Rev. and Mrs. Harold Ricker (Evelyn M. Thornes)

Rev. and Mrs. Harold Ricker (Evelyn M. Thornes)
(Hal appointed 1953, Evelyn 1956)

4-Calle 31-54, Zona 11
Utatlan II, Guatemala City
GUATEMALA
Central America

Phone: 011-502-5-947633
Fax: 011-502-5-947633
Email: halevricker@hotmail.com

God called Hal before he was married to Evelyn to go to Brazil, after attempting to go to Portugal. Portugal and Spain remained closed to missionaries so Rev. Ricker was led of the Lord to go to Brazil. Hal returned to the United States in 1956 when he and Evelyn were married. Eight years after joining the Board, Hal and Evelyn moved to Guatemala where they have served the Lord for over forty four years. The Rickers put their emphasis on preaching the Gospel, building up the saints in the faith, preparing and training them in the service of the Lord and helping them to understand the importance of defending the Faith once delivered to the saints.

Hal and Evelyn have maintained a literature ministry on the field through an independent Trinitarian Bible Society of Guatemala, and affiliated bookstore, which has a ministry of getting the Holy Scriptures out to individuals as well as other bookstores. The Rickers provide Bibles published from the USA and England. The new 2001 orthographic edition, with very few minor spelling, punctuation and word changes came out from the Trinitarian Bible Society of London. They are working on a new, refined translation that will definitely be in accord with the Textus Receptus. A new 2004 revision of the old 1909 Reina Valera came out with changes that were made by the American Bible Society. This independent group came out with a Bible that is in accord with the Textus Receptus. These two revisions will be very similar. Thousands of Gospel tracts and pamphlets are published in Guatemala and also distributed or sold. Nearly every person who comes into their bookstore receives a tract or pamphlet before leaving. Many tracts have come from the USA, from independent fundamental churches.

There are two churches in Guatemala that are directly related to the Rickers' outreach. The first is the Los Angeles Church. The first floor is the sanctuary, and the second is for Sunday School rooms, and the third is for a new Presbyterian pastor which they pray the Lord will send. Pray that this church will continue its testimony. Besides the regular services, the church as Vacation Bible School, and on Saturday afternoons there are two English classes for beginners and advanced pupils. There is also a Young People's Class held on Saturday. A Sunday afternoon Vesper service is also held at 3:30 p.m., plus a Wednesday night prayer meeting.

The second church is in a suburb of Montserrat II. As a new church it is meeting in a small former restaurant until they can find a better location. Because of services in Los Angeles, the Rickers have to have a Sunday noon-day and evening services, and Thursday night Bible Study and prayer time. Stephen Ricker and his wife Juanita are also helping in these two churches. They are expecting their first child in March 2008. Pray for them and their future ministry in Guatemala.

The Rickers are aiming to start, or help others start new churches. One such is in the town of Mazatenango which is located along the Pacific coast. The Lord has provided them with a lot and four concrete walls. Help is needed to put a roof on and develop the property. They are having regular services in a rented building that leaks when it rains. Pray for their pastor and church members.

The Confederation of Evangelical Fundamentalist Churches (C.I.E.F.) Executive Committee consists of a group of fundamental pastors who meet once a month for prayer, fellowship, and plan the “defense of the Faith” in Guatemala. Rev. Ricker plays an important role in this organization as president. Each year an annual Reformation Sunday program is held. Various conferences on religious problems are held in towns out of the city of Guatemala. They are planning annual conferences each year in the Capital.

PRAISES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• For souls saved through the Sunday preaching services, Thursday night doctrinal services, the Sunday School teaching, and visitation.
• For some growth in Christian doctrine by the believers of the two churches.

PRAYER REQUESTS/GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

• Pray for the visitation and evangelization program.
• Pray for the construction in Los Angeles and for the funds to finish it.
• Pray that the Lord will send a Pastor for the Los Angeles Church.
• Pray for more teachers for the Los Angeles Church.

Top