Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Oct/96

Contributor - Janet Cohade

Title - "Pastor Russell Ooms"

Topic - Pastor Profile

Do you know the definition of 'a match made in heaven? Think of a praying people seeking God's will.

Think of a seminary graduate looking for clear direction. Think of a loving, all-knowing, all-powerful God who is able to put them together. Definition? Grace Community Church, Surrey, B.C., and her new pastor, Russell Ooms.

Russ came to us in February '96, after graduating from Fuller Theological Seminary in California. He and his wife, Jan, had given up home, job, and security and had left their families back east to obey God's call to the ministry. God blessed their obedience. Financial needs were met, seminary was a wonderful experience, and God gave His safety, security, and peace of mind.

Russ and Jan were born in the United States, he in Indiana and she in Allendale, Michigan. After grade one, Russ says, the Ooms family moved to Wisconsin, where they worked 'nine days a week" on their dairy farm. Elaine and John Ooms attended New Life Community Church with their children. At a Lowell Lunstrum Crusade, pre-teen Russ gave his heart to Christ, never suspecting God's plan for his life. Russ chose to study Heavy Equipment Service at Ferris State University and completed hi, education with a Bachelor Degree in Automotive Management. While at Ferris, he led a College Fellowship Group, but he did not feel the firm tug towards the ministry. This came later while he was participating in a Missions trip to Mexico.

A pastor needs a Spirit-filled, strong, loving woman to be his helpmate. As God prepared Russ, so He led Jan. Her parents, John and Joyce Ossewaarde, accompanied their children to the Christian Reformed Church. Throughout her childhood and youth, Jan felt an ongoing process of God revealing Himself. While working at an Evangelical camp 'it all came together' and her commitment was firm. She and Russ met in 1987.

Often, family members would tell them that Russ was meant to be a pastor, but he dismissed it. By the time God's call was clear, Russ was more than ready to leave his job behind and answer the call.

Russ Ooms has a sense of humour and likes people. He always takes time to talk and pray. He preaches the Word clearly and in the light of God's truths encourages us to grow in Jesus Christ. He has a heart for men's fellowship, and through his encouragement, over 30 men attended Promise Keepers and continue to meet together. He has a two-fold God-given vision for Grace.

As God's instrument, Russ seeks. to develop committed, mature disciples of Christ. Within this vision is a desire to develop and equip leaders in the Church and always faithfully preach God's Word. He knows visions don't come to fruition overnight he is a man waiting on the Lord for direction and timing.

Jan has a Bachelor of Science (Physical Education, Health & Psychology) from Grand Valley State and a Masters in Counseling with an Alcohol and Drug Abuse specialty from Western Michigan University. Her choice tight now is to support Russ in their home, raising their children. Rachel, almost seven, loves school, reading, and skating. Joshua is definitely a people-person. Caleb, the youngest, loves music, colouring, and, oh yes our church secretary, Colleen.

Jan's desire is to work with the women of Grace Community Church, and we know God will use her mightily. Her education, combined with the gift of evangelism and a heart for people, shows how God will provide for those she touches.

God has set apart Russ and Jan Ooms to be His servants in Grace Community Church. God has done this so that through the Blood of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we may be made fit for the task ahead.

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