One of Forbes’ Richest Americans Determined to Build God’s Kingdom
He is most proud of the ministries he’s helped, not the businesses he’s created. (Sacramento, California)—In 2005, Forbes Magazine listed Buzz Oates as one of America’s 400 richest citizens. The 86-year-old multimillionaire made his fortune in real estate over the last 50 years, and while there are those who envy, and even resent, his success, Oates is a passionate Christian “giver” who doesn’t trumpet his many acts of generosity.
As a matter of fact, as reported in the Sacramento Bee, Oates’ “devout faith has influenced the area as much as his office buildings. Thousands worship in churches donated by Oates or on land he sold at a reduced rate. Pastors credit him for paying for their education, sponsoring missionaries and giving to Bible colleges.”
After a recent cancer scare, Oates reportedly says it is not the parks or businesses he’s developed that he’s most proud of; it’s a safehouse for battered women called Mercy Ministries.
“After all these years doing this, this is the building that means the most,” said Oates. “The people here are doing God’s work, and that’s what I’m thinking about most these days.” (more…)










