Longtime pastor, educator, author, and founder of Victory Christian Center Robyn Gool passed away Friday, Nov. 18.
“As his condition worsened and he was at home most of the time, Sunday morning was a time to look forward to his most favorite thing to do,” Marilyn Gool, his wife, said in a videotaped message on the church’s website.
“Teaching and preaching the word of God; I couldn’t take that from him because without purpose, people give up easily,” she continued.
She shared that he had ended his “fight,” referencing an unspecified illness he had for some time.
Pastor Gool is survived by his wife, Marilyn Gool, and two daughters Marilyn Joi White and Sanchia Chapman, and their families.
Dedicating his life
According to a Whitaker House biography, Pastor Gool was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 11, 1953.
When he was nine, Gool dedicated his life to Christ, and around the same time, began playing tennis.
Initially wanting to pursue a career in tennis, Gool accepted a tennis scholarship from Oral Roberts University, a private evangelical university in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
It was there, in 1972, that he decided to go into ministry.
The following year, Gool met Marilyn and the two began an independent ministry.
Leading Victory
In 1979, according to the Victory Christain Center website, Gool, was pastoring at Faith Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Charlotte when he was led to establish Victory the following year.
Victory Christian Center held its first service in a warehouse with 64 people in attendance.
The church would move into its first permanent home nearly eight years later. There, Pastor Gool led the small ministry to what would become a large faith-based community.
Today, the Victory Christian Center is home to a pre-school, elementary, middle and high school, and community college which features Biblical and ministry studies.
His impact
Pastor Gool’s leadership and dedication to his faith have left an impact on thousands of students and church-goers alike.
Comments on a post announcing plans for his funeral prompted several people to share sentiments about Gool and his impact on their lives, noting his character and integrity.
One person said “I wouldn’t be the man I am today without his influence in my life.”
One comment read, “such an honorable man of God. A father to many, a blessing to all.”
The funeral service for Pastor Robyn Gool will be held Monday, Nov. 28 12 p.m. in the Victory Christian Center Dome.
As long time members our prayers and condolences goes out to the family
My family and I express our sincere condolences to the family of Pastor Gool and to the entire Victory Christian Center Church family.
A member of Victory Christian Center for 10+ years, No longer a member!
But this you, Pastor Gool, brought the Bible to life for me every Sunday, Renewing my life to God and Jesus Christ. I must say: “Thank You to you, Pastor Gool! Although you are in your Forever Home, and in the believe of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, I know you can hear me: THANK YOU Pastor Gool!
My husband and I express of sympathies for the family of Pastor Gool