May 9, 2007

Dear Friends and Family,

Since our last letter a little over a month ago, we have been busy traveling. We have had meetings in Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming. We were able to pick up some good contacts for possible meetings and have met many good people and churches. We were also able to pick up a few more supporting churches. There has been a few 80 degree days and also around five different days with snow. We were caught in Garden City, KS on May 4th during a 12-14 inch snowstorm. Through all the traveling and ever changing weather God has kept us all safe and well. We have not had any sickness. God has been good.

We have spent time in twelve different states this year and have only had to pay for one night in a hotel. A big thanks to all the family, friends, and churches that have helped us along the way. We realize that providing a family of five a place to stay is not always convenient and at times can cost quite a bit, so we are very grateful, first to God and then each person who had a part in being a blessing to us. Our desire is that we have been a blessing to each and every one of you.

The ministry in Lima has much going on with the church (for both deaf and hearing), school, home, and training institute. There is so much to do and so much that can be done for the glory of God. We are eager to get down there to get involved. The deaf need to hear about Christ. They are just like any other person. If they die without Christ they are without excuse and will spend eternity in hell separated from their Creator. They need to hear the truth from the Word of God. Please continue to pray for our support needs to be met, but also pray for the deaf.

I read a book several years ago written by a lady who was hearing, but both of her parents were deaf. By the time she was five she was acting as her parents’ interpreter. She had to make phone calls, help pay bills, and so on as just a little girl. It was not an easy situation for both the parents and the child. The parents did not want to put their child through all that they did, but they had no choice. Most deaf people are capable of carrying on a normal way of life, but because of the lack of hearing there are hindrances, which can lead to frustration. In dealing with the deaf and then presenting Christ to them, one can turn the deaf away by not taking the time to listen to the deaf and by not making sure they know what the deaf are thinking. You will get frustrated and so will the deaf. He will most likely not understand salvation or grow in the Lord. He will leave your church to attend another, or not go at all. Please pray that we, through God’s help and grace, will be effective in our efforts to reach and train deaf people for Christ.

Serving Christ with you,

Cory, Melissa, Amanda, Elaina, and Olivia Ricker