Friday evening, October 16th, 2009, Robert N. Adams, also known as Pastor Bulldog, left his cancer-ridden body for his eternal reward. He was a most remarkable man, and he was my Dad. He took his nickname of Pastor Bulldog from his dogged determination that saw him win the battle with colon cancer in the early 90’s. This second battle with lung cancer coupled with his already severely damaged lungs is what ended his earthly life.
From his service in WWI, my grandfather that I never met suffered from a severe case of what we now call post traumatic stress syndrome. My pregnant grandmother left him in Kansas City as her father brought her home to Arkansas City, Kansas where my Dad was born. He was raised by his single mother and her very Scottish parents.
Dad met my mother at a USO club during WWII and married her in her native Virginia, but soon moved to Arkansas City where I was born. Dad’s degree from the Richmond Professional Institute (now part of the College of William and Mary), was in fine arts, but he held a variety of jobs until he solidified his personal faith in Christ at Billy Graham’s 1967 crusade in Kansas City. I had come to faith the previous year. Some years later, Dad would enter the ministry and serve at KCBT in several capacities. He also spent a few years church planting in Florida. Interestingly enough, Dad had seriously considered going to a Presbyterian seminary after the war, and when I was born they dedicated me to ministry. It’s funny how God honors and answers our prayers even when we don’t have full understanding of what we are doing.
Every family has issues and struggles, but I never doubted my parent’s love, nor can I complain about much of anything. Even though our family was always living from paycheck to paycheck and there was never an abundance of material resources, we never went without food and I never experienced insecurity.
As an artist, Dad did not school me in hunting, fishing, sports or the great outdoors. He was totally supportive, though, of anything I wanted to explore and did his best to provide guidance and mentorship through life. Over his years in ministry, God used him to touch many lives. He was a student of the word and faithful to invest his life in the lives of others.
His health was always a challenge and I am amazed he lived for 82 years. In his later years he dedicated himself to Internet ministry and I was proud of his computer savvy for a person of his generation. He had an internet prayer ministry, wrote regular e-zines he called “Blessays” and maintained a number of blogs. A few years ago he put some of his Blessays together in a little book called Off My Chest –From My Heart. It was fun for me to see him muse on the memories of his life and the lessons he learned. It was also funny to see how the liberal-thinking artist morphed into an old man who saw life through series of “Fox News sound bites,” much to the dismay of my brother and me.
Right up until his cancer-ridden body began to shut down, his mind and quirky, sharp wit remained intact. In a short time he had endeared himself to the staff of the nursing home where he spent his final few months and I was touched to see nurses openly and sincerely weeping as the rolled him out tonight. A beautiful young Ethiopian nurse named Bethlehem wept with sincere grief and said, “He prayed for me.” I’m proud he was my dad.
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Jeff – Love to you and all your family. I have always been fond of your father. He baptized me back in 1993 a few months after I received Christ. I remember how encouraging he was to me in that huge moment for me and my family. I’m glad I was able to know him.
Ben
Thanks for sharing your dad with us. He was always sturdy, unwavering and a trailblazer. Those are high qualities in our society today. I know he’ll be missed.
Un gran abrazo desde Cuenca-Ecuador
Jeff – Just wanted to express our heartfelt sympathy at the loss of your dad. We have so many memories of our times with them. To say the least they were a blessing to us and hold a special place in our hearts. We saw and visited with Sarah on the 4th of July and she shared that grandpa wasn’t doing well. We have prayed for both your dad and mom.
The older we get the more friends and family we have in Heaven. One day there will be a great reunion. In the meantime we will continue to pray for you and especially your mom.
“He will perfect that which concerns me.” — Psm. 138:8 (And now He has truly finished that work with your dad).
Blessings always! Jerry and Marge DeMonbrun
Hno. Jeff
Reciba en nombre mio y de mi familia, nuestra mas sincera condolencia en la perdida de su padre. Nuestra oracion es para que El les de la fortaleza ante su ausencia, pero la paz de saber donde y con quien esta.
Nadie puede entender mejor la perdida de un ser querido que Dios mismo, quien perdio al que mas amaba. Pero por El mismo nos da ejemplo de la victoria de ser promesa a los que seguimos.
Gracias a Dios por la vida de su padre, por que Dios lo uso para que usted sea de bendicion de muchos. Dios le bendiga y le siga usando cada dia de su vida.
Leonel y Patricia e hijas
Bob is meeting my sister now. He’s getting all the questions answered. He’s our brother. Joint heir. I am praying for you and your family.. I am longing for heaven. I am glad you know you will meet again. Great legacy.
I was looking at the list of your recent sermons and saw four that fit your dad perfectly:
1. Men with a mind to work.
2. Men with soul to stand strong.
3. Men with a heart to fight.
4. Men who finish strong.
I loved your dad and will always miss him and cherish our time together. My loving thoughts are with you and David and your family. Tina
Your father was always so fun to be around and always greeted people with a smile…
I remember many time’s how he encouraged my family through the many struggles we had…
Thanks for sharing your father with us….He will truly be missed…
He’s rejoicing in heaven now … .. We will keep your family in our prayers…praying for comfort for you..
Jami Heckman
Jeff, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I lost my dad several years ago, and I can understand the sense of loss that you must be feeling now. Over the years since we have moved to Wisconsin we have made many return trips to KCBT as we came to visit. Your Dad and his warm smile was always there to greet us as we walked in. Now that I think about it, I don’t think I ever saw him not smiling! We can certainly cherish the fond memories of him, and rejoice in the fact that he is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that we will see him again. God bless you and your family, Jeff. We love you!
Chris & Cheryl Gardner
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Our prayers are with you and the rest of the family… specially for Helen.
What a glorious day will be when we get to meet Pastor Bob again in heaven!
Love from El Salvador.
Julio & Patty
Jeff & Cheryl
We love you and we are so sorry for your loss.
Hno Jeff,
Un gran abrazo y mis condolencias por su perdida; Su paz que sobrepasa todo entendimiento los guarde. Que Dios le siga usando cada día y sea de gran bendición como lo ha sido para nuestra gente en San Jose, Costa Rica.
Oh, the rejoicing in heaven. He is free.
My heart is heavy for you and your family at this very tender time. I will be holding you all in prayer.
Apreciado pastor Jeff,
Que ejemplo de creyente fue su padre, damos gracias a Dios por lo que su padre hizo para influenciar su compromiso con Dios y llegar a ser bendición a muchas naciones, entre ellas Colombia, damos gracias a Dios también por sus promesas porque sabemos que su amado padre se encuentra gozoso en Su presencia, disfrutando apenas el inicio de su vida, una vida eterna lejos del dolor y las molestias del cancer, plena en el amor y el conocimiento del Señor
Un abrazo grande desde Colombia, estaremos orando para que Dios le fortalezca a usted y su familia en esta separación temporal de su padre.
En el amor de Cristo
Carlos y Luz Marina Diaz
Praying for you. Sure makes heaven a little more desirable, huh?
As a new believer, I always loved seeing and saying “hello” to your dad each week in the halls of KCBT. Such a rock, always friendly, always faithful. A great influence!
Jeff and family, Rodney and I send our sympathy to you at the news of your father. It was great to watch you minister and serve the Lord together. Thank you for sharing more about him. Love and blessings from Arizona.
Our prayers are with you and your family. What a joy to know that he is no longer in pain and with our Savior. I also have fond memories of working with Bob when he was on staff at KCBT.
Dalona and I are praying for you and your brother as you make arrangements, and for Sarah and Bekah and the (great)grandkids. I just received his latest Blessay #230 “All That Thrills My Soul” on Sept 25. It was truly amazing.
Pastor Jeff,
Our love and prayers are with you. A time to rejoyce for sure knowing your father is in a much better place!
The Medley’s
I was thankful to visit with your dad at the anniversary celb. awhile back—to share some memories and encourage each other with our health problems. I so was thankful for your comment on God’s answer to your dad’s prayer for you even before he understood —–gives me a “faith uplift” in God’s sovereignty over my life and the lives of my family.
Hno. Jeff,
Mis más sinceras condolencias por la pérdida de su padre aquì en la Tierra, pero que bendiciòn saber que en vez de pérdida es ganancia en el cielo. Asì mismo, mi querida madre (Adaljisa Vargas) ha partido a su morada celestial hace más de cinco años.
Usted, en particular ha sido de mucha bendiciòn para mì y para mi familia en Costa Rica, cuando tuvimos las campañas evangelìsticas en la Iglesia Bautista Emanuel. Siempre lo hemos recordado con mucho cariño.
Que Dios le siga bendiciendo y utilizando para Su gloria.
Kattia Cabrera
Jeff, I’m grateful and blessed to have known your father. It was a privilege growing up at KCBT during a time when such Men of God- like your father were in our midst. I pray that God will raise up more men just like him! May the Lord bless you.
What a loving tribute you gave your dad. My heart goes out to everyone in your family, especially your mom, and my prayer is that she will not feel loneliness. You are an amazing family, and the Lord’s light shines on through you.
Jeff,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. My father passed when I was 4 so I’m very happy you were able to spend so much time with him. He sounds like he was a wonderful guy. I know he will be missed. I don’t know if my father was saved or not, but you know for sure that you and your father will meet again. God bless you both. We love you all.
Dear Papa,
I am really sad that Great Grandpa Bob have to dye.
I didn’t really get to say good bye. Mom says he was 86 and I said 82 and I was right. grandpa had faith, love, trustworthy and more. Now he is with Jesus and is walking through the golden streets.
Hello to Jeff, Cheryl and family,
It’s sad in a way to see them leave but then joy when you know where they are–and the ONE they are with! The Lord knows when it is time, and when their work is finished.
Thank you for sharing your Dad with us at KCBT. I know you have the comfort of the Lord as promised in His Word.
Love, prayers, and blessings, Don and Helen Bottom
Jeff, I was very touched by what you wrote about your father. I unfortuately, never had the opportunity to know your father personally but enjoy all the stories you share about him. Along w/ my husband David and lil mamas (Daviana)we extend our deepest sympathy to you, Cheryl, your girls, your grandchildren and the rest of your family. May our Lord provide you w/ comfort & peace only he can give but also restore joy in your heart that you may be able to celebrate his life & rejoice in the new heavenly life that he now possess. You are a wonderful man Jeff and I’m sure your dad would agree that you are a wonderful son. Thank you for all you do for us @ KCBT. We love you!!
We are praying for you and your family!!!!
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Your dad was an awesome man.
Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. My dad passed away earlier this year, so I know what you’re going through. It can be said with confidence that Pastor Bulldog ran the race and fought the good fight.
Thanks! And blessings to you as you have walked the same pathway!
Jeff
Lamentamos profundamente la partida de tu padre y damos gracias a Dios por lo que representó para ti y para tu familia, lo cual se ha visto reflejado también en todos los beneficios espirituales que hemos recibido a través de tus valiosas enseñanza.
Un abrazo muy especial
Fabio Reyes Cordero e Iglesia La Biblia dice… Bucaramanga – Colombia
Jeff & Cheryl,
This was a wonderful tribute to your father. We will be praying for your comfort and rejoicing that he is not in pain any longer. We love both of you and thank you for blessing our lives so much!
Pastor Jeff…I love you.
Hola Jeff!
Cuantos anos sin verte personalmente. Recuerdo mis primeros pasos en Cristo cuando te conocimos en una conferencia misionera en Bogota, y aun hoy te seguimos escuchando en la Escuela de Entrenamiento para el Liderazgo por medio de esos maravillosos videos. Damos gracias a Dios por tu vida y por ese padre maravilloso que te engendro y que fue ejemplo de vida para muchos. Hoy ha llegado la recompensa para el, disfrutar de la presencia de Dios por toda una eternidad. Que consuelo tan grande para nosotros los hijos de Dios. Este evento que antes nos llenaba de tristeza ahora nos llena de gozo. Te acompanamos espiritualmente.
Carlos Reyes C. – Ledys – Hijos
Jeff,
It was a privledge to have known your Dad. We had many a good time with both your Mom & Dad. He is and continues to be an example for all fathers to live up to. If ever their was an example of putting on the new man, for we are dead in Christ, your Dad was it. Our prayers are with you and your family. What a joy to know that he is no longer in pain and with our Savior. We will always have fond memories of your Dad at KCBT.
Jeff & Cheryl,
What a joy to know your dad. He lived life with a sold-out passion — a man behind the wall. Praying for your family, with love. Donna
Pastor Jeff,
Your Dad was an inspiration to me. Despite his health he was ready to tackle challenges no matter the difficulty. I will always remember his desire to have the perfect interview in the Men Behind the Wall series. He loved God and is family. We rejoice in his home going and mourn his loss on earth.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Jeremy, Stacey, and Adeline
Jeff, What a joy we had knowing your father, and we are so glad he is now living in Heaven with our Lord. Our memories of him are very dear to us, although they are few. I enjoyed his sense of humor, and his commitment to his ministry. He will be missed, and pray for your family and your mother as you transition to life without him on this earth. We love you and Cheryl…
Thanks for sharing a piece of your dad’s life with us. What a blessing he was to so many people.
Our prayers are with you!
Love Allene and Kevin Tanges
Thank you Jeff for sharing and being so open to do so.
I can see by all the comments that your dad impacted many of our lives.
I in my humanness will miss him but yet rejoice he is now in glory awaiting our arrival someday.
Your dad shared about you Jeff and how you have breakfast at the church where my daughter and family attend and what an impact you have. Your carrying on your father’s prayer and dedication of you and your Abba’s calling from above.
I am a bit at loss of words but so thankful your father is now promoted to heaven and enjoying the very best!
Rivkah
I was blessed to have participated in some ministry trips with your Dad and he was always a gentleman and an inspiration. He had a way of putting those around him at ease. I’m sorry for your loss.
I am sorry for loss. My continued prayers for your family.
Jeff;
My Father passed away in 2003 & I was by his bedside. I thank God for the four days that I got to minister to him by
myself. I will always be grateful for that time. I too will miss your Father’s smile & humbleness. I am sure that Dave was very happy to see him in Glory.
I’m glad your Mother is handling it as well as can be expected. I know first hand the difficult life of a widow.
I am praying for your entire family.
I think it’s awesome that you knew your Father as well as you did. I know he was very proud of what God’s done in your life. My parents divorced when I was two, got married again when I was ten & divorced again when I was sixteen so I really didn’t know him as well as you knew yours. Thank God for the whole family that you were raised in.
In the Salvation Army, a death is considered a “Promotion to Glory” That is one of their beliefs that I agree with. Your Father is w/our Saviour & there’s no betteer place to be!
I know that Jonathan & his family, & Josh are praying for you at this time as Dan & I are.
es muy especial el poder escribirte pro que sabemos como Dios te ha utilizado para su obra te estamos viendo cada 8 dias en la escuala de entrenamiento para el liderasgo en Buicaramanga Colombia Iglesia LaBiblia Dice…
supimos de el fallecimiento de tu padre y te acompañamos desde la distancia en tu dolor pero a la vez en la esperanza de encontrarnos con el en precencia del Señor y asi gozarnos todos juntos el estar Adorandoa el que nos ha unido Nustro Senor Jesucristo Bueno un abrazo desde Bucaranga Colombia La Biblia Dice….
Jeff,
Aunque no te conozco en persona, en Bucaramanga seguimos tus clases por video en la escuela de entrenamiento para el liderazgo, no te imaginas toda la edificación que recibimos.
Nos condolemos por tu calamidad, pero estamos seguros que a su tiempo, nos reuniremos con tu padre en el cielo.
Saludos,un abrazo.
DANIEL MENDEZ PRADA
La Biblia Dice Bucaramanga, Colombia
Thank you for sharing your Dad and fond memories with us. I’m sorry for you loss and yet excited for his gain. We’ll be praying for you and your family.
CON AMOR Y RESPETO ME UNO A LAS ORACIONES DE MIS HERMANOS, PARA QUE EL GOZO, QUE CON GRAN ALEGRÍA LEO EN ESAS LÍNEAS, SIGA LLENANDO SU CORAZÓN.
Jeff
What a privelege it has been to know your Dad. He was always an encouragenent to us when we prepared to go on discipleship trips, when we felt fears he encouraged us. He will be missed here but,yeah no longer will he be suffering. You and your family are in our prayers.
So sorry to hear about your father Jeff.
This afternoon I was praying for him and your mother, his family.Something I do daily.This evening when I came to my computer I read about his passing away.It made me so sad.I still have emails from him, answering my questions about the bible.
Thank you so much for telling about him.I would have liked to meet him.His “Blessays” were so full of truth and humor.He must have been a wonderful man.
He’s now in the presence of our Lord.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Pastor Jeff, Cheryl and family, I count it a blessing that we got to spend quality time with your Dad and Mom. Often having an impromtu lunch together and just enjoying them so much. I look forward to visiting with him soon in the Master’s dining room. God bless and thanks for the memories. Jim
There’s a beautiful song by Janet Paschal, about a man of God passing into glory after a lifetime of service for the Lord, “Another Soldier’s Coming Home.” She wrote it for her grandfather, who spent his life serving the Lord faithfully. (the chorus):
“Strike up the band. Assemble the choir. Another soldier’s comin’ home.
Another warrior hears the call, he’s waited for so long.
He’ll battle no more; he’s won his war. Make sure heaven’s table, has room for at least one more. Sing a welcome song: another soldier’s comin’ home.”
To Jeff and family,
I was first introduced to your Dad via the telephone. As a breast cancer survivor for over 10 years, I was interested in starting a wellness ministry. I called your Dad because a secretary in your church gave me his number and when I called he answered and must have talked to me for over an hour. A year later some of the leadership in our church came out for your world outreach seminar and actually met your Dad and Mom. I have been one of his contributors on his blog site.There is so much more I could tell but this space would not hold a book. Your Dad and Mom are very special people who show the love of Christ. They took special concern for a small town girl from New Hampshire. He will be missed! The seeds he has planted will bring forth much fruit. And one day we will all be together again in heaven where I am sure he will be happy to show us around when we get there. My prayers are with your family. May God grant you a sweet peace that warms you when that certain something reminds you of him. Yes, gone but not forgotten.
Los que le conocemos a Usted y su familia, oramos porque el Señor Jesucristo conforte sus corazones en esta separación momentánea de su padre y sean alentados por Sus promesas. El Dios te de toda consolación está con Ustedes. Abrazos
Pastor Jeff Adamas, Mis oraciones como las de mi familia estan con usted y los suyos para que nuestro gran Dios les fortalezca y llene sus corazones de la paz y de la esperanza que tenemos en el y que en estos momentos de trizteza temporal el Espiritu Santo derrame toda su consolacion sobre cada uno de su familia.
Es maravilloso e impactante el testimonio de su querido padre, el como se dejo usar por el Señor y la maravillosa herencia espiritual que lego en usted, como dice la Biblia,bienaventurado su querido padre, hoy descansa en los tiernos brazos de Jesus, pero sus obras todavia continuan.
Pastor, Jeff, le amo y le recuerdo con mucho cariño, yo fui uno de los que me gradue en el Seminario Biblico Miramonte en El Salvador en 1982, y a su salida en 1984 continue trabajando en la Iglesia Miramonte hasta llegar a ser por la gracia y misericordia de Dios uno de los pastores de la Iglesia Miramonte, por hoy tengo 16 años trabajando como Pastor en La Iglesia Bautista Esperanza Viva aqui en Los Angeles California.
Gracias por todo lo que usted nos ha enseñado y compartido, solo puedo decir !Gracias Dios por el padre que le distes al Pastor Jeff y por su hijo que supo cuidar y engrandecer la herencia espiritual que recibio de su querido Padre, Robert N. Adams!
Atentamente, Pastor, Rev. Dionisio Nuñez, Mirna y Josselyn.
Gracias, Dionisio! Es grato saber que siempre estás en las viñas del Señor. Bendiciones!
Bro.Jeff,
As I think on your daddy tonight, tears filled my eyes and memories flooded my heart & mind.
One in particular many,many years ago when Bro. Bob met me for coffee & urged me to keep my eyes on God and one day I WOULD take the 4-steps of prayer to Jerusalem. To always believe God, take him at his word and PRESS ON towards the mark and high calling of Jesus Christ.
I also think on him baptizing our littlest daughter Anna and bro. Bob asking why did she wanted to get babatized (as Anna would say) she replied she wanted to go all over the earth to preach the gospel!
Thank you God for loaning us a GREAT man of God , Robert Adams……..
Eternally grateful,,,,
I still miss him…..
Love You this much love you this much Goodbye
Kiersten Herzog