Eric and Zola Ryan met at Texas A&M and got married in 2003. Even before they were married, the Ryans agreed that their future would include missionary work. 

They both felt the call to serve others during their teens, traveling to impoverished areas to help the locals with basic needs to improve their lives. 

Eric and Zola both have degrees in rangeland management, and said they can’t wait to help the rural Bolivians implement economic and agricultural development initiatives, spread the Gospel, and encourage new believers. They said God has been faithful in meeting their physical and spiritual needs and preparing them for service.  

Student loans, medical bills, and other debts have hindered their missionary dreams, but they’ve been diligently working toward their goal. Today, they are debt-free and ready to move forward in obedience and joy.

The Ryans are active in serving Faith Baptist Church of Harney County by participating in leadership roles and gaining support for their mission.

Many of you may know Zola (Gibson) because she grew up in Burns, has been the district conservationist for the local National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office for 16 years, and is very active in Faith Baptist Church. 

She has worked hard through the years to support landowners in improving operations and addressing natural resource issues through the various programs offered by the NRCS.

Eric grew up as a pastor’s kid in Texas. You may have seen him on TV in Flippin’ RV’s, selling barbecue out of his restored camper, or being a “home hubby” — bringing up his daughters and shuttling them to events all over town. He has worked the last few years as a ranch hand, restoring campers, and selling parts.

The Ryans have three daughters: Glenna Mae (12), Shannon (10), and Fiona (5) who have kept them very busy. All three of the girls are in school and looking forward to their four-year South American adventure.

The Ryans signed up with South America Mission (SAM) after searching for more than a year for the right fit for their family. The Ryans, through SAM, will be partnering with Indigenous Rural Outreach, a ministry whose core values are discipleship, sustainability, and mercy. 

The Indigenous Rural Outreach team aims to build relationships through service and ministry to the whole person and to help believers work toward a quality of life that reflects the image of God and His transforming power. The vision is to see a truly independent tribal and rural church where believers take responsibility for their own and their neighbor’s spiritual and physical well-being. The indigenous people face numerous challenges: illiteracy, substance abuse, prostitution, and neglect. Despite these challenges, the church is blossoming under the care of indigenous pastors and missionaries.

The Ryan family is eager to reach Bolivia, but they have a long road ahead. First, they must raise financial support, complete cross-cultural training, and attend a year’s worth of Spanish language school. Would you consider partnering with them in this adventure?

If you would like to follow their journey, you can join the On Mission with the Ryans Facebook page or sign up to receive updates by emailing your request to ezryan@southamericanmission.org.

The Ryans said you can also support them by keeping their family in your prayers. If you would like to provide financial assistance, please visit https://southamericamission.org, click “donate,” and find the Ryan family. You can also mail donations to: South American Mission, 1021 Maxwell Mill Rd. Suite B, Fort Mill, SC 29708 or drop donations off at the Faith Baptist Church, 777 N. Saginaw, Hines, OR. All donations are tax deductible.