Richard and Linda Brown

Richard and Linda are both pretty much Dallas people.  Linda grew up here, graduating from South Garland High School before going to Abilene Christian University for her degree in education.  She then returned to Dallas and got her master's degree in Library Science at the University of North Texas.  Her first job as school librarian was at Lakewood Elementary in the Dallas ISD.  She now is the librarian at Dallas Christian.

Richard lived in Austin and San Antonio as a young child, but then moved to Dallas and graduated from Bryan Adams High School.  He got his business degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, but immediately went to work, not in the business world, but as an associate minister at Garland Road where he oversaw multiple ministries, including childhood education.  He continued in that role for twenty years.

Linda and Richard met through friends at Garland Road.  That meeting led to marriage and the birth of two beautiful daughters--Alyssa, a graduate student at Abilene Christian University working on an advanced degree in school psychology, and Kaitlyn, a freshman at ACU beginning her degree in art.

In 2000 Richard went to work full time for Medina Children's Home.  His father, a former elder at Garland Road, had been on the board at Medina for 40 years, serving as its president for 25 years.  Medina was a natural workplace for Richard, having been associated with it most all his life.  Medina has now joined forces with Boles Home in Quinlan and a third campus in Duncanville to form Arms of Hope.  Richard is the coordinator of fundraising for Arms of Hope. 

Richard and Linda love the wonderful people at Highland Oaks.  "They have made the good times better and the hard times bearable," Linda said.  She noted the support that is always provided for whatever needs might arise--whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.  She especially commended the Bible classes and youth activities that provided spiritual growth for her children.

Richard and Linda co-direct a 40's-50's Bible class with George and Lisa Skinner.  "You're never too old to learn," Richard said.  "Facts that we have known since childhood come to life when you are taught to really apply them.  Highland Oaks has some of the best Bible teachers anywhere."

The Browns are also part of a small group led by Tony Roseberry.  This group focuses on evangelism, and is always looking for new members.  Richard especially likes that is an open group that makes everyone welcome through fellowship.  Linda also noted the fellowship, the Bible teaching, and the support provided through friendships.  She is a big fan of Highland Oaks' senior minister, Pat Bills.  "Pat is a great minister.  He really cares about people," she said.

Richard describes Highland Oaks as a church that continues to evolve while staying true to bible principles.  "It's not a place where we've arrived," he said.  "I'm excited about the future.  Only God knows where it will go.  I'm a traditionalist and a loyalist, but I look forward to our church's continual evolvement."

And we look forward to Linda and Richard continuing to be a big part of our church's future. 

- Ward English