Meet our partners - part 3

Rice Family Ministry - Richard and Chris Rice

I met Chris and Richard Rice in March of 2004. They were volunteers with El Castillo, our original field partner in Guatemala, serving as house parents and with the team working to prevent street children.  Richard was also helping some of the ghetto families do repair on their homes.  

Shortly after our first meeting Chris and Richard felt a strong call from God.  This call led them to return to England, sell their home and possessions, and move permanently to serve in Guatemala.  They purchased a home near Guatemala City and now minister in the ghetto of Santa Faz in the north part of the city.

In Santa Faz the Rice’s work with families and children.  Chris assists the people with emergency food and clothing needs, legal issues, and necessary health care.  Richard continues to assist with construction projects that make the ghetto homes safe and functional.  During all their activities they point the children and families toward God knowing that He can provide true “hope”.

As their ministry direction became clearer Chris and Richard felt they needed two things: a location to host their ministry on a daily basis and the establishment of a Christian church in Santa Faz.  This would give the people a location where they could find them when needs came up and it would provide a spiritual anchor for the community, in the community.

God provided both of the needs for the Rice’s.   An unexpected inheritance provided the funds for the community building/church.   And God’s spirit filled a lady named Rosario and moved her to lead in planting a new church.  The church had its first official service in March and is growing.

    
Rosario, Chris, and Richard in front of the community center/church

We believe the Rice’s are following a direct call from God.  They are serving the children and families that typically produce “street children”.   We desire to assist in their ministry and bless them as they serve.