James Olah

About James Olah James Olah (1946-) was born in Muskegon, Michigan. He and Nancy met while attending the same college in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have two grown children and five grandchildren. After 43 years of marriage, Nancy died of cancer. He has dedicated a chapter of his book “Death and Suffering: A Christian Perspective” to his wife, describing how he used the book’s teachings to help them go through this difficult time. In his book “A Glimpse into Heaven,” he also features Nancy in his book, following her to heaven to show what it will be like to live there. Jim was a youth pastor for five years and a senior pastor for 34 years. He retired after 39 years of service in October of 2011. The focus of his teaching has always concentrated on helping people experience life with higher goals and purpose. Since 2000 he concentrated much of his focus on aspects of marriage and relationships. His writings are born out of concern for people who have come in for marriage and premarital counseling, as well as those who just wanted to understand life better. He is also an observer of life and noticed the kinds of struggles so many experiences. James has served in churches across Michigan: Fenton, Lapeer, Port Huron, Davison, and Mt. Pleasant. Currently, he lives in Lansing. Many are divorcing not because marriage is terrible but because they don’t know how to establish and maintain relationships. When some leave one marriage, they take their inability to maintain relationships into their next marriage. Some get it when it comes to the second marriage, but many more don’t. Jim has written five relationship books to give people fresh ideas to help them grow in their understanding of each other, give ideas, and implement helpful teachings into real life. James is a man who has taken advantage of opportunities to get involved and learn. His interests have led him into many enriching experiences. He has been on the founding board of two graduate schools: Moody Theological Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan,(formerly Michigan Theological Seminary), and Yangon, Myanmar (Burma). He has contributed articles to a bimonthly magazine in India for eight years, written articles for local newspapers, and many instruction papers for his church’s people. He has served on local township boards and helped with community-building projects. Other experiences include his involvement in radio broadcasting for the oldest church-owned radio station in the United States. He has been a co-host on a weekly cable Television broadcast, Eye Opener in Port Huron, Michigan, and on the broadcast television program called “Ask the Pastor.” He was in the 1991-1992 edition of Who’s Who in Religion. He volunteered in the local Alternative Education School for nine years with at-risk high school students and served as a hospice chaplain for three years. Currently, James has authored 14 books. There are five books in his relationship series, five in the Christian Faith series, two in the Facing the Difficulties of Life series, and two in the Children’s Fun series. James has a conversational writing style. He seeks to make the teaching simple, uses stories, and likes you to use your imagination to present various scenarios.