We were struggling.  Outreach Canada was growing, and as early as 2012, we had identified the need to hire a Chief Operations Officer.  As we grew, we needed help to keep up with all the administrative needs of the mission, the onboarding of new staff, and the management of our team, but we didn’t have the money to hire another admin team member.  We did our best for another six years, but by the end of 2018, we had hit a capacity ceiling and had to take a big step of faith.

Rick, I was so nervous about hiring another team leader for OC.  This was a big stretch for us, and it had to be the right person.  The wrong hire could have had a very negative impact on our mission.  We prayed about it, and the board told me to go find someone. 

We have often laughed about that lunch at Wendy's, where I asked if you would be interested in joining OC.  The Lord kept putting you on my heart as I prayed about the position.  We had been friends for several years, and I had observed your leadership at South Delta Baptist church.  I also had the opportunity to work closely with you through their pastoral transition.  I was confident that you had all the qualities that OC needed, as well as the personality, maturity, and experience that would enable you to effectively step into a significant leadership role.  You accepted our offer in January 2019 and started on February 1.

It is hard to believe you have been with OC for six years.  You brought stability and guidance to the team when it was needed.  We entered and served well through the pandemic because of your steady leadership and assistance with many challenges.  You helped us systematize many of our administrative procedures, updated our Human Resources files and our policy and procedures manual, and provided wise guidance as the team continued to grow. 

In those six years, you have also taken on special assignments to help our BetterIt Chaplain team, Jesus Cares campaign, global ministries, and our new disciple-making team. You have been a coach and mentor to many of our staff, and we are blessed to have had you on our team.

Congratulations on your retirement from Outreach Canada. 

You have served us well and gave us all you had to give.  In football, we would say, “You left it all on the field.”  Rick, I am grateful for your friendship and partnership, and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you as you enter this new chapter of life and ministry with Chris.  Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more.”  As I read this verse, I am reminded that there is great joy in living life in the presence of God.  God has led you and Chris through some amazing phases of ministry in Arizona and Canada.  He is not done.  May you continue to find your purpose and pleasure in Him as He leads you on this next stage of the path of life.

From all of us at OC... you will be missed.