PASTOR TO SERVE IN GERMANY 3 MONTHS

JACKSON, Mo. -- The Rev. John Rice will leave behind his evangelism ministry for three months this summer to serve as a pastor in Germany.

Rice, a Southern Baptist minister who travels the area preaching at revivals and singing, was asked to pastor Friendship Baptist Church in Langenselbold, Germany, while the pastor there returns to the United States on a furlough.

Rice and his wife, Pat, have visited the church previously because their daughter, Jennifer, and her family attend there.

Friendship Baptist Church is an English-speaking congregation whose membership primarily consists of military personnel and their families. Some members have recently been deployed to Bosnia, Rice said.

"New people come and leave all the time" because the church is so close to a military base in Gelnhausen, he said, but the congregation is growing.

During his time there, Rice will do all the work of a pastor, including preaching sermons, counseling and visiting members.

He'll also oversee vacation Bible school and a construction project at the church, which includes a volunteer team from Kentucky. The church is meeting in a converted barn and needs some remodeling.

Rice has been in full-time evangelism work for the past five years. He and his wife attend Bethany Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

"It will be a missionary journey," Rice said since he won't receive any compensation.

It took time in prayer before the Rices decided they could take the position. But serving as a preacher is what Rice has been called to do, he said.

Rice is accepting donations to support his work in Germany. If you are interested in contributing, contact him at 243-7820 or write him at 1443 Oak St.; Jackson, Mo. 63755.