A Tribute to Rodger Kenworthy: A Faithful Friend and Kingdom Pioneer

Rodger Kenworthy
January 6, 1945 - August 9, 2024

In 2010, I first connected with Rodger Kenworthy, co-founder of Abba Oil, alongside his wife Greer. At the time, I was searching for high-quality anointing oil that was both biblically sound and reasonably priced—a surprisingly difficult combination to find. We had tried multiple brands, but few carried the weight of excellence and purpose that Abba Oil did. Their products immediately stood out, and we decided to feature them in our ministry’s web shop—not to turn a profit, but to fill a gap in our nation for accessible, scripturally grounded anointing oil.

From the beginning, our ministry operated on volunteer power alone. We saw this work as a calling, not a business. It wasn’t just about distributing oil; it was about equipping believers with biblical understanding of its use and meaning. What started as a small, relatively unknown initiative soon became a meaningful part of our mission.

Over the years, Rodger and I developed a deep friendship despite the ocean between us—he in the United States, I in the Netherlands. We regularly spoke on the phone, and he became a trusted confidant. When my wife and I faced intense government persecution in late 2017, we lost nearly everything: our home, our income, even our official citizenship status. We entrusted the web shops to a friendly ministry that has faithfully continued the work without us, while we found ourselves without a home, relying solely on God for provision.

In that dark season, many so-called friends disappeared. But not Rodger. He stayed. He called, he prayed, he encouraged. Even when he was battling health issues himself, he would pick up the phone just to check in or share the latest idea he had for Abba Oil. His faith was contagious; his friendship, unwavering.

I’ll never forget the end of 2018, when we couldn’t find a single place to stay. Rodger didn’t just sympathize—he acted. He brainstormed solutions, and when nothing else worked, he found us a place in Israel where we could live and serve for a few months. That selfless gesture gave us space to breathe and live.

Eventually, by God’s grace, we were given a home again at the end of 2021. In 2024, after seven exhausting years of legal struggle, we accepted a settlement—not because justice was served, but to bring closure and leave the judgment in God's hands. But just months later, I received the devastating news that Rodger had passed away on August 9, 2024.

He still had so many dreams. So many conversations unfinished. But though he is now with Jesus, his legacy lives on. Rodger wasn’t just a ministry partner or business owner—he was a brother in Christ and a true friend.

A few months after Rodger’s passing, in May 2025, the ministry that had faithfully continued the webshop entrusted it back to us. We’ve now resumed the work—this time without Rodger’s guidance and encouragement, which I had come to value deeply. It’s painful to continue without his input, but I’m also thankful for all I learned from him along the way.

Let me close with a message he once sent me—a glimpse into his heart and his faith:

“I would not be truthful if I said it was an easy road, but I (we) can attest to the fact that He is faithful, even when we are not.
This I can tell you: our business/ministry is incredible, our customers are wonderful (as you are), and not a day goes by without us praying for someone—either in person or over the phone—or receiving a testimony of His healing and answered prayers.
He has blessed us with amazing daughters, sons-in-law, and wonderful grandchildren.
As I look back, I can truly say—it was worth it all!
My encouragement to you today is this: you will make it through this time of great trial. You will come out stronger in Him, and He truly will direct your path. One day, you will look back and rejoice at where He has taken you and your wife.
Your friend, Rodger.”

Until we meet again, Rodger. Thank you for walking with us through the fire.

- Robin Prijs