How can we thank you??
Our family is so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that we really don’t know how to thank you. The cards, flowers, plants, food, blog comments, phone calls, visits…I could go on and on….it has all been so incredible! There was such a great turnout for the visitation and the funeral! And many, many people have graciously apologized for not being able to come…isn’t it amazing how many people can be impacted by just one person’s life?!!
Mingled among all those expressions of love were the testimonies of how God used my dad to touch lives. I’ve learned so much this past week about my Daddy. We thought we knew him pretty well, but we have learned even more! As people shared their hearts with us this week, many of them relayed detailed descriptions of how Daddy led them to the Lord, or counseled them through a particularly difficult experience, or mentored them spiritually. Those were such sweet stories. I did know that he was always available to people, because he always answered the phone at our house (any hour of the day or night) and often after he hung up, he’d have to go see someone at the hospital, or he and mom would go meet a couple at the church. I’m ashamed to admit that, as a kid, I sometimes resented that. I selfishly wanted him to myself. As I grew up and matured, I began to understand the significance of those interruptions. But this week I have gained an even deeper understanding of their significance. I’ve heard the other side of those stories. I’ve heard from those people who needed him, and I know now how important it was for him to be there for them. God was using him to rescue lives, marriages, and sometimes ministries. It has broadened my whole perspective and has given me a greater appreciation for my dad’s life and ministry. So I want to thank you all for candidly sharing with us what Dad did for you and what he meant to you. It has enriched our lives more than we can express.
We feel strongly that your prayers have played a huge part in the way God has carried us. You have obediently answered God’s call to lift up our family in prayer, and He has faithfully sustained us in so many little (and big!) ways. We are so grateful. Would you please continue to pray for us? The next few weeks and months are certainly going to be difficult, and we would appreciate your prayers.
I must say that death has a way of deepening one’s appreciation for God’s grace and for the cross of Christ. Our hope of eternity rests on that sacrifice and that demonstration of love and grace! Without it, we have nothing… and with it, we have everything. Because of God’s incredible love, we will see my Dad again. Until then, we have the assurance that he is with the Lord, and we have the responsibility to carry on the work of the kingdom. We’ll leave you with this final thought…it was one of Daddy’s favorite quotes: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Thank you again for your love and prayers,
The Rices
Charlie & Phyllis — We’re so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear father. We loved Dr. Rice and were always happy to see him and your sweet mother at our services at Bethel. Your dad would always ask me about our little foster babies and was always so kind to them. It was easy to see that he loved the little ones. And it was easy to see how proud you were of him and how much you loved him.
We always enjoyed listening to his messages and feel blessed to have known him just a little bit. He was a good man and I think he and your mother have been a great example for all of us.
May God bless your family with peace and comfort you at this time. Hugs & prayers, Kim & Curtis Miller
To the Rice Family:
Dr. Rice touched us in his life and in his death. It was our honor to attend the funeral services, and once again we found ourselves uplifted by the testimony that he left behind to others. We could relate to every thing that was said of him because that was exactly how he was when he was with us. He truly was the same, one of a kind – everywhere he went.
His life encourages us to be more of a “people person” for God’s honor and glory.
We are thankful for the family members that we were able to speak with and for those we didn’t, well, we want you to know too that we love you and continue to hold you in our prayers.
Thank you for sharing him with so many.