bob oliver
Sr. Pastor
It was some time in the fall of 1970. Walking down the grimy streets of
Tijuana, Mexico harangued by hawkers and little kids with bare, filthy
feet and equally dirty hands holding out packets of Chickletts gum. I heard
you could get a guitar cheap in Tijuana. Christ had invaded my life October
3rd at 10:30 on a Saturday morning. He brought freedom, joy, forgiveness
and song. I wanted to sing all the time, and I wanted to learn how to play
the guitar. I learned early on that when Jesus touches your life, his hands
are always full. I wondered about those little dirty hands raised up at
me out of the streets of Tijuana. Could they also be the hands of Jesus?
They just wanted me to buy some gum. I bought the gum, lots of gum, and
a guitar too.
October 3, 2005, will mark having walked as a disciple of Jesus for thirty-five
years. For thirty-three of those years Anna and I have walked after our
Lord together. I cannot conceive of a more generous, wise and loving partner
in life. We took our vows July 8, 1972, with empty heads and full hearts.
Our Lord has taught us much and given the most thrilling gifts of love
to keep our hearts full. The greatest of those gifts are our three children,
Karah, Robert and Jordan and our son-in-love, Chris. Karah and Chris gave
us our first grand child, Bella Joy and she is all that her name means.
We thank God for our family. They are remarkable people.
Along our life journey He has led us continually like Abraham, Joseph,
like Moses and David. They became our mentors and friends, at times seeming
more alive than ourselves. From college in Texas to seminary in California,
He led us and provided for us in astounding ways. He taught us the lessons
of Paul the joy of finding satisfaction in little or much. It was during
our first church plant experience in 1978 that we learned the extraordinary
power of connecting with other believers who have a passion for making
an difference in their community for the cause of Christ. That church became
the Vineyard, La Habra. For twenty six years we pastored this remarkable
company of followers of Jesus.
In October of 2004 we received a new commission to a new church, Grace
Vineyard in Arlington Texas. It’s a fresh adventure with our wonderful
Lord in the lead again. We look out across this exploding metropolis and “see” with
Jesus’ eyes his vision for placing this tenacious, stalwart and loving
church in the center of his advancing purposes. Anna and I are praying
that his kingdom will come and his will should come to be done right here
in Arlington and surrounding cities as it is in His holy heaven
Grace is a church called to reach up to God in passionate
worship; one that reaches into each other in devoted service;
and a church that reaches out to the world in sacrificial
love. It is happening! His power, presence and grace is encountering us
and impacting all those being drawn to our Christ-filled lives. It is a
totally awesome honor to be at Grace during this season of God’s
favor. Let’s press on in HIM!!
In Christ,
Bob and Anna Oliver