church. This church has been a tremendous support over the 40 plus years that LEI has been serving in ministry. It was a wonderful opportunity for meeting old friends and making new ones. Thank you, Lord, for this very special occasion.

Coming to LEI as full time volunteers in 1995, Ralph and Jean committed to one year of service.
Now, 16 years later, they continue to be a vital part of the LEI ministry family.

Not only have they been serving with LEI for a long time,
Ralph and Jean recently celebrated 55 years of wedded bliss.

Congratulations for their faithful partnership and good example to all.

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."
Jeremiah 31:3

posted by Christa

Kirk of the Hills 2nd Saturday

2011-10-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

A big "thank you" is extended to Kirk of the Hills, Tulsa, for their 2nd Saturday outreach event on September 10, 2011, at our LEI campus. The Pathfinders Sunday School class visited LEI and spent the day cleaning up the grounds and gardens. This was much appreciated after the record breaking heat and drought of this past summer. Many trees and bushes needed to be lovingly pruned, and weeds were removed that had sprouted where they were not supposed to be. We appreciate all the hard work that was accomplished on this day. The grounds look revived and ready for the cooler fall weather.

The whole group covered a wide variety of ages.

Careful concentration is needed when pruning bushes.

Taking a moment to stop and smell the roses.

Careful pruning is needed to promote healthy tree growth.

John 15:1-2, 4-8 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful...Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)

posted by Christa

Life Long Learner - Back to School

2011-08-08T11:40:00.001-07:00

Within the last few weeks I went from teacher to student, attending my first course in a Doctor of Ministry program at Denver Seminary. The class was "Leading Change", part of the church and para church Executive Leadership track, taught by Dr. Hans Finzel. Hans is President of World Venture, a mission sending over 600 missionaries around the globe. He is the tallest one pictured on the front row.

The timing of this course and program has truly been God's timing. I did not anticipate how applicable the reading, the coursework, and the program would be. Not only is it providing personal correction, but it is giving me a greater understanding of the value and potential of the literacy and evangelism ministry to which God has called me. May God continue to bless the faculty and staff of Denver Seminary.

International Literacy Training Institute 2011

2011-08-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

Literacy and Evangelism International recently concluded the 2011
International Literacy Training Institute on our Tulsa campus. Students
from India, Africa and America were with us for this event. Our New Director of Pastoral Care, Phil Trusedale summed up the experience...

"One of the best adult education experiences I've ever had. Very professional. Well done! .... This was a great experience."

Bring Your Chain Saw to Work Day

2011-06-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Although we haven't experienced any tornados this spring on LEI's Tulsa campus, we have had some high winds. Wind recently blew over a 50 yr. old elm tree. So last Friday five guys, three chain saws, two pick-up trucks and one wood splitter cleaned up the mess. A special thanks to Greg Bennett, Bob Biederman, Georg Ort and Frank Fitzgerald for their hard work.

Our prayers continue to go out to those in Joplin, MO and others who weren't as fortunate in avoiding more extensive damage.

Sutter Presbyterian Church - St. Louis

2011-06-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

It's always great to be with Pastor Bill McConkey and Sutter Presbyterian Church. A special treat for me was to have my eldest son Phil and his lovely wife Becky w/ me for the weekend. Phil gave an awesome testimony of God's grace during the service. When I got up to preach, I could have easily just closed in a benediction.

Great job Phil!

Thanks for your prayers

2011-05-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

I continue to Praise God for my wife Christa coming on staff with LEI. She has been an invaluable addition to the mission, taking on the role of Publications Editor. She is also my newest co-pilot and a stellar one at that. As my 2011 summer travel schedule ramps up, we covet your prayers over the next few months. The following is part of the upcoming itinerary:

NORTH AMERICA
May 15 - Preaching @ Sutter Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, MO

June 10 & 11 - Tri-Presbytery meeting, Stillwater, OK
June 19 - Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian, Tulsa, OK
June 20 - Speaking @ LEI - International Literacy Training Institute (ILTI), Tulsa
June 22 - 25, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, General Assembly, Memphis, TN
June 26 - Preaching @ Good Shepherd, Bartlesville, OK

July 4 - Intl. Literacy Training Institute Evening Picnic & River Fireworks, LEI campus (Everyone is welcome! RSVP 918.585-3826)
July 12&14 - Speaking @ LEI - International Literacy Training Institute (ILTI), Tulsa
July 15 - Intl. Literacy Training Institute Graduation
July 18 - 20, LEI New Missionary Orientation
July 25 - 29, Denver Seminary, Doctor of Ministry - Leading Change Seminar

August 1 - 5, Backpacking - Pecos Wilderness, NM
August 14 - Preaching @ First Presbyterian Church, Kokomo, IN
August 20 - LEI Board of Trustee Mtg., Tulsa
August 25-26, Fellowship PCUSA, Minneapolis, MN
August 28, Colonial Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, MO

AFRICA
Sept. 16 - Enroute to Kenya
Sept. 20 - Board of Trustees Mtg., Partners in Literacy Ministry, Nairobi
Sept. 21- Arrive Freetown, Sierra Leone
Sept. 23 - Themne primer launch, MaKeni, Northern provincial capital
Sept. 25 - Mende primer launch, Bo, Southern provincial capital

Prayer concerns:
Physical and spiritual strength for the journey. Wisdom, understanding and insight as it relates to building God's kingdom through Literacy and Evangelism International (LEI).

I continue to praise God for being provided the opportunity to represent LEI by preaching, speaking, and encouraging missionaries and partners around the world. Thanks for holding me and Christa in your prayers.
Always your grateful brother in Christ, Sid

ORU sprint Triathlon

2011-01-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

A special thanks goes out to my lap counter, Tina Cummins @ the 2nd Annual Indoor ORU Triathlon sponsored in part by Literacy & Evangelism International.

We're thinking this is a good target market for mobilization (as in code for recruitment). Participants are ORU students who are filled with the Holy Spirit, passionate followers of Jesus, 20 something, and oh yeah, very healthy. Gotta love 'em...

http://mabeecenter.com/events.php?id=triathlon2011

Christmas Greetings - December 2010

2010-12-13T07:41:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We celebrate Sid’s fifth year serving as the executive director of the mission organization, Literacy and Evangelism International, and we celebrate Christa’s joining the staff as the publication’s editor. The people, involved in LEI’s ministry throughout the world, create materials to teach illiterate people to read and write in their heart language as well as in English. This organization also trains tutors to use the simple tools to teach literacy skills to others. For many, the incentive to read comes from a desire to read the Bibles already translated into their language. Sid continues to fly to visit churches and individuals to thank them for partnering in the ministry. He loves the freedom that comes with being his own pilot. A very generous supporter allows Sid to use his plane whenever Sid travels nationally. He also traveled internationally to Asia in May to visit LEI affiliates and missionaries throughout that vast continent. A sandstorm over the Gobi Desert had him adjusting his travel itinerary from Singapore to Mongolia. Now that is something that we have not had to deal with in Oklahoma. You can connect to Sid’s blog for updates through LEI’s website home page.

In July, Christa retired after completing her 16th year of teaching, her 10th year in our local public school. When she is not at LEI, she spends her free time being the prayer coordinator in her women’s bible study. She is also enjoying researching and writing historical fiction and biographies for young adults. Some day she hopes to publish a completed work.

All five of the Rice siblings continue to live busy, productive lives in Norman, Oklahoma, near the epicenter of the October 13, 2010, Oklahoma earthquake (originally reported as 5.1 magnitude but later reported as magnitude 4.3). Yes, believe it or not, Oklahoma has earthquakes. It was an earth shaking experience even felt by us in Tulsa!

David, the youngest yet tallest brother, continues in the tradition
of his brothers and sisters-in-law by studying at the University of Oklahoma and is in his sophomore year. He is pursuing a Computer Science degree and is enjoying his course load. His favorite class last spring was a toss up between Physics and Calc III!!!! David worked at Wal-Mart this summer to earn spending money and was glad to have a summer job in an air-conditioned store.

In August, Daniel and Shelby celebrated their second wedding anniversary. Daniel graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s School of Construction Science in May, and our family journeyed to Norman to help celebrate. Daniel is employed with a construction firm, Ideal Homes, and is their Customized Homes Cost Estimator. With the economy as it is, we are grateful that he has a good job and did not have to leave Oklahoma to find it. Along with her OU nursing degree and license, Shelby has earned her Doula certification this year and enjoys actively instructing, supporting, and encouraging young moms during the pregnancies, labors, and the deliveries of their babies. Daniel and Shelby actively serve in their community church taking care of children and preparing meals for others.

This December Philip and Becky will celebrate their second wedding anniversary. Philip works for an electronic parts company, 4SITE Electronics, in Norman, as their sales manager. Becky works at Starbucks and serves as the secretary and bookkeeper for their church. They have traveled to Europe and the Mid East this year doing mission work and hope to visit South Africa in January. Philip and Becky continue to play beautiful music together as they team up with friends to lead worship at their church and elsewhere.

Christa traveled to Michigan this summer to spend time with her parents, Dave and Peg, on the Weikals’ annual fishing trip to Copper Harbor in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Then, in August, Sid and Christa went “primitive”, backpacking (without the boys!) together in the Pecos Wilderness Area of the New Mexico Rocky Mountains. For the guys’ “manly adventure” this year, Sid and two of his older brothers, Willis and Roland, met in California to hike Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome. In October, the extended Rice family gathered in Tulsa to celebrate Sid’s mom’s 91st birthday.

In closing, we appreciate your friendship. You are in our hearts and in our fondest thoughts this holiday season and throughout the year. May 2011 bring prosperity and health.
Love, Sid and Christa Rice

Thanks to my copilots!

2010-11-18T10:52:00.000-08:00

I've been out of town a lot of weekend's over the last few months. It's my privilege to speak at churches that are faithful supporters of LEI. I've found immense joy in having brothers and sisters journey with me. So here's a special thanks to all my copilots:
John Vetter, Brad Means, Chris Reed, Philip & Becky Rice, Kenyon Gerbrandt and Stewart Turner, just to name a few...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfQb2xBhdqw&feature=player_embedded

Praying for You

2010-11-18T06:42:00.000-08:00

A note from my visit to Kansas City last wkend...

Dear Sid:
Thank you so much for your presentation at the Primetimers Sunday School yesterday. What a privilege and a joy to know you and the tremendous ministry God has given you to do.

Today and ongoing, I'm praying that the Light of the Lord's countenance will shine brightly on you; that you will be filled with all the strength and wisdom and encouragement of His powerful Name, the Name above all names, Jesus Christ.

Praying also that you will rely heavily on Christ for all your needs personally as well as the needs of the ministry which you head. Oh, how noble a venture you have undertaken for the Lord! Your faithfulness will not go unnoticed by Him, for even when the adversary tries to thwart your efforts, He who is faithful will provide a bulwark and a standard so that you can proceed.

We praise and thank God for men and women like you who give their all for the sake of the gospel Keep looking to Jesus and He will supply anything which is lacking in you and for you.
And I will keep lifting up your name to our mighty God.

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

May He bless you mightily,
Dolores Cole

More Korean connections

2010-06-14T13:16:00.001-07:00

Professor Kim (LEI SE Asia Director) and I in Beijing.
Professor Kim and student somewhere in China...
Brother Sung (Board member Global Literacy Mission) and I in Seoul.

my favorite missionary

2010-05-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Christa is a 5th grade language arts and social studies teacher in Jenks Public Schools. While we often think of missionaries serving in a distant land or for some international mission, Christa is a missionary to around 60 kids in NE Oklahoma. Her mission context is a secular public school. She has missionary peers that meet with her every week to pray over the children God has placed in their care. She helps facilitate "Trojans for Christ" every Friday morning before school. Last week there were 30 kids that expressed their desire to follow Jesus at the Friday morning gathering. The Spirit of God is transforming kids hearts and lives, because Christa has chosen to be obedient to God's call for this season of her life.

Christa is an amazing woman doing incredible things for God's kingdom. May God continue to give her joy, peace, and grace as she serves as a missionary in Jenks Public Schools.

Oh yeah, and Christa is my loving wife.

FHIF 3rd Intl. Prayer Summit, Batam, Indonesia

2010-05-11T07:41:00.001-07:00

This photo was taken at the conclusion of the Food for the Hungry International Federation(FHIF) prayer summit/gathering in Batam, Indonesia. FHIF's vision is the eradication of physical and spiritual hunger. LEI is a federation member, based on the Federation's belief that education is the key to sustained economic development as a platform for producing food for the world’s hungry.

Jesus Abbey / Prayer Mtn.

2010-05-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a video taken in the chapel after dinner...

It was my privilege to spend my last weekend in Asia at Jesus Abbey. They are an intentional prayer community of about 30 Spirit filled members. They also constitute the sending community for Gamaliel and Gloria Kim, LEI missionaries serving in Ulan Bator, Mongolia.

The community is set in the mountains of Eastern Korea, about a 4 hour train ride from Seoul. Because of its beautiful setting, the demand to come and visit has been increasing over the years, upwards to 100 visitors per day.
The abbey was quieter than usual, since they are in the midst of 3 months without visitors. I was an exception for the weekend, as the guest preacher. The respite from visitors is in part to allow for a season of discernment to determine the balance between serving others as a place of retreat and serving others through prayer.

May God give Jesus Abbey and its members all wisdom and insight as to its future role in building God’s kingdom.

기도원 (Prayer Mtn.; Ki Do Won - English transliteration)

LEI family in Mongolia

2010-05-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

What a blessing to be w/ Gloria, Gamaliel, Grace & Luke Kim. Also pictured is Bishop Lee & his wife Susan. Bishop Lee was the former dean of the Episcopal Seminary in Seoul. He is currently teaching Theology & English at a private school in Ulan Bator.

LEI Cafe - Beijing

2010-05-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be flying through Beijing, ck. out the LEI Cafe. That would be terminal 3 for sure.

It was great to meet with Dr. Kim, while in China. We discussed developments on the Hmong primer, Bangkok regional office, future partnerships and other developments. Catch me off line and ask me what's happening with the underground "C".

Literacy Center - Ecologically Friendly Construction

2010-05-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

Gamaliel & Gloria Kim have been serving faithfully with LEI in Ulan Bator, Mongolia.
God has led them to build a literacy center north of the city. It is an ecologically friendly construction made with earth walls. The construction was suspended for the winter, but will commence with the arrival of spring. They hope to complete the building this summer to hold a Teacher Training Workshop by this fall.

Check out a tour of the construction site...

If you are interested in helping w/ the construction, please contact info@literacyinternational.net

May God continue to bless the sacrifice of the Kim family.

Mongolian Refrigerator

2010-04-28T02:13:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe we made the Kim’s refrigerator. The caption on the family photo reads, “Thank you for your prayers, The Rice family”. On the other side of the world our family has been receiving the prayers of a Korean family, serving in Mongolia, even while we were sleeping. Wow! How beautiful is the body of Christ.

From Batam Indonesia

2010-04-24T03:46:00.001-07:00

While attending the 2010 Food for the Hungry International Federation (FHIF) gathering in Batam, Indonesia, I was encouraged to hear an Executive Council member say, “Education is the key to sustaining food for the world’s hungry”.

Brian Cheng, President FHIF, Hong Kong (pictured), my friend and roommate @ the gathering and I began discussions regarding partnership with Literacy & Evangelism Intl. (LEI) to develop a basic reader/primer in the Akah language. This group includes over a half million speakers primarily in China and Myanmar. The Akah mountain people in China have pockets of literacy as low as 1%.

Christmas Reflection

2009-12-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

Picture includes me, Christa, Phil & Becky, Dan & Shelby, and David and his friend Eriana.

Rice Reflections from December 2009

Sid and Christa became “empty nesters” in August. We continue to adjust to this new phase of life, which includes, “date night every night”, Sid’s in town.
David joined in the tradition of his brothers and sisters-in-law heading off to the University of Oklahoma to begin his freshman year. He is pursuing a degree in Computer Science and is enjoying his course load. It is special to have all five children in Norman, Oklahoma, for the year.

Sid continues to serve with Literacy and Evangelism International for the fourth year. After earning his private pilot’s license in 2008, he followed up with his instrument rating this year. Now he can fly himself to visit churches and individuals to thank them for partnering in the ministry. He also traveled to Africa in May and June to visit LEI missionaries and affiliates there.

In August, Daniel and Shelby celebrated their first anniversary. Daniel continues his studies at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Construction Science. Shelby graduated from the OU School of Nursing in May 2009. They are living in Norman, Oklahoma, while Daniel finishes his studies and graduates in May 2010. They are active in their Norman church.

Christa began her 16th year of teaching, her 10th year in her present school. The fifth grade wing of the school was entirely renovated over the summer, and she has enjoyed getting to use the new and improved facility.

In October, the Rices gathered in Tulsa to celebrate Sid’s mom’s 90th birthday, and in November, Sid and Christa traveled to Florida to gather with the Weikal family to celebrate the wedding of Christa’s nephew, Chase, and his new wife, Kim. Both were very special family reunions.

This December Philip and Becky will celebrate their first anniversary. Philip works for an electronic parts company in Norman and also has his own guitar pedals business on line. Becky works with a bank in Norman. They are active in their church and continue to play beautiful music together.

In closing, we appreciate your friendship. You are in our hearts and in our fondest thoughts this Christmas season and we pray that God may richly bless you and yours in the coming New Year.
Love, Sid and Christa Rice

Ghana Clothes Dryer

2009-06-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Partners in Literacy Ministries - PALM

2009-06-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

While in Nairobi, Kenya, I was privileged to meet w/ some of the Board members from PALM (Partners in Literacy Ministries). PALM was formerly named LEFK (that’s Literacy & Evangelism Fellowship of Kenya). They changed their name so that they could more effectively reach Muslim nations to the north.

The Board of Directors is very actively engaged in the operational strategy of PALM. The Chairman is Daniel Muvengi, (at the forefront of the picture). Daniel also serves w/ World Vision as Regional Director – Faith & Development/Christian Commitments. Also seated at the table is my good friend Joseph Matheka (pictured at the far left), Executive Director – PALM.

The Beauty of Africa is not limited to its people

2009-06-17T11:16:00.001-07:00

No One like JESUS!

2009-06-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

While worshiping at one of Maxwell’s churches in southern Malawi, I was taught a new song. It goes like this, “I’ve searched here and there. I’ve searched everywhere. But there’s no one like Jesus!” It’s sung in Swahili and other dialects across Africa.

Complete w/hand motions, it’s become a new favorite of mine. There’s no one like Jesus! Amen?

Maxwell is an LEI missionary serving faithfully in his home country of Malawi.

Paying a Speeding Ticket

2009-06-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

After preaching earlier in the day we were enjoying a late lunch at the airport while seeing a coworker off on a flight back to the US. I was extremely relaxed after an intense morning. I was relaxed until I got the word that my Monday flight had been CANCELLED.

A cancelled flight meant I needed to get back across Abidjan, Ivory Coast to my hotel, pack and then back to the airport to catch my only other flight option until Tuesday. If I missed the Sunday flight, I would miss a critical meeting w/ the Minister of Education in Ghana. The taxi driver understood my urgency. So in route to the hotel he exceeded the speed limit a bit. As we exited from a particular parkway, we were met by four police officers, one with a STOP sign and the others to give us a citation. But while the taxi was still in motion, Gregory (LEI’s W. Africa Director) extended a certain monetary sum out the window. It was graciously received by the official and off we speed. The ticket was paid without stopping, in time to catch my new flight.

Praise God for my W. African brother who knows how to navigate across the city of Abidjan quickly.

Presbyterian Revival

2009-06-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

An hour drive NE of Accra, Ghana in the heart of the Dangme Presbytery, a revival is in process. It started on a Tuesday evening, the night before I arrived and would run through Friday. The theme was Holy Spirit empowering. I spoke on the primary purpose of the Holy Spirit filling, which is PROCLAMATION.

4 years ago I worked w/ LEI missionary Bob Biederman and a team of Dangme speakers to craft an LEI basic reader. Proclamation is at the heart of the Bible content LEI formatted readers. It was my privilege to be back and see the fruit of our labor.
The Dangme Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana had fully embraced literacy as a major focus to build up the body of Christ & reach out to it's community.

May God's Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit continue to empower the Dangme people!

1.8 Billion Nonreaders

2009-06-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

As you enter the office of the bible society of Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, you are greeted by this banner . lt’s a beautiful thing to behold. Here is a major translation group embracing the need for literacy. Last month they hosted a literacy symposium to highlight the need for future literacy initiatives. The new head of the bible society for Africa met w/ myself and the Executive Director of Partners in Literacy Ministries and encouraged us to host an East Africa Literacy Training Institute in 2010.

Ivory Coast - Literacy Training Institute

2009-06-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

It was my privilege to speak at the graduation ceremony of the Ivory Coast Regional Literacy Training Institute. 25 participants from 8 different countries participated in the two week training event. They represented Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Togo, and Sierra Leone. These participants were equipped to launch literacy programs in their respective countries.

May the Lord continue to bless the new vision for literacy mission across W. Africa. May God also continue to bless Rev. Gregory & Agnes Bangura in their leadership role as LEI W. Africa Regional Directors.

Friends from Benin

2009-05-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

This is Daniel & Aboussam, LEI missionaries to Benin. I will be honored to give Daniel a certificate this evening certifying him as an "LEI Primmer Consultant".
This means he has achieved a level of expertise to lead a primer/basic reader construction team.

Congratulations to Daniel for this achievement!

5 pastors cannot read

2009-05-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

I met my new friend, Rev. Musa Jambawai while attending the LEI Regional Literacy Training institute in the Ivory Coast May 2009. Musa is the conference secretary for the Methodist church of Sierra Lione. He is pictured standing next to a coco tree. The same tree which his family farms in the mountainous NE Sierra Lione to help support his ministry with the Methodist church.

Musa oversees a circuit of 20 churches, which include training and mentoring pastors the same number of pastors. Out of the 20 churches he serves, 5 pastors cannot read. Seeing the immense need for literacy among his people group, Rev. Musa has stepped forward to become the LEI Literacy Champion for the Sierra Lione Mende Language project. This will include a one wk. primer training and two wk. Mende primer construction project in 2010.

May God bless Musa and the Mende Language Project…

Acts 2:7 Mission statement “A Christian org. …..

Prayer & Praise 2009

2009-03-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

Praise God for a recent note from Josephine (an LEI affiliate) from Rwanda.
She reports that 246,940 new BIBLE readers have been created since 1999
using LEI’s Bible content Kinyarwanda primer (basic reader).
123,470 of these new readers have decided to become followers of Jesus.

Thanks for your continued prayers for physical & spiritual protection for the family.
I also covet your prayers for safety for the journey as I travel to the following destinations...

APRIL 3 – Speaking @ Dundee Presbyterian Church, Omaha
21-24 – Speaking @ Knowledge & Connection/Mission Transformation Conference, Houston

AFRICA
MAY 19 - En route to ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (W. Africa) - Speaking @ the Ivory Coast
– International Literacy Training Institute. Meeting w/ LEI W. Africa missionaries
25 - Depart for ACCRA, Ghana – Meeting w/ Representatives from Dangme Presbytery,
General Secretary of Ghana Bible Society and Ghana Minister of Education
27 - Depart for overnight flight to NAIROBI, Kenya – Meeting w/ Joseph Matheka & Partners in Literacy Ministry staff
30 Depart for BLANTYRE, Malawi – Meeting w/ LEI missionary Maxwell Mpitanyanga

JUNE 2 - Depart for JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
3 - Return to the US
21 – Preaching @ First Presbyterian Church, Spirit Lake, Iowa
22 - Speaking at LEI’s International Literacy Training Institute (ILTI) Tulsa, OK
24-27 – Attending the Evangelism Presbyterian Church, General Assembly, Brighton, MI
28 – Speaking @ Cornerstone Evangelical Presby. Church, Brighton, MI

JULY 12 – Speaking @ LEI Mission Sunday at Kirk of the Hills, Tulsa
16 & 17 – Speaking at LEI’s ILTI, Tulsa

Rice 2008 in Review

2009-01-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

Psalm 145:7 "They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness."

January-the Weikals gather to celebrate Dave’s (Christa's dad's) 80th birthday.

February-Sid celebrated the beginning of his 3rd year with Literacy and Evangelism International. Sid also earned his private pilot’s license this year. For more details you can visit LEI’s web site and Sid’s blog

May/June-Christa and Peg celebrated their first “girls only” trip to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

July-The guys celebrated their “Manly Adventure”, backpacking in the Pecos wilderness of New Mexico.

August- The family celebrated Daniel and Shelby’s wedding. The newly weds continue their studies at the University of Oklahoma with Daniel in the OU School of Construction Science and Shelby in the OU School of Nursing.

Christa begins and celebrates her 14th year of teaching.

David begins and celebrates his senior year of high school. We will celebrate his graduation in May ’09. No word yet on where he will go to collage, but he plans to take his Cisco Certified Network Associate certification in the spring.

December- the Rices celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus and Philip and Becky’s wedding. Becky and Philip will reside in Norman, Oklahoma. Philip works for an electronics’ parts company and also sells guitar pedals, teaches music lessons, and books events for his rock band, The Neighborhood. (For updates, visit the band’s web site). Becky works with a bank in Oklahoma City.

In closing we, celebrate your friendship. You are in our hearts and in our fondest thoughts.

Love, Sid and Christa Rice

A tribute to George Foster

2008-11-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

As I was flying back to Tulsa from Wichita, KS yesterday I was struck by what God put into motion decades ago through his servant George Foster. Cruising above a scattered cloud deck @ 7,500 feet, I couldn’t help but be amazed at God’s plans. I’m not even sure when it started, but God wired George with a passion to fly. In 1981 George bought a Cessna 182.

Little did George know that his purchase 27 years later would be used to expand God’s kingdom through literacy mission. Yesterday it was used to fly LEI’s W. Africa Director, Gregory Bangura (pictured) to visit a mission pastor in Wichita, KS. The visit provided the opportunity to discuss Literacy projects in W. Africa and beyond. Two weeks prior I was able to fly myself, without the delay of airport security, to a preaching engagement at First Presby. Church Aurora, IL.

The amazing thing is that God says, “I planned all of this long ago.” (Isaiah 37:26)

George has passed on and now waits for us in heaven. What stories we will get to tell when we see him. But maybe from his perspective, maybe he already knows and is with God smiling down on us even as we remember.

May God continue to bless those who have fond memories of God's servant George Foster.

MBA Students

2008-10-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

While in Patna, India I was given the audience of 70 MBA students at the local university. They were attentive to hear of the link between economic development and literacy rates in a given nation. I was pleasantly surprised that a number of students raised their hands at the end of our session to get involved in local literacy training as tutors.

Literacy India Trust

2008-09-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Over 50 yrs. ago IBL (India Bible Literature) came into existence, founded by Bill Scott with a mission to put the Bible in every home in India. Over 25 years ago it was determined that only 26% of the population could read. This need gave way to the formation of LIT (Literacy India Trust) which this year celebrates its 25th Silver Anniversary.

My primary reason for being in India is to be part of the LIT celebration. The history of LEI and LIT includes LEI’s work in 17 different languages creating Bible content primers (basic readers).
What God has done through our partnership with LIT over the 25 year period is nothing short of amazing…

IBL has impacted 200 people groups in 18 States of India

820,467 illiterates have become Bible readers

60% of the learners came to believe in Jesus Christ and began to follow him

20,000 house churches have been formed

May God continue to richly bless our partnership!

IBL Exec. Dir. & Founder

2008-09-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

To my left is the Executive Director of India Bible Literature, and to my right is the founder of IBL, Dr. Bill Scott. This picture was taken at the outset of the celebration attended by 700 literacy workers from every state in India.

Garland of Gratitude

2008-09-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

I was given a garland at the outset of the LIT (Literacy India Trust) 25th Silver Jubilee Celebration. I was honored to receive it. It was incredibly elaborate extending down past my waist. It was an acknowledgement of respect and appreciation for my being with them at their celebration, but at a deeper level it really was an acknowledgement and appreciation of LEI's (Literacy and Evangelism Internationals) partnership over the history of LIT's existence. It was my privilege to be the representative of an entire mission organization that has partnered with LIT to transform hundreds of thousands of lives across India.

Sadri Tea Garden Workers

2008-09-26T08:03:00.001-07:00

It was a pleasure to visit Sadri speaking tea garden workers in Bagdogra, India. They work diligently all day for 60 rupees. That’s less than $1.50 per day.

They were excited to hear that LEI is scheduled in March of 2009 to embark on the Sadri language project. This would include basic reader construction, printing and a literacy project launch using LEI Bible content material. Ultimately this would mean literacy classes for tea garden workers in Bagdogra by the end of the year.

What a privilege to bring hope to this people group for a better life.

Baptized in the Ganges

2008-09-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

There is a “Jesus family” fellowship of believers living on the edge of the Ganges river, on the outskirts of Patna, Bihar State, North Central India. Most of the village is still Hindu, but outreach is happening particularly in the area of literacy. Classes are being held at the church using LEI formatted basic readers. The literacy classes are seen as foundational for economic development. Their church is growing with a heart for holistic outreach to the community. A well has been installed next to the church to provide safe drinking water. Elementary grade school is in full swing consisting of 200 children. New members are being baptized.

The first believer baptized from this village invited me and my Korean missionary associates into his court yard. Rooms surround the open center. Each small room accommodates around 9 persons in which my friend’s extended family lives. Sitting on the ground we enjoyed chai together. I asked my Korean associate “Is the water for the chai heated over cow dung?” He replies, “Yes”. Cow dung is their only source of fuel. The rainy season was problematic for the village since the dung became wet and wouldn’t burn. Most of the village went hungry for weeks.

May God continue to sustain the growth of the “Jesus family” church on the Ganges river.

Planes, trains, & rickshaws

2008-09-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is my main man Rajan, my favorite powered rickshaw driver.

Bihar OutReach Network (BORN)

2008-09-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

I was privileged to present "Church Growth through Literacy" to 40 persons attending a Bihar Outreach Network gathering. Our LEI (Literacy & Evangelism Intl.) associate Grace Lee taught the group how to use the LEI formatted Bible content Literacy basic reader in Hindi.

"I lift up my eyes to the hills"

2008-09-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Brother Saphen Basumata had been part of planting 47 churches in N.E. India over the last couple decades. He shared how he would wake up every morning and look to the foothills of the Himalyas across the border into Buthan. He would praise God for the beauty of creation. Years passed as God began to give him a vision to reach the unreached tribes in the forest of the Buthan mountains. Today 7 churches have been planted north of the India border.

“Literacy is the best way to get into a village.”
– G. Roger Anand (Literacy Coordinator for Inspire India)

India's Persecuted Church

2008-09-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Even as we celebrate what God has done over the past 25 years at the Literacy India Trust gathering, our brothers and sisters to our north in Orissa state are experiencing intense persecution. Christians are being killed, pastors are literally being beheaded and churches being burned by Hindi extremists. All the while, the Hindi dominated political establishment is turning a blind eye.

Escaping the persecution in Orissa are twenty Christian literacy workers attending the LIT celebration. The balance of 700 fellow literacy workers attending the conference reach out in a time of prayer.

The last day of the conference, a pastor from Orissa opened with prayer, just days earlier he hid behind his church as it was consumed in flames. He escaped with his life and an amazing passion to follow Jesus at all cost.

May GOD, overwhelm our Orissa brothers and sisters with his peace and protection.

Hallway Classroom

2008-09-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

We ascended 5 flights of stairs in the dim light of a govt. housing project. Parts were so dark I was literally afraid I would step on one of the children that kept darting in and out of the hallways.
At the end of the hall on the 5th floor were a dozen women, huddled in a circle, sitting on the floor of the hall way. Blankets had been put on the floor to create a sense of boundary for the class that was being held. It was a literacy class using the LEI bible content Hindi primer (basic reader).

They had stayed late, so that they could personally thank me as the representative of the organization that had created the cirriculum they were using. I was escorted to a very humble apartment where I was served chai and a cookie as sign of further gratitude for teaching them to read.

God is doing a marvelous work in one of the poorest sections of Patna, in the state of Bihar, arguably the poorest state in India. God is hearing the cry of the non-reading majority in Northern India and sending literacy workers to bring sight to the blind, comfort to those who are morning.

May God bless those faithful servants serving new readers in Patna.

gone fishin'

2008-09-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

The day after the Literacy India Trust conference I enjoyed an early morning walk on the beach.
At sunrise off the East coast of India, these fishermen waited patiently until the waves calmed down to launch their boat into the bay of Bengal.

The scene reminded me of the story of an American vacationing in central America. He happened upon a fisherman and asked how long he had fished that day. The fisherman responded that he typically went out for 2-3 hrs. each morning. He explained that it was enough time to catch fish for the family and some to sell in the market.

The American asked why he didn’t fish longer. The fisherman replied, “Becuse I wouldn’t be able to spend as much time w/ my wife and family."

The American replied, “But if you were to fish for a full day you would have enough to sell in the market and buy another boat. Eventually you could buy a fleet of fishing boats and hire others to work them. In time you would become very rich."

The fisherman ask, “why would I want to do that?”

The American responded, “So you could retire a wealthy man.”

"Why would I need that?" asked the fisherman.

"So you could move to a small fishing village and fish whenever you wanted to."

May God help us enjoy the journey.

Biker for Jesus

2008-09-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

Toyota Prius owners eat your heart out. This ride get’s 60 kilometers per liter of petrol. I figure that’s over 100mpg. Prius does have a leg up in the rain and snow though.

This is our missionary Gyan Mochary’s only means of motorized transportation. He indicated that it really comes in handy when the road narrows to a foot path between the rice patties. It’s cut his transit time down considerably getting to literacy training workshops in NE India.

Gyan was kind enough to let me drive the day I was in his home town. It was an exercise in concentration to stay on the left side of the road, but still a lot of fun. Bike on Gyan!

Cow Butter

2008-09-13T04:03:00.000-07:00

While dinning in Chennai, India I was comforted to know that I was about to spread some cow butter onto my morning toast. I was relieved that it wasn't something else, like goat?

Eating well, staying healthy in India.

Thanks for your Prayers

2008-08-25T13:03:00.001-07:00

Praise God for the recent marriage of our son Daniel to our new daughter-in-law, Shelby! It was an amazingly blessed event and we are so excited to have a beautiful Christian daughter as part of our family. Christa's been praying and patiently waiting for over 2 decades for Shelby.

As my fall travel schedule ramps up, I covet your prayers over the
next couple months. The following is part of my upcoming schedule:

ASIA Itinerary:
Sept. 3rd - Enroute to Korea
Sept. 4th - Meeting with Global Literacy Mission, Training Director,
Seoul, Korea
Sept. 5th - Arrive Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Connecting with Gloria & Gamaliel & Dr. Kim as they finish the Upper
Mongolian Primer

Sept. 9th - Arrive Chennai, India
10-12th, Speak at India Bible Literature – Silver Jubilee Celebration
Sept. 14th - Arrive Bagdogra, India, Connecting with LEI missionary Gyan Muchary
Sept. 17th - Arrive Patna, India, David and Grace Lee serving as LEI
Missionaries to N.E. India
Sept. 20th - Enroute to the US

Oct. 5th - Preaching @ FPC, Norman, OK
Oct. 19th - Preaching @ FPC Aurora, IL
Nov. 1st - Speaking to Seminary students @ Welch lecture series, Tulsa
Nov. 9th- 12th - New Wineskins Convocation, Baton Rouge, LA
Nov. 20 - 21st - Speaking @ National Missionary Convention, Tulsa

Prayer concerns:
Physical and spiritual strength for the journey for myself and Christa.
All wisdom, understanding and insight as it relates to building God's
kingdom through Literacy and Evangelism International (LEI).

I continue to praise God for being provided the opportunity to represent LEI by preaching, speaking and encouraging missionaries and partners around the world. Thanks for holding me and my family in your prayers. Always your grateful brother in Christ, Sid

Ghana Connection

2008-08-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

In 2005 Bob Biederman and I visited Ghana @ the invitation of the Bible Society. We spent two wks. working with a 7 person team creating a Bible Content Primer (basic reader) in the Dangme language. While in Ghana I had the privilege of bringing greetings from my Presbtery to the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

This summer the greetings came full circle from Ghana back to Oklahoma. My brother and good friend Rev. Samuel Lawertha, who was part of the primer construction team three years ago was now in Oklahoma. His primary purpose for being in Tulsa was to attend a six week, LEI, International Literacy Training Institute on our Tulsa campus. A Presbytery meeting provided a time for Samuel to share the incredible work being done through literacy mission to a people group of a million Dangme speakers, (70% illiterate) in South Eastern Ghana.

May God continue to bless the partnership between Literacy & Evangelism International, the Bible Society of Ghana and now the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the Dangme Presbytery!

Free to Succeed Wildly

2008-06-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

I'm free to fail and to succeed Wildly...

I read a T-shirt while riding this AM. It read, “Failure is not an option.” I remember thinking, if it means keep trying, keep exploring new options. Excellent! But if it means don’t do anything until you’re sure you can do it perfectly, until you can do it w/ 100% assurance you're not going to fail, t o fall, to suffer. If that’s what it means, how SAD!

At LEI, we’ve entered into the LOVE of the Father. He’s given us permission to try new things. Some quite frankly that probably won’t work. But in that freedom of the Fathers love, new things are happening, wildly successful ideas are coming to fruition. The kingdom of God is expanded in significant ways through literacy mission.

Parable of the Talents:
Jesus talked about a servant that was so paralyzed with fear, he hid his "talent" in the ground. The other two servants in the parable "entered into the Father's JOY", because they were overwhelmed with passion for the master.

Now, don’t get me wrong. We definitely want failure avoidance mode. We need to plan appropriately and garner wise counsel. But we're not frozen in fear. Instead we're walking in love, unafraid of where a passionate life will take us. “Perfect love, cast out all FEAR.”

Our heavenly Father gives us permission. Those within LEI, I give you permission to fail, but also license to succeed wildly for the sake of the kingdom, living lights out, passionate lives responding to the love of the Father. Bathed in His love, consumed in gratitude for the grace and love extended to you.

If failure is not an option, you never approach the edge of Greatness.

May God release you from any fear that might hold you back from doing great things, wildly successful things for his kingdom.

Heritage

2008-05-02T12:47:00.001-07:00

Dr. Nam-Joog Yoon, Hon. Advisor of FHI Federation / Chairman, Board of Directors, KFHI (

Korea

Food for the Hungry International)

Dr. Yoon and I had a cordial greeting and conversation over dinner the opening evening of the FHI Federation April 2008 gathering. The next day he gave me an energetic embrace. Since our initial greeting a day earlier he had come to realize that I was the son of Korean missionaries Alice & Bob Rice. He told me that my mother had been his English teacher in the 1950’s.

“It is my pleasure to serve you as I served your father.” - Professor Nam Kim, PhD;
LEI Asia Director

How does one respond to the above….

“Camsamnida” is the transliteration for Korean which means “a very reverent Thank You”. But even the most reverent “Thank You” falls short.

My heritage never ceases to amaze and humble me.