Since I was 9 years old I felt the call to pastor in my heart. I have followed that dream through many difficult and faith testing times. I did many outreaches as a teenager, once preaching to my High School class. When I turned 18, I moved to Tulsa, OK to do my undergraduate work in Theology, at Oral Roberts University. Each year I traveled during the summer and did missions overseas which resulted in preaching in over 20 countries. During the school year I volunteered my time as a Chaplin and Dorm Coordinator for Campus Outreach Ministries. Finally, I finished my Masters in Divinity in May 2001. Since that time I have been a youth pastor, an associate pastor and a part-time senior pastor.
Currently, I am living in Kiev, Ukraine. I started
renting an apartment there in December 2005. My family, friends,
and churches have partnered with me by supporting in Prayer,
Financially, and Morally (with letters, emails, and care packages).
All my specific goals in Ukraine are not perfectly clear (as we see
through a glass dimly) and I want to “wait on the Lord” how to
proceed in this context and culture. However, the OVERALL goal is to
“come along side” to help train, teach, and minister to people to
who want to become pastors, missionaries, and ministers of Christ
Jesus. In this context, an indigenous church-plant and/or several
churches may be planted. Also, helping Homeless Children, Orphans,
and/or the Fatherless is near and close to my heart. Widows (and
elderly) also have a dear place in my heart – and I am observing
some ministries that help them…although I have not become directly
involved with that yet. However, I developed what I call,
The Christmas Children’s
Project – which raised over $5,000 in 2005 for Christmas
gifts to go directly into the hands of Homeless Children and
Orphans (at Christian and State Orphanages). The presentation of the
Gospel is very effective in this culture of “faith with works”. Each
child receives a gift worth $20 (which is huge for them) and the
gifts include practical items as well as fun gifts. In addition to
these goals – I have the obvious task of learning Russian and
possibly Ukrainian as time progresses. So far, I am getting a
network of churches, pastors, and friends that will make this
mission a success. I thank God for all He is doing and accomplishing
through my supporters…and the help and strength He has given me for
this task of Full-time service on the Mission Field.
Your donation to this organization is
greatly appreciated, and you can donate
through BGI or directly from the order
page of this website -- as well as order the Jesus Talks CD. All proceeds for product sales go to support
Rick as he lives full-time in Kiev, Ukraine.
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