When we were living in the desert, God began my walk. I used to listen to Dr. James Dobson, Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, Kay Arthur, and John MacArthur every day. I would take notes, and God was touching my heart and feeding my spirit, and it was awesome! I did that for several years. He had brought me back to Dr. Dobson recently, and I started listening to his podcasts and ordering his books. I was being so blessed again. I was so grateful that he was still helping us, but my heart just broke when I heard he went home. I shouted “Hallelujah!” for him, but I was miserable for us. 😢 I can’t wait until we’re all together again, and I can hug him and thank him in person! I can’t wait until my heart stops grieving. 💔 If there was ever a time that we needed godly men like Dr. Dobson, it’s now. But God is good, and He is well able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond all that we could dare hope, think, or ask. Thank you so much, God, and thank you, Dr. Dobson. 🥲

A

My first encounter with Dr. Dobson was at the age of 27, when a senior friend and mentor gave me a copy of his book, Straight Talk to Men. At the time, I was still single, but that book marked the beginning of a lifelong influence. Since then, I have read his works and listened to him regularly, and much of what I call my personal value system has been shaped by his teachings. Every time I heard him speak, I was challenged to grow and to live with greater purpose. Together with a group of friends here in Nigeria, I have spent many hours reviewing and discussing Dr. Dobson’s books. His wisdom has been a great gift to me and my family. His passing is not just a personal loss, but a loss to humanity. The comfort I hold onto is that he is now with the Master. Until we meet again, Dr. Dobson, so I can tell you in person just how much of a blessing you were to me.

Busayo

I listened to Dr. Dobson over the radio while working in my kitchen. I used to think what a privilege it would be to work at Focus on the Family. Later in my life, I had a call from God and attended Nazarene Bible College, where I had the opportunity to become a temporary employee at Focus on the Family when they first moved to Colorado Springs. I continued working there part-time all through college and full-time for two years after graduation. God blessed me as I worked in this ministry and waited for Him to open a door in pastoral ministry. Those years working for Focus on the Family are very precious memories for me! It was even an added blessing of being able to speak with Dr. Dobson and shake his hand a few times. In drawing from the Scriptures, he brought God-breathed words to so many who needed to hear them! May his recordings and writings continue to bless people, and may God continue to bless his family!

Charlene

I can’t remember a time in my Christian life without the influence of Dr. James Dobson. I became a believer in 1977 upon graduating from high school. I went to work in the Christian radio industry as a deejay, and had the privilege of promoting Focus on the Family and Dr. Dobson’s books for decades on the air. I made the pilgrimage to Colorado Springs a few years ago, attending a production workshop for radio. I got to sit in Dr. Dobson’s chair, and tour the beautiful headquarters of FOTF. Everyone who worked there was so happy to be there, and felt a deep calling to serve the Lord in this ministry. What a culture of hope and joy. I even got to do a little work for Focus as a producer. The book “Love Must Be Tough” was my lifeline when I experienced betrayal and loss of a marriage. His daily radio program and practical biblical wisdom provided guidance and refuge for me as I navigated family challenges. I have referred numerous friends to the ministry of Focus on the Family and to Dr. Dobson’s books as they, too, experienced the ups and downs of life. To this day, I am still talking about Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family, Family Talk, Adventures in Odyssey, as I am still a voice in Christian radio. Dr. Dobson is a treasure to the body of Christ, and to families worldwide. I am so blessed to have had Dr. Dobson “walking with me” all these years. I am a different person, a more healthy, wise, and strong believer because of him. He mentored many of us, and we think of him as a spiritual father. I know I do. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, and everyone in the Focus family for pouring into so many of us, and helping us to grow into spiritual, relational, familial maturity. Well done, and please keep going! I’m still talking about you!

Celeste