RODGER

Raised in a Christian home along with his sister, Janis, and brother, Howard, he was brought up to love God and honor His Word.   He lived in New Jersey until college, where he then attended and played football for West Virginia University. 

After graduation, he moved to New York, and by divine providence met Greer in 1968 at an IBM facility in East Fishkill. Not long after, Greer introduced Rodger to her family in New Orleans, and he fell in love with the city and her family. They were married in 1972 at First Baptist Church in New Orleans and thereafter took a short honeymoon, accompanied by seven of Rodger’s New Jersey relatives!  During their five years in New Orleans, Rodger and Greer owned and operated three clothing stores in and near the French Quarter, and had their first daughter, Tristan, in 1974. From there they briefly resided in Manhattan, where they opened and managed Logos Christian Bookstore on Madison Ave, until they moved to Logos headquarters in Ann Arbor, MI. As Director of Franchise Operations, Rodger orchestrated and implement the opening of 50+ Logos bookstores all across the nation.  They welcomed their second daughter, Bridget, in 1978, and third daughter, Courtney, in 1979. Another opportunity to open Christian bookstores brought them to Houston, TX, in 1980. 

During the early years in Houston, Rodger was active in Full Gospel Businessmen Organization.  He served as president of the Houston Northwest chapter and in that capacity, traveled to Bulgaria where he had the opportunity to meet and confer with the  president of the country and address the Bulgarian parliament.

In 1985, by God’s leading, Rodger and Greer joined a group of Christians on a mission trip to Russia to petition the government to release Soviet Jews. This was a turning point in their lives, as God put in their hearts a deep love for Israel and the Jewish people. At the age of 50, in 1995 on a visit to Israel, God gave Rodger the vision for Abba Anointing Oil, and he and Greer embarked on their most rewarding adventure together. For the next twenty-nine years, they developed biblical fragrant oils, candles, and inspirational products, while also traveling  extensively throughout the U.S. and Israel, teaching and praying for people from all walks of life. Today, Abba Oil products are in over 80 countries. 

Rodger embodied the command of Jesus to "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself."  He was known for his generosity, positive outlook, integrity, creativity, humor and caring spirit. He always made time to listen, counsel, encourage and pray with family, friends, and business associates. 

Rodger loved Jesus and his family deeply. His legacy of faith and love will endure for many generations.