Longtime FGBC Pastor Vic Rogers With the Lord

Pastor Roger Mayes of the Grace Brethren church in Yucca Valley (CA)sends along the following information about the homegoing of one of the Lord's choice servants in the FGBC:

Victor Sewell Rogers was born November 16, 1923 to George Walter Rogers and Elma Grace Brumbaugh Rogers in their home in East Freedom, Pennsylvania. He was the middle child of five children. He passed away Thursday, August 10, 2006 in his Sun City, California, home. Vic was 82 years old.

Vic had fallen in his backyard and hit a concrete sidewalk April 23 and broke his neck. He was making good progress and was to come home soon. On July 25th, Victor told family he was ready to be with the Lord. The next day he suffered a massive stroke.

His wife, Vivien Jane Rogers from Sun City, survives him. They were married for 61 years. He is survived by two daughters. They are: Ruth Ann Rogers and Sharon Louise White, both of California. Eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren also survive Victor.

Victor has two siblings who are still living. They are: Catherine Lingenfelter (wife of Galen Lingenfelter) from Pasadena, California and Levi Ellis Rogers from Sun City Center, Florida.

Vic was preceded in death by his brother, Galen Brumbaugh Rogers, and Lucinda Rogers Meyers (wife of Victor Meyers)

Vic received the Lord when he was seven years old in 1930. That makes him a believer in Christ for 76 years. He was baptized in the Dunnings Creek Hollow beside the Church of the Brethren Church in Pennsylvania. Elders dammed up the river and Victor was baptized.

Vic graduated from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, High School in 1942. He attended Practical Bible Training School in Binghamton, New York, from 1942-1945. After marriage to Vivien Laux from Lorain, Ohio, he attended Biola College from 1945-1948 receiving a Bachelor of Theology degree.

From the time he was born until eleven years old he was a member of the Church of the Brethren. From twelve years old to the present he was a member of theLeamersville Grace Brethren and the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.

Victor was the pastor of the North English, Iowa, Church 1948-1952; Jenners, Pennsylvania 1952-1959; Leamersville, Pennsylvania 1959-1969; Albuquerque, New Mexico 1969-1979; Chico, California 1979-1985; Yucca Valley, California 1986-1987; and Dolan Springs, Arizona 1987-February 29, 2004 when he retired from full-time ministry. He was in the ministry for almost fifty six years. He was involved in four building programs in Jenners, Leamersville, Albuquerque and Chico.

He never missed preaching a Sunday in 55 years.

He had the privilege of leading Shimer Darr to the Lord and encouraging him in the faith. Shimer continues as a Grace Brethren pastor today. Roy Glass was often encouraged by his cousin Vic in the early days of ministry. Victor touched many lives in ways only eternity will record.

He was remembered for his involvement at different district camps. He sang in a quartet for ten years in Leamersville. He had a radio broadcast for years. He loved to sing for the Lord. He enjoyed traveling every chance he had. He made seven cross-country trips to National Conference.

He loved to tell stories. Some stories were about his hunting expeditions while others were a little bragging about how many miles per gallon his vehicle achieved.

Victor was the last of four generations of preachers. He leaves behind a legacy of at least seven generations of Christians.

His favorite hymns were "Know My Jesus," "One Day," "Redeemed and How I Love to Proclaim it."

In recent months he has told everyone he met, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. If I don't see you anymore on this earth I will see you in heaven."

A graveside service will be held in Joshua Tree, California, at the Mountain Valley Memorial Park Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 10 AM. A memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church in Yucca Valley, Saturday, September 2, 2006 at 1 PM.

Anyone who would like to share comments regarding how Victor touched their lives may send letters, notes, poems etc to Grace Community Church 6300 Ruth Dr. Yucca Valley, Ca. 92284 and they will be shared during the memorial service.