Dear Friends,

I met Bill Rice a number of years ago through a mutual friend, Grady Workman. Bill became my friend, my counselor and yes, one of my greatest cheerleaders. He and his wife, Sandra, were a team and they loved missions. Through Bill Rice Ministries, and through their own personal gifts, they gave generously and sacrificially over the years to the ongoing ministry of Siloam Missionary Homes, our staff and countless missionary families. Whenever a new building project would begin, he would call and say, “Sandra and I have been talking. How can we help?” or “Is there a family out there that doesn’t have Christmas?” And then he would end the conversation by saying, “I’ll get back with you, Larry, after I pray with Sandra and talk with the board.”

Bill truly had a pastor’s heart. He would always wrap his arms around me when he was leaving and say, “I love you, buddy, keep up the good work.” Every preacher has days of discouragement, loneliness, physical exhaustion. At times, we don’t know what to do or where to turn. We need more men like Bill Rice in our lives. Bill had a humble spirit and always put others before himself. He was a man of great convictions and loved the Lord Jesus with all of his heart. I will miss him greatly!

On behalf of the board of directors of Siloam Missionary Homes and the board of Bill Rice Ministries, we are privileged to announce that in March of this year, Siloam will begin construction of the “Bill and Sandra Rice Home,” in memory of Bill and in honor of Sandra.

Through your financial gifts and through volunteers, churches we will join together as a team of believers and build the 14th home on Siloam’s campus, debt free, as Bill and Sandra would want. This lasting tribute and ongoing celebration of Bill’s life will be approximately 2,700 sq. ft., with four bedrooms. Lord willing, this house can be built for about $135,000.00.

Currently, the blueprints are almost complete. The septic plan has been approved by the local health department. The next phase will be clearing the lot and driveway and digging the footers. Weather and income permitting, this will begin in February.

On March 7, 2010, we have an open house and groundbreaking scheduled from 2-4 p.m.

Our homes are built with fellowship and volunteers in mind. We want to enjoy the journey. This project will take about 12-16 months to complete, and will overseen by Mike Rich, VP of operations and development here at Siloam. Once the house is finished, we will have a dedication service and you will be able to tour the home. Each person who contributes to this home will be presented with a drawing of the home.

Order of Events

Phase I

Clear the lot, purchase the permits, dig the footers, lay the foundation and put in a temporary driveway. With mostly volunteer labor, cost estimated at $ 9,300 - $10,000. We have a church group of men who are willing to begin laying the blocks mid February.

Phase II

The shell is pre-packaged through Universal Forrest Products and will be done by work groups. We do not have the exact cost, but estimate the cost to be $16,000 - $20,000. I have a group of men from Michigan who want to come the end of March to put up the shell. Praise the Lord!

Phase III

Electrical and interior of home. No cost estimate at this time.

Phase IV

Exterior and landscaping. No cost estimate at this time.

Dedication to be determined at a later date.

I would like to encourage you to partner with us in this great endeavor. Siloam Missionary Homes uses the verse in Proverbs 23:27, “Prepare thy work without, make it fit for thyself in the field, and afterward build thine house.” God has truly blessed Siloam and Bill Rice Ministries. This home will be used for years to come as “a place missionaries call home.”

To Sandra, family and friends, I close with this thought. When I heard the new of Bill’s homegoing, the first thing that came to my mind was Janet Pascal’s song, “strike up the band, assemble the choir, another soldier’s coming home…”

I am so honored to have called Bill my friend and brother in Christ.

Because of Christ,

Larry George
President