Billy Sprague, Stephen Tindle, and Sandra Thiessen were the guest artists in concert at the historic Rialto Theater in Loveland on May 4, 2010, at 7:00 PM. The Master's and Galilee Baptist Church were the sponsors of this Benefit Concert. Lori is the wife of Pastor Bret Rickard the Associate Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church in Loveland, CO. She is the mother of Seth (16) and Kenna (12). Lori is a friend to many! She is a very talented artist and writer.

In March 2009, Lori broke her arm. In the process of treating her arm, they discovered that she had Stage IV breast cancer metastasized to the bones. She had several vertebral fractures and tumors on the spine, pelvic area, neck, and ribs. Needless to say, it's been a very rough year. Lori chose alternative therapies until the PET scan report in January 2010, showed that the disease had progressed -- more spinal fractures from tumor growth as well as two new growth areas in the liver and left femur. The Rickards decided that now the best course of action is chemotherapy which she started on January 28, 2010. A line in Our Daily Bread reads: An important part of praying is a willingness to be part of the answer. We can be part of the answer by helping with the finances. It was an unforgettable concert!

Billy Sprague & Band - Billy was our musical host for the evening. He first toured with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith before pursuing his own recording and writing career. Debbie Boone, Kathy Troccoli, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Sandi Patty, Susan Ashton and others have recorded his songs. Via Dolorosa, earned him a Song of the Year Dove Award and A Man After Your Own Heart also won Inspirational Song of the Year. As a recording artist, Billy's solo recordings passionately reflect his life journey. His most recent is Soundtrack of My Soul. He has also authored two books, Is God Really There? (and is He good?) and Letter to a Grieving Heart, both from Harvest House. He has also created Songs to a Grieving Heart a companion CD to his grief book. He is a prolific songwriter, artist and ice cream connoisseur, but his favorite title is 'daddy'. Billy is currently the Director of Worship Arts at Crossroads Church in Thornton, Colorado.

Sandra Thiessen is a recording artist and song writer from Centennial, Colorado. She studied music at the University of South Florida throughout High School and then attended Capernwray Bible School in Lancashire, England. Sandra began to speak to various groups in 1988. Her writing has been published in Good Housekeeping Magazine and used on both ABC and PAX Television. Sandra is a contributor to the Cup of Comfort Devotional series. She has sung for various gatherings ranging from ladies' groups to the dedication of the Columbine Memorial. Sandra and her husband Glen enjoy 4 grown children and two grandchildren! In 1998 Sandra wrote the song For This I Have the Lord which has a gained a quiet following with those who are going through tough seasons in life.

Stephen Tindle is an Indian flute recording artist and vocalist from Estes Park, CO. Stephen is a vital member of the worship team at Rocky Mountain Evangelical Free Church in Estes Park where he sings and plays at multiple services nearly every weekend. He is frequently a guest musician for conferences, weddings, and memorial services. Stephen's first CD Hoyanna has ministered to thousands, was met with rave reviews, and has brought many requests for his second CD which is in production...teaching him the patience of Job, he reports. Because of his heritage, Stephen has been involved in Native American Ministries. He has been a luthier...creating hammer dolcimers, and he carves his own Indian flutes. Anticipate his soul-searching flute and his singing On Eagle's Wings.

For more information about Stephen, Sandra, and their music go to our music link.

SILENT AUCTION
Please scroll down to see the wonderful pieces of art which were part of the Silent Auction.

DONATIONS
If you would like to give a gift to the Rickards, please make out your check to Galilee Baptist Church, designate it for the Lori Rickard Fund, and mail it to: Galilee Baptist Church, 2525 VanBuren Court, Loveland, CO 80538.

For more information, please e-mail us at linda@themastersfineart.com or call (970) 667-4138.

Pictured below are the 29 pieces of art which were donated by the artists. 100% of the income from the Silent Auction will be given to the Lori Rickard Benefit Fund.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Silent Auction! It was a huge success and generated $3150 for the Lori Rickard Benefit Fund. Thank you, Lord!