Bio

Rick is from northern Ohio and Shirley from northern California. Rick was saved in a Christian camp as a child, and Shirley was saved during revival meetings at her church. After they graduated from Bob Jones University in 1975, Rick continued for a year of graduate work, and Shirley taught preschool at church schools. Rick helped mission churches in Atlanta and Spartanburg, S.C. during his years at Bob Jones. Rick completed a Master of Ministries program at Bob Jones University and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Puerto Rico Baptist College, and their children have degrees from Bob Jones also. They have five children who serve the Lord in various ministries. Seth is the youth pastor in Antioch.

In 1976, after the death of the dictator, General Franco, Spain became more open to missions, and Rick and Shirley were accepted by GFA as missionary candidates to Spain. While they were studying the language in Madrid, they helped a military church and visited Spanish churches. They later worked as interns in a mission church in Jativa, Valencia, filling in for a missionary on furlough. In 1980 they moved to Andalucía, Spain, started Bible studies in surrounding cities, and planted a church in Rota, Cadiz.

In 1989 the Armstrongs began working with Dr. John Mincy to reach Hispanics in California. Iglesia Biblica Bautista de Antioquia grew from one family in 1989 to about 200 believers over the years. Antioch Bible Institute was established as part of the church and was later used to train men to start churches in other cities. The Lord provided a church building and enabled the church to pay for it in two years. Mission outreaches have been started in several locations, and churches are now established with Hispanic pastors in five other cities.

About 40 young people from Iglesia Biblica Bautista de Antioquia have studied at Bob Jones University, Puerto Rico Baptist College, or at the University of Monterrey. Some teach in Christian schools and as missionaries, while others serve in various local churches.

Rick has also taught ministry courses in Mexico, Peru, and other Spanish-speaking countries, while representing GFA as its coordinator of Hispanic ministries to help churches reach the Hispanics in the USA and establish other Hispanic churches.

To view Rick and Shirley Armstrong's photo gallery, click the picture below.