Missionaries - Retired
Ruth (& Larry) Lipka
Retired | Served in:
Fortaleza, CE - Brazil
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 mission’s ministry and especially with 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 womens' 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 was turned over to Brazilian leadership 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. In 2010, Larry stepped down as Executive Director of the mission. He continues serve as Executive Director Emeritus and they are privileged to serve representing the mission at Bible colleges under the direction of Dan Anderson, BGFM Global Executive Director.
It has been our joy and privilege to return to serve in Brazil for three-month periods, filling in for fellow missionaries and national pastors, as requested. We covet your prayers as we continue to serve with BGFM Global.
Larry went home to be with the Lord in 2023.