Rick has been teaching, skiing, and working in forest fire suppression for over 45 years. He has fought forest fires all over the western United States, including the Yellowstone fires. He has also served after hurricanes, the Space Shuttle disaster, and as a counselor at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks.

Rick's ministry has included itinerant evangelistic preaching, helping start churches in nearby communities, campground chapels, college ministry, and sharing gods word internationally.