Dear Friends of Wayne Oates,

I heard of Wayne Oates while a student at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, Lebanon, in the late 1970(s). I always had been interested in psychology and counseling. Later, I became a pastor of a large church in West Beirut. There, I purchased some of Oates' books, along with others, to help me in my many pastoral counseling duties. Those books inspired me to pursue graduate studies in counseling, so, I came to the USA and eventually pursued an M.A. and a Ph.D.in clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology in California.

I first met Dr. Oates while visiting the States in 1981 at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He was giving a lecture at night on the principles of counseling and giving examples of focused personal help and effective brief encounters in contrast to the traditional counseling session that takes place for one hour behind closed doors . What I remember vividly was a story he told about a busy pastor who was approached by a distressed member as the pastor was leaving out the door. When sensing the troubled soul, the pastor turned around and pulled two chairs. As they sat down, he blocked everything else out as he looked squarely into the eyes of that person and said, "we have only a couple of minutes. Let's use them well. I want to be fully attentive and listen carefully to what you say right now, so, tell me what is on your heart and mind." Afterwards, I introduced myself to him. He was gracious and very interested in me and what I do.

That was the only time I met or heard Dr. Oates. Of course, I heard about his work, his person, and his style a lot. I developed a deep respect for this pioneer and rich personality. He is a great resource and model to all of us as emerging caregivers. I also heard that he was called "The Father of Pastoral Counseling."

As I nurture a longterm dream to establish a Center or Institute in the Middle East, for training, counseling, publishing, etc., with a resource library, I want to apply Oates' concepts and themes to my work and writing, especially when addressing church ministries, pastoral care, and the relationship between psychology and Christianity; i.e., religious faith and spirituality.

I am glad that Wayne Oates was a prolific writer so that he left behind a wealth of ideas, manuals, articles, books, and materials. We thank the Lord for figures like Wayne Oates and we celebrate his rich journey as it enriches ours and, I am sure, many generations to come.