Pastor Frank Smith died peacefully after a day surrounded by family on Sunday, March 6, 2022. A Celebration of Frank Smith's life is Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 11:00AM at Green Oak Ranch, Vista, CA.

 

Frank Smith's last request was, " Please care for my wife, Betty."  (James 1:27)

Frank Smith was born on May 11, 1933. He graduated from the University of Nebraska as a Business Major in 1953, and his loves were his brothers, friends and being a real estate broker . . . and then he met Mom (Betty). They were married and bought their first home in 1953.

 

Dad had an encounter with God where he knew that God loved him, that Jesus was real, rose from the dead and is alive and present now: today. Dad and Mom sold their home and everything they owned in Nebraska and moved to Springfield, Illinois, so that Dad could attend Concordia Seminary. During this transition and throughout their ministry, God's favor was with Dad and Mom.

 

In 1961 Dad graduated seminary, was ordained a Lutheran Pastor and assigned to launch Christ Lutheran Church, Brea, CA. The church plant team were 12 families meeting in a rented dance studio. CLC Brea grew because of God's favor and the hard work of Dad and Mom, and many volunteers! Dad was Senior Pastor of CLC Brea for 17 good years, and during this time Dad and Mom's family grew to include Kevin, Mike, Debby, Brian, Kim and Sarah.

 

During this time Dad encountered the Holy Spirit, was baptized in the Holy Spirit and felt that God called him into something new. Dad launched Crushed Grapes Ministry, sharing God's love and the power of Holy Spirit with people who have been through hard and hurtful life experiences. Dad also began investing time and energy into the lives of precious people in the rehabilitation programs at Green Oak Ranch. For over 30 years, dad ministered at Green Oak Ranch during scheduled services, and yet Dad seemed to do his best work talking with folks during meals and walking together with them at the Ranch.

 

Dad wrote four books and became quite a painter who loved cribbage and betting nickels on NFL Football. Dad loved meeting people in a store or doctor's office and telling them that Jesus loves them. Dad often wore shirts embroidered with "Jesus Loves You."

 

Dad fought the good fight for over 60 years. His spiritual armor showed the battle scars from winning hard-fought campaigns, and from tough losses over the years. Dad loved to read God's Work, teach God's Word, and share the Good News of Jesus.

 

Dad leaves behind Betty, his wife of 69 years; six children, 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. As dad was passing to his new home, his concern was that Mom would be taken care of, and he asked me to set up a Go Fund Me. You can donate to this Go-Fund-Me or send donations to Betty Smith c/o Green Oak Ranch. Please pray about this.

 

Please share this announcement with family and friends, and remember, "Jesus Loves You!"