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Larry & Ruth Lipka

Serving Since: July 1966

Serving In: Springfield, IL

Current Ministry: Home Office,
Executive Director



  Larry was born and grew up in Springfield, IL. He was saved at the age of 18. Initially, he went to college with plans to teach music. However, during his studies at Bible College his heart was challenged with a missions ministry and especially in the country of Brazil. Ruth was from Minnesota. She was saved at the age of nine in a missions conference and dedicated her life to missions as a teenager. They met in Bible College and were married in 1966. Ten months later they were on their way to Brazil. They chose II Corinthians 3:5, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God," as their life verse.

  During the 27 years they spent in Brazil, Larry was involved in church planting, evangelism, teaching, counseling and administration. Ruth taught ladies Bible classes, children's classes, trained Sunday School teachers, discipled women and worked with the women's retreats. The whole family helped in the camping ministry. Their goal of turning over their church ministries to Brazilian pastors was fulfilled. The first church in 1976 and the second in 1994. In 1994 they returned to the USA as the BGFM board asked Larry to serve as Executive Director for the mission.

  We praise the Lord for the privilege of serving Him. We covet your prayers as we work in the home office and represent the mission in Bible Colleges and churches.


Children:  Ronda and David White, three children - James (7/8/00), Jakob (4/27/02) & Elaine (10/19/04)
                   Luke and Carrie Lipka, two children - Leah (10/14/03 ) & Landen (12/14/04)
                   Renee 
                   Rachelle & Nick Cordell