Immeasurably More Than We Could Ask

By Larry Rice, Founder and Director of NLEC 

It all began 35 years ago in a rented 50 foot trailer in the St. Louis area inner city community known as Wellston, Missouri. My wife, Penny and I felt God leading us to launch a work that would share the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. At that time New Life Evangelistic Center was born through the Grace of God. Incorporated in the State of Missouri this non profit interdenominational work has from the very beginning been a total faith ministry.

Since its beginning from that 50 foot trailer, 35 years go with a small dial a message we have witnessed God do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). How I thank God for each and every one of you who have prayed, worked and shared with this ministry. You are the special instruments through which the Holy Spirit has worked to do so much more than we could have ever imagined in those early days. Some would say, as we look to the future and the almost overwhelming needs that exist, that the meeting of such needs is an impossibility. I would beg to differ with such fatalists. What I have seen God do during the past 35 years is nothing short of miraculous. Hopeless alcoholics have been transformed through the grace of Jesus Christ. Homeless and hopeless men and women have now become productive citizens as they have encountered the Lord of Life and let His Spirit work through them. The multitudes have been fed, clothed, sheltered, trained and given new life because God is at work doing much more than we could ever ask or imagine...

On February 21, 2007, my wife Penny was suddenly called home to be with our Lord.  In her almost 2 year battle with breast cancer, we had seen the miraculous unfold as God granted us a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas with family and friends.  Then on Ash Wednesday 2007, she passed away.  It was so difficult to continue yet God's grace is all sufficient.  Because of the prayers and support of family and friends we have not only been able to continue but see the Lord do exceedingly beyond what we can ask or think.  A new renewable energy center has opened in Marshfield with a second center scheduled to open before the end of the year in St. Louis.  The former social security building at 806 N. Jefferson in Springfield, Missouri has been granted to NLEC for a Homeless Veterans Center.  A facility with 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms has been provided for NLEC Springfield trainess.  God is moving in a mighty way even as we grieve the loss of our beloved Penny.

Yes we rejoice as we pause and review the great things God has done during the past 35 years.  We want these memories to be testimonies of God’s provision as we move into the future with the assurance that there is no problem or challenge that cannot be overcome through the awesome power manifested through our Risen Lord.