I wonder what I can say that no one else already knows about Pastor Don -perhaps it will be construed as repetition? Even so, I cannot not say something addressing his life and how much it has impacted others' lives, even my own. For those who are not aware who Pastor Don is by now, He was one of the most influential pastors from the church I currently attend, The New Testament Ministries.

One of the most amazing things is that contrary to what one might expect, his influence was not due to his trying to be in a position of power, but it was due to, as many many have mentioned, his humility. His sacrifice and humility become more real to me when I put myself in his shoes -what would I do at this moment if I had to give up a valuable education, a fiancée I loved dearly, the option of having prestige and success in this world, all for the sake of the call?

Even though towards the end of his life he had different people help him as his body became more frail, in the earlier days of his ministry when he founded the church, he was the one to set up the meeting hall, pick up the brethren, lead the song service, preach, close in prayer, take everyone back home, and then clean up the sanctuary. Even though the fact that he did all this is amazing, what is even more so is the reason he did this. His motivation lay in the fact that he had been so loved by his Savior and wanted to do anything to please Him and live for His service, in the conviction that one day he would see Him face to face.

After hearing so many things about Pastor Don, a person who may have never met him may be left with the impression that he was so holy that he was not even real, but he had  a very definite human side. Those who dealt closely with him came to see his wittiness and sense of humor that he displayed in unexpected situations. On one occasion  he told my brother, Armando, that he would be transferred to a specific location rather than another, and to please pray because the harvest was ready but the laborers were few. As he was saying this, he was looking Armando up and down and noticed that Armando's shoes were untied. He then said, "We need workers, especially workers who know how to tie their shoes." When Armando told me that, that just brought a smile to my face because I tended to overlook the fact that Pastor Don was a person, not just a pastor.

And so, I could go on and on of the different things Pastor Don did, but I shall not. I'm sure many have different stories they could say about him. What really concerns us now is how we can honor that life he lived. I'm sure he would agree with Benjamin's inspiring piece about following that legacy. I don't know about you, but I completely agree with Benjamin -I'm feeling the heat. Will I take that torch? Will you?

Until Next Time.

I haven't seen him in years, but of all the people in my life that has strengthened my faith in God, he is one that impacted me greatly.  When I suffered the death of my sister, at a time when I was an impressionable teen, he taught me that life can come
from death.  He helped me renew my faith in God, the Giver of Life.  He gave hope to our family that the sun will shine again in our lives.  And he flooded our hearts with love.  I will always remember him from that moment in my life - his face glowing with love for God when he comforted us and sweet hugs of kindness to help melt away the pain of our loss.

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Faith, Hope, Love

He had
faith
to move mountains
hope
to save souls
love
to heal hearts.

He did all three
with us.

He came
in our darkest hour
to comfort
a family
five souls ripped apart
by tragedy

Parents
crushed by the loss of their baby
needed a strong pillar to lean on.

Two teens
numb and weak, torn by the unspeakable
needed a soft voice to calm our fears.

A little boy
barely old enough to understand
needed a quiet hand to hold him.

In the wake of a catastrophe
a mountain of grief was moved
five souls were saved
five wounded hearts were bandaged.

Yes, it’s true.
Here and now abides
faith
hope
love.

And he did have all three.
The greatest of these
was love.

Thank you, for loving us.
Rest now in peace at your Savior’s side.