August 26 Today in OPC History

The Rev. David Brack and his wife Betty were married on this date in 1972. David grew up in Austin as a liberal Arminian Baptist (as you do in Texas), while Betty grew up in Corpus Christi as a conservative Presbyterian (unheard of in Texas). They both went to University of Texas most likely because neither one of them could get into Texas A&M. David studied philosophy because he liked thinking about thinking. Betty studied education because she cared about helping others. While at U.T. they met each other through a ministry called Young Life, began dating, and then got hitched. David had $11 to his name when they were married. He spent $9 of it on handball gloves.

They moved to Amarillo, TX to pursue a calling in Young Life ministries. While there they met a young Catholic hooligan named Scott Oliphint who decided to go with them on a Young Life trip. Next thing you know, Scott and David are doing skits for hundreds of high-school kids week after week. Dr. Oliphint reminisces, “David was the funniest guy in all of Young Life … by far.” Through teaching the Bible to these kids, David and Betty became reformed, left the PCUSA and started to attend an OPC church on the advice of some strange theologian named Cornelius Van Til. Yes, David and Betty met Van Til in Amarillo, TX.

David became ordained in the OPC in 1993 and pastored Christ Covenant OPC for 23 years. Betty, taught special education for Bonham Middle School for 20 years. David has also served on the board of Westminster Theological Seminary since 1999 and has sent over 15 students from Amarillo to Westminster Theological Seminary, including Dr. Lane Tipton. Since retirement David spends most of his time watching English Premier Football and playing 42 (a domino game in Texas), while Betty reads essays by M.G. Kline (yes, you read that accurately). They currently reside in a swamp known as Houston, TX where they spend time with their five grandkids. They now attend Cornerstone OPC, pastored by Todd Bordow.

For 52 years, David and Betty have together faithfully led those around them to a life of union and communion with the resurrected Christ. This is what fuels their love for the lost, the OPC, and each other.

Written by Jonathan Brack in 2016 (their son who went to Texas A&M) and slightly edited for today's use.