By Christi (Bobo) Rooker
We invite you to join us in celebrating a special milestone in my father’s life — a moment that ultimately reflects the goodness and faithfulness of our Lord. On Sunday, June 29, we will gather at Providence Baptist Church in Hope to give thanks for 65 years since Kenneth Bobo surrendered to God’s call to preach the gospel. While we honor his ministry, our hearts are filled with the greatest gratitude to the God who called him, equipped him and used him to share the message of Jesus Christ with countless souls.
Bro. Bobo was born near Hope in 1939 and accepted Jesus as his personal Savior in July 1957. On June 25, 1960, he surrendered to the ministry and was ordained later that year by Providence Baptist Church, his first full-time pastorate. Since that day, God has led him on a path of faithful service that has taken him across Arkansas, Tennessee, and even to other nations. Throughout his ministry, Dad served as pastor in many churches, including: Providence, Hope (1960–1963); Central, Trumann (1963–1969); Berean, Memphis, Tenn. (1969–1977); Liberty Memorial, Memphis, Tenn. (1981–1993); Charity Heights, Hot Springs (1998–2002); Providence, Hope (2014-2017); and Calvary, Stamps (Sept. 2024–present).
He also served as interim pastor at Zion, Fordyce (2006 and 2007); Mount Lebanon, New Edinburg (2006); First, Gurdon (until June 2011); Temple, Fordyce (2012) and First Baptist Church, North Lewisville.
When he wasn’t serving as a full-time pastor, he was engaged in ministry as a full-time evangelist. Through these many assignments, God graciously opened doors for Dad to shepherd congregations, preach revivals and point people to the truth of God’s Word. As a full-time evangelist, he has preached over 600 revival meetings in 15 states and 2 foreign countries (Africa and Honduras). One of the most meaningful moments in his ministry was sharing a devotion on the Mount of Olives in Israel — a memory he still treasures.
God also entrusted Dad with leadership roles in our association. He served as president for two years and vice president for two years of the Baptist Missionary Association of America, as president of the BMA of Arkansas for three years and for 19 years on the Board of Trustees for Central Baptist College in Conway.
He has also been a faithful husband to my mother, Shirley, for 66 years. Together, they have three children — my brothers, Thomas Chad and Roger Gil, and me — and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have been blessed by their example. But most importantly, they have stood together as partners in ministry, encouraging churches and families with grace and truth.
If you have been part of one of the churches where Dad served, if you’ve attended one of his revival meetings or if your life has been touched in any way through his ministry, we would love for you to join us for this special service. Bro. Bobo will bring the message, and a fellowship will follow the service.
The celebration will take place Sunday, June 29, at 6 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church located at 5770 Hwy 29 South, Hope.
This is a time to rejoice in all that God has done — not just through one man’s ministry, but through the power of the gospel and the faithfulness of our Lord. We hope you’ll come and help us give thanks for a lifetime of service that continues to glorify the name of Jesus.
