Dr. Tom Vineyard was saved at the age of six and called to preach at the age of eight.  As a senior in high school, at the age of 18, he surrendered to go to the mission field.  He went on to serve as a missionary in Africa, to the countries of Zaire, Congo, and Ivory Coast. In the time that he was there, he was able to start 12 different churches.  The main church, Fundamental Baptist Church of Anyama, was averaging 450 when he turned it over to a national pastor.  The church’s highest day totaled 2,250 in attendance.  He was able to see 814 souls saved and 194 people baptized during the first nine months of 2005, his last year there.  Pastor Tom Vineyard has been the pastor of Higher Plain Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, since January of 2007.