Geneva bivocational pastor, daughter graduate together

An Alabama bivocational pastor and his daughter recently graduated together, earning their bachelor’s degrees from The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville, Fla. Olan Strickland and Jessica Strickland Foster walked the stage during the May 13 graduation ceremony in a fitting end to their academic journey. 
   
Now pastor of Devco Baptist Church, Geneva, Strickland was called to the Geneva Association church after launching his college education in 2001. When the Strickland family toured BCF in January of 2001, it was not a day of pure delight. Strickland had recently surrendered to the call of ministry when he made the first trip to Graceville, Fla., from his home with wife Rosie, 18-year-old daughter Jessica and 15-year-old son Justin.
   
Their then-Claxton, Ga., home was all the family had ever known and the strong-willed high school freshman, Justin, was quick to point out that he had no plans to even change churches to follow his dad’s ministry, much less relocate to a small town more than 300 miles away. Foster had her own plans, too, already accepted at another college where she planned to begin in the fall with her best friend as a roommate. Rosie Strickland was supportive of her husband but equally apprehensive about a move.
   
Despite the objections, the family piled in the car for a road trip to visit the college. The trip proved not only a confirmation for Strickland but also a revelation by God to the entire family that would result in a truly life-changing experience.
   
Father and daughter enrolled in classes the next fall. “I tell everyone Dad didn’t want to let me go, so he followed me to college,” Foster said.
   
Foster was married in June 2003 to fellow student Ryan Foster, whom she met in one of her classes. “He made eyes at me,” she explained, “but he didn’t know my dad was in the same class.” Dad quickly came around and welcomed Ryan to the family. Ryan Foster now serves as youth pastor under his father-in-law’s leadership at Devco Baptist.
   
Now that the whole family is all grown up with father and daughter graduated with degrees in theology and Christian education, respectively, they say that they would “do it again in a heartbeat.” 
   
Strickland will continue his studies at BCF’s graduate school scheduled to begin offering classes in the fall of 2006. (BCF)