Lita and Rick Sample

Lita and Rick Sample are Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel serving with the international and refugee community in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, being the presence of Christ through relationship building, church starting, evangelism and outreach.

The San Francisco Bay Area is a diverse region where more than 100 languages are spoken and diversity is displayed throughout the area. In the East Bay, where the Lita and Rick primarily focus their work, there are ample opportunities to interact with internationals in the public marketplace, on the street and in their own neighborhood. Lita and Rick seek to minister holistically to the international community, including immigrants and refugees from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Yemen, India and Turkey. Many predominantly Muslim ethnic groups live in the Samples’ immediate community as well as a large number of Sikh, Buddhist and Hindu people.

Rick and Lita Sample reach out to refugees, immigrants, and international students through a variety of ways. Here are a few examples of what they do throughout the year:

• Relationship Building – cultivating beloved community by visiting internationals in their homes and having them in their home to build friendships as well as participate in their festivals and celebrations.
• Evangelism – Bearing witness to Jesus Christ by distributing Bibles and “Jesus Film” DVDs in various languages. Sharing the Gospel through one-on-one encounters as well as in groups throughout the year and in different settings such as holiday events. 
• Refugee Assistance – seeking transformational development by helping refugees with doctor’s visits, court dates and navigating the immigration system, as well as partnering with local churches to distribute food, clothes and furniture to refugees and immigrants who are in need.
• International Students –facilitating and hosting student groups from China and Japan so that they can experience American life and culture, visit churches, and live with American Christian families who share love and hospitality.
• Ethnic Church Ministry – engaging with the Karen refugee church (from Burma) and helping to provide for needs and sharing the gospel through church and other events.  Iranian Church - coordinate VBS for children during the Iranian Family Camp.
• Tutoring Kids – engaging in several tutoring programs including one-on-one tutoring in the homes of internationals as well as participating in a Christian-based Homework Club that includes scripture memory and Christian music at a local community center.
• English as a Second Language – teaching ESL in a variety of settings as well as in homes and helping internationals to practice their English.
• Citizenship – guiding individuals as they prepare for their citizenship tests.
• Prayer – praying for immigrant and refugee families for their struggles and their salvation. Coordinating prayer walks through immigrant neighborhoods.
• Mission Trips - Facilitating mission trip experiences for CBF congregations, groups, and individuals.

The Samples strive to be effective communicators of the Gospel and God’s message of love, hope and salvation.

Your generosity in support of the Samples and their mission programs will transform lives. Below are just a few examples of how your general gifts can empower, equip and encourage communities and individuals through the power of Christ’s love. When you give, you partner to provide programs like these and so much more. 

Connect with Lita and Rick at rsample@cbf.net.