Friends of Russell Rice

Letter from Rusty, April 2011

Charity Hall — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:05:18 +0000

April 2011
Dear Friends in Christ,
I pray that everyone is doing well in the Lord, as we turn a few more pages in our deeds done for Him. Our church extends our love as we pray continually for you all. God never changes, and His love, mercy, justice, and righteousness will always surround us!
We have had several men called into the ministry lately, and I continue to marvel at His working. Please pray for Mel, who has filled Brian Clyburn’s missionary work to the men on death row and maximum lock-down. He has also really taken a leadership role in the church, and the times he has spoken have been heart-felt, Spirit-filled, and decision-provoking. Praise God!
Also we have had another brother allow the Lord to take a heart-wrenching situation and turn it into a blessing. Please pray for Jeff, who just lost his father a few weeks ago. His father had prayed, along with his mother, for years that God would use Jeff for the Lord. His grandfather was also a mighty man of God. Jeff answered the call into the ministry, and I cannot describe the sincere, genuine, Spirit-led poise Jeff has had as he spoke to us in a wonderful devotion God put on His heart. Bless the Lord for His mighty works!
And still another brother has gleaned richly from the prayers and testimony of a godly parent. Pray for Henry who has shown great promise in the ministry for the Lord. His dear, sweet mother has prayed for him all of his life and loves the Lord deeply. The testimony of Henry’s mother radiates in his life and work here. He loves the old gospel hymns and sings with all of his heart, which has led us to start using him in a music ministry. He also loves to minister to men in need and has a true love for spreading and sharing the gospel. His dear mother is getting up there in years and her eyes are failing her and she can no longer see the words in her old Bible, even with glasses, so she quotes verses and praises God anyway! She has been on my heart alot, as I see the glory of Christ in her son and his great contribution to this ministry here.
One last praise report connected to our hearts in the salvation of a precious lost lamb at Ballard Baptist Church. We have been praying for all the Spencer family who have diligently prayed for and supported our work here from the beginning. Our dear brother Sam Spencer fell off a roof at work and broke about everything that still worked, and yet, while at the point of death himself, received the toughest news anyone could hear. His son had lost his life in a tragic car accident. I spoke with Sam the other day and he was now able to rejoice that a dear lady, who had watched Sam’s testimony in the midst of great trials, could not help but be overwhelmed by the fact that he still loved God through the storm. She gave her heart to the Lord and is now safe in the arms of Jesus!
We are so blessed to be associated with such great people of faith that have stood by the stuff in these last days. Thank you, and we love and pray for you all.A Note from Beverly and Charity:
We want to inform you all that Rusty’s latest appeal was denied, because the expert witness did not physically examine the gun. Our understanding was that this is what he was hired to do, but immediately before we entered the courtroom, our lawyer received a fax from the expert witness stating that he had only examined the discovery and not the gun itself. It was too late to request a continuance. The judge ruled that he felt like his hands were tied because the witness needed to actually have examined the gun.Rusty will have another appeal with the Supreme Court of SC. We have no idea when this will be, but we will keep you all informed.

Our family continues to rest in the sovereignty of God and His plan for Rusty’s life and ministry. Even with the birth of his grandchild, and the human emotions that go along with that, Rusty is confident that God is in control and that His will is perfect and good. We praise God for the peace that He has given Rusty and for the wonderful way He is working in his life!

Please continue to pray for him.

Contact Information:

Russell Rice 301294
E-A 55 Lieber C. I.
P.O. Box 205
Ridgeville, SC 29472

Beverly Rice: (864) 933-2446

Charity Hall: hallcharity67@gmail.com

New Grandbaby

Phyllis — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:30:21 +0000

Just wanted to share this sweet picture of Rusty and his new baby granddaughter. Hannah was allowed to bring the baby in for a visit and Rusty is one proud papa. So sweet!

Monday’s Hearing Update

Phyllis — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:13:19 +0000

Thanks for all your prayers for Monday’s hearing. We are in the appeal process, and our current lawyer is trying to establish that we had inadequate counsel based on a couple different issues. The main one is that when the State presented its case against Rusty, they maintained that what was found in his trunk when he was arrested was the murder weapon. What was actually found was a bag that contained rusted pieces of an old shotgun. In the trial, the State’s expert witness testifed that he tested the gun (by pushing a bullet through the pieces…it couldn’t be fired, obviously) and his conclusion was that his test bullets had marks that were consistent with the bullets that were obtained at the crime scene. Our lawyer knew this testimony was coming and should’ve lined up an expert witness to negate that testimony. We didn’t even know it was coming. The State placed a lot of importance on that gun. In fact, the whole case was built around completely circumstantial evidence. No forensics, and no witnesses. So the gun was huge….and it was just a mangled mess of gun pieces that didn’t even belong to Rusty. He had been asked to pick up that bag for someone, and he didn’t even know what kind of gun it had been.

Our current lawyer recently lined up a firearms expert to test the pieces. His testimony was what was presented at the hearing Monday. His conclusions basically negated the tests of the State’s expert witness. It was a detailed report, and it was impressive. Our lawyer put Rusty on the stand and asked him if he would’ve liked to have had that testimony in his trial (yes!) and if our lawyer had offered that option (no!) and if Rusty thought it could’ve changed the outcome of the trial (yes!) Especially since the jury was out for over 10 hours and was only able to come to a verdict after being given the Allen Charge by the judge. It was a close call, and that testimony could’ve turned things. That is the basis of the appeal. Rusty was great on the stand. He was knowledgeable and poised. He knew what he was talking about. In fact, our current lawyer has told us many times that that is very impressive–Rusty actually knows his case. Most people, after 8 years, do not remember their own case. Rusty knows every detail of it and can rattle off the facts any time you ask him. He was like that on the stand.

Our lawyer also put our former lawyer on the stand, who had to admit that he had not discussed the option of having a firearms expert testify on Rusty’s behalf. He also admitted that it could’ve changed the outcome of the trial. Our lawyer also had my mom take the stand and testify that she was not asked about the possibility of getting a firearms expert to testify and that, if she had, she would’ve been willing and able to pay for it. All of that to establish that it should’ve been done, it wasn’t done, and it could’ve changed the outcome.

We wait now for the judge’s decision, which could take a few months. Once we have that decision, the case will, no doubt head to another appeal process. If the judge rules in Rusty’s favor, the State will appeal (and vice versa)….so we’re looking at possibly 3-4 years until we have the final decision.

Meanwhile, we continue to pray that each of us will completely rest in God’s perfect will for Rusty. We press forward legally, hoping to do everything humanly possible, but ultimately we know that God is in control. And we trust Him to do what only He knows is best.

Thanks, friends, for you love, support, encouragement, and prayers!!

Charity (for the Rices)

Monday’s Hearing

Phyllis — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 15:53:10 +0000

We have not yet been able to find out exactly what Monday’s hearing is all about. I know many of you would like to come and we are sorry that we can not give you more information right now.

Hearing Scheduled for Nov. 15th

Phyllis — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:33:21 +0000

As far as we know now, another hearing in Rusty’s case is scheduled for Monday, November 15 @ 9:30am. We are not sure about the details yet but will update you as soon as we know more.

Thanks for all your love and concern for the Rice Family.

October Prayer Letter from Rusty

Phyllis — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:04:57 +0000

Dear Prayer Warriors,

I pray that everyone is serving God with joy in their hearts and loving God more than life itself. Bless the Lord! Serving God is the only way to go! I feel like I experienced Isaiah 30:15-17 eight years ago as I fled from God only to find myself pursued by God until I was “left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain.” But thank God for verses 18-21! The Lord truly waited so He could be gracious to me. He is now teaching me to listen to that still, small Voice saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.”

We are turning the fire up in here as the Lord leads us to reach higher ground for Him. Three months ago we started an additional class on Friday nights at the request of several men who want to share the gospel in here, and later as they go out from here. We are covering things like prayer, Bible study (in relationship to teaching and witnessing) and pulpit speech (or public speaking.) We are actually working on a little English at the moment, as I am trying to help these men better determine exactly what the Word of God says in any given text. The response has been overwhelming. Many men in here really want to serve the Lord and the house has been packed every Friday night for months!

Also, the Lord has convicted me and lead me to fast a little more and give the difference in food to the men as an incentive to discipline their faithfulness to the Lord and His Word. So far, we have used these blessings to reward perfect attendance, Bible memorization, and quoting the books of the Bible in order, as well as bringing a first-time visitor to church. These men have nothing, and a little sacrifice has gone a long way toward encouraging them, as well as providing tangible blessings for being faithful to the Lord! Please pray for them. We have witnessed over seventy men come through our church so far this year. Many of them have been saved or have really gotten their hearts right with God. We may see a hundred or more by the end of the year if things continue at this pace. Praise His Name!

Please pray for Hannah and our precious new little granddaughter, Kierslyn Joy! Kierslyn was born on October 19. Thank God that “Jesus loves the little children of the world.” Also pray for Angel as she takes on her second year of college. I love them all with all my heart, and we need your prayers very much.

I am so honored to be a part of this ministry, and I thank the Lord for each of you that pray and support this great work for our Lord. Thank you so much for all that you have done for us- especially the prayers!

His Bondservant,

Rusty

Notes from Rusty’s family

Thank you for the great response to our pen pal ministry. If you are interested in having a part in this ministry, please contact us and we will put you in the mix!

We don’t know for sure when the next hearing will be for Rusty’s appeal. We’re assuming it will be in November. As far as we know, the lawyer and expert witness have all the necessary information to go forward. Please pray that we will all continue to rest in God’s sovereignty through this whole process.

We understand that the economy is affecting us all, but if anyone feels led to send an offering for the inmates for Christmas, you can send it through us. Rusty tries to have a Christmas dinner for the men and a small gift for each of those in his church.

Continuance

Phyllis — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:15:36 +0000

I think that is the right word. I don’t know much about “legal language.” But, just a quick note to let everyone know that there has been a continuance on the hearing that was scheduled for August 25th. We don’t know what the hearing was originally scheduled for, nor do we know when it will be rescheduled.

We will keep you updated as soon as we get word. Thank you all so much for your concern and prayers.

Hearing August 25th @ 9:30am

Phyllis — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:53:40 +0000

Dear Friends,

We just heard that Rusty has been scheduled for a hearing on August 25th. We do not know any details yet but plan to contact his lawyer’s office on Monday to find out more. We will keep you updated.

Thank you all for your concern.

Prayer Letter (April 2010)

Phyllis — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:06:10 +0000

The Following is the April 2010 prayer letter for Rusty. Feel free to leave a comment or ask any questions you might have.

Dear Family of God,

The Lord is so good! My heart is continually overjoyed when I ponder the many loved ones that pray for us. God has joined us together to share in this ministry, and we pray that God will bless every one of you for your prayers and faithfulness and genuine care for the work of the Lord.
Our men are doing well and the church is blessed as we continue to see God move here. So many men have come and gone through this work that it is hard sometimes to take it all in. We just had a man saved the last time my mother came to visit me. As soon as I returned from our visit, some of our men were waiting for me, so they could bring a lost man to talk to me. They had witnessed to him, but he wanted me to go over the Scriptures with him, and give him the chance to follow the Word of God in faith. He listened intently and then said he wanted to ask the Lord to forgive him and cleanse him in the blood of Jesus. He asked the Lord to be his Savior and become his Lord. What a blessing! Please pray for Jeff Herman as we rejoice with all of Heaven over the “one lost sheep” that has been found!
We also have another man who has recently accepted the Lord. However, he has just received some bad news. His name is James Powell, and he just discovered this week that he has lung cancer. I spoke with him just before they took him to the hospital and told him that I would have all of God’s people pray for him. I know I can count on you! Thanks!
Please pray for all of my precious family, especially for Hannah and Angel. They are on my heart without ceasing. I thought that there was joy in my sin “for a season,” but when the chastening hand of God steps in, even after full repentance, there is always a continual counting of the things that you should, could, and would have done differently. Please pray for my girls concerning the things that only God can do for them now.
One last request would be pray for my appeal hearing. Last fall it was postponed until “spring.” I had hoped to have a date by the time of this letter, but as of now, no date has been set. This verse is my human desire: “Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink; but I trust to come unto you and speak face to face that our joy may be full.” (2 John 12) But as Jesus said, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.”
I love you all and thank God for every single one of you.
Love,
Rusty

Contact Information:
Russell Rice 301294
E-A 55 LCI
PO Box 205
Ridgeville, SC 29472

Ministry Opportunity For You??

So many men have not one single person on the outside. If you could only see the men who stand around the sergeant with tears in their eyes, hoping for a letter each day. Some of them have been standing there for years with no word from anyone.
We are pursuing a new ministry that I believe many of you may want to get involved with. My sisters have a burden to better connect our many co-laborers with the men in our ministry—something that I have felt the need of for a while. I am going to start gathering letters from our men, and perhaps men of our other churches in other dorms. I will send them myself to Charity, for security and policy reasons, and she can distribute them to anyone interested in corresponding. If you feel the heart to respond to these letters, you could write a letter and send it to them directly (so they will have the joy of getting mail!) For your security, you would put “Paul and Silas Ministries” (our church name) as the return address, without an actual address.
My family can gather, over time, a mailing list of correspondents. This would be such a productive link in this potentially heart-stirring ministry. God may just be drafting you to take a few minutes and encourage one of his little lambs!

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, ‘Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.’” (Matthew 25:40)

If God is calling you to be a part of this ministry, please contact my sister, Charity (facebook, or email: hallcharity67@gmail.com)

How can we thank you??

Phyllis — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:56:10 +0000

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