ENDORSEMENTS

I have known Rik Frye for over seven years and can honestly affirm that he exemplifies a superior aptitude for working harmoniously with first responders and various communities in a time of crisis or disaster.  As a chaplain, Rik is an exceptional human being and has a remarkable commitment and integrity in all his professional and vocational relationships. He displays a consistent reliability in character and is exemplary in his dedication to fulfill his gifts to serve others. In addition, Rik is reliable and dependable on bringing the Hope of Jesus to any situation. 

On Sunday January 28, 2024 I sent out a request for disaster response chaplain's to deploy to the flooding in Spring Valley,  San Diego County. Rik responded immediately, he left Ventura the next morning at 3:00 AM arriving in Spring Valley at 6:30 AM at our LAC, the Local Assistance Center for victims.  

To meet Rik is to meet the heart of Jesus in a unique way.

Dr. Mickey Stonier
Chaplain, San Diego Police & Fire

Letter received from Rachel, fire evacuee Weaverville California 10-1-2021

Dear Rik,

Having all four of your disaster relief team see us off like long-lost-family was pretty fun to me, even in the midst of otherwise very stressful circumstance being evacuated from our homes two different times in July 2021 as a result of the fires in Trinity County. Four wonderful Red Cross Staff seeing the three of us off home after being sheltered at the First Baptist Church in Weaverville for what seemed like forever. I can still see your beaming faces, a good memory.

One of our members, Ed, died within days of our return to our property. It shocked me! You were the last person to reach out and deliberately spend time with him and care for him. I was so moved by your taking Ed up the highway, pushing him in his wheelchair to get new clothes from that thrift store you somehow discovered. I know he wanted that- how did  you know? It was great. You dropped him off then you went straight back out to a laundromat, washed and dried everything and packed them, no fan fare, just a real basic help and kindness, especially to someone with such limited mobility. I thought it was amazingly wonderful!

I cannot imagine that you are able to remember all the people whom you help and interact with. I carry the memory also of your very focused help to Terry who out of worry for his son who had been left behind made the rash lunge to try an impossible rescue. Without permission he left the shelter on a bicycle and rode into the restricted fire evacuation zone down the highway, thinking he could rescue his boy, so very dangerous. Thankfully you went to the Sheriff’s headquarters to report his rash decision, they located him and brought him back.

Thank you for carving out some time to interact with me too. I was HIGHLY STRESSED and you made me feel welcome. Except for the fact that I didn’t want or agree to the whole evacuation experience, being at the Weaverville Baptist Church Red Cross shelter was an amazing and gratifying human experience. 

I found this magazine during our 1st evacuation to Shasta College Red Cross Shelter in Redding, I believe you also served in Redding. I had never heard of people who do the work that you do. I had brought the magazine home for further contemplation, and then I met you. It’s good work that you do, my eyes have been opened to a whole new dimension of humanity. 

I wish you the very best, and I thank you, it was my great pleasure to meet you.

Thank You Again Rik

Racheal 
Fire Evacuee - Red Cross Shelter - Weaverville California

We have known Rik for almost two decades, in that time we have seen him is many unique ministry interactions. He comfortably wears many hats... chaplain, trauma counselor, pastor and more, always leading & serving with grace and the desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus. One of his boots-on-the-ground moments (really a series of them) was caring for a local Ventura County family struggling to get back on their feet and recruiting all of us in the community who know him to jump in! He will seek out resources and get them in place quickly and efficiently to comfort and encourage those he is caring for. As his friends, we have seen him in one-on-one relationships, sensitive and supportive, quick to listen... surprisingly calm! Bringing almost impossible solutions with a big smile! We will always be thankful for the opportunity to pray and assist in any way we can as he continues to go into the highways and byways!

"Bless Ya Heaps rik"

Tim & Kathi Edwards
Retired business owners