I can definitely understand how the Grace of God is carrying you at this time. On a personal note, I remember when my dad went to Heaven five years ago, we were all by his bedside, singing and waiting for the Lord to carry him to Heaven. When he finally made the crossing, at that particular moment, this verse (II Corinthians 5, and verse eight) came to my mind. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be ABSENT from the body, and to be PRESENT with the Lord.” Notice, there are only 6 small words between ABSENT and PRESENT. Imagine, that quick, that fast. No layovers, no waiting, no getting bumped. It’s good night here, and good morning up there!! What a blessing!

When my dad died, it was almost like you would turn a light switch to the off position…dad was here one second, and gone the next. That scene impressed me so much, that I made the statement to my sister, and I said, “If that is how it will be when I die, then all will be well.” What a smooth transition.

The verse in Psalm 23:4 also came to my mind that day, and it says, “Yea, though I walk…through…the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me…” I’m glad to know when that time comes, I will not draw up and be afraid, I will not run, but instead, I will continue to walk…THROUGH THE VALLEY…, and the Lord, our great Shepherd, will be there, waiting to lead me safely over to Heaven’s side!

To the Rice family, “Be not dismayed, what-e’er betide, God WILL take care of you.”

We will see Dr. Rice again in a land where there is no more sickness, no sorrow, no hospitals, no funeral homes, no funerals, no cemeteries, no crying, no dying, no heartache, and so on. We will have one long eternal day, for there is no night there, for Jesus is the LIGHT of that city.

What a day, glorious day that will be. WE WILL see him again. Praise the good lord!

But until then, so long, Dr. Rice, my friend. I’ll meet you in the morning, by the good Grace of God.

May God bless the Rice family and give you His peace through these days.

In Christian love,
Hobart B. Stephens
Romans 8:28

I can definitely understand how the Grace of God is carrying you at this time. On a personal note, I remember when my dad went to Heaven five years ago, we were all by his bedside, singing and waiting for the Lord to carry him to Heaven. When he finally made the crossing, at that particular moment, this verse (II Corinthians 5:8) came to my mind. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be ABSENT from the body, and to be PRESENT with the Lord.” Notice, there are only 6 small words between ABSENT and PRESENT. Imagine, that quick, that fast. No layovers, no waiting, no getting bumped. It’s good night here, and good morning up there!! What a blessing!

When my dad died, it was almost like you would turn a light switch to the off position…dad was here one second, and gone the next. That scene impressed me so much, that I made the statement to my sister, and I said, “If that is how it will be when I die, then all will be well.” What a smooth transition.

The verse in Psalm 23:4 also came to my mind that day, and it says, “Yea, though I walk…through…the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me…” I’m glad to know when that time comes, I will not draw up and be afraid, I will not run, but instead, I will continue to walk…THROUGH THE VALLEY…, and the Lord, our great Shepherd, will be there, waiting to lead me safely over to Heaven’s side!

To the Rice family, “Be not dismayed, what-e’er betide, God WILL take care of you.”

We will see Dr. Rice again in a land where there is no more sickness, no sorrow, no hospitals, no funeral homes, no funerals, no cemeteries, no crying, no dying, no heartache, and so on. We will have one long eternal day, for there is no night there, for Jesus is the LIGHT of that city.

What a day, glorious day that will be. WE WILL see him again. Praise the good lord!

But until then, so long, Dr. Rice, my friend. I’ll meet you in the morning, by the good Grace of God.

May God bless the Rice family and give you His peace through these days.

In Christian love,
Hobart B. Stephens
Romans 8:28

Dr. Rice was a wonderful pastor and influence on my life. He was the one to baptize me and be a constant encouragement during my teenage years at Oakwood. Beverly and Dr. Rice was a great source of encouragement to me and my family when my mom died. I know that they are together in heaven and are celebrating!!! What an awesome thought.

I will forever consider Dr. Rice “my pastor”, because he truly loved the people of Oakwood and it showed everytime you came in contact with him.

Please know that I love each of you dearly and will keep you in my thought and prayers.

Love,
Angie Hammond

Please know that our prayers are with your family.

Love,

Daniel Harrelson
Pastor of Landmark Baptist Church
Branford Fl

Isn’t it a wonderful thing to feel God’s presence so strongly, and to know the HE is carrying you?? Blessed be the Name of the LORD.

Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers in the days to come.

Love,
Teresa and Sam Glenn
Mildred Stewart