As a pastor, I’ve done funerals for a number of people, some strangers and some very dear and close to my heart.
All these years nothing had prepared me when I lose a loved one or a friend through death. Even if they were very ill and were not expected to survive, when the news of their death is heard, deep sadness is felt.
It’s just normal that one goes through the motion of mourning and bereavement. That’s a natural response to a loss of life. Jesus himself wept when His friend Lazarus died.
Yes, I grieve for the loss of a family member, a friend, a brother or sister in the Lord. I feel a great sense of loss. I’m grieving as I write this blog remembering the special people who had touched my life. Pictures of departed loved ones and friends are posted in this blog in remembrance of their lives.
The following are my thoughts as I reflect on the lives of my departed loved ones and friends:
Dr. Wilhelmina (Ruth) Pacis- she and her husband Dr. Armando Pacis -founded Lord of the Nations Church with me. She loved the work of the Lord and the Church- very generous giver, thoughtful friend. Always hungry for the Word. She loved to sing and play the piano.
Arturo & Violeta Fajardo- She was my Sunday School teacher when I was a young boy. I became their pastor at later years. This couple had the gift of hospitality. They welcomed many people to their house- fed them, befriended and encouraged many of us. I ran to them when I need to hear wise counsel.
Armando Pacis-never ashamed of his Lord and the Gospel. He shared the Good News to his patients and even strangers. Very diligent in preparing for teaching and preaching. He was Vice Chairman of the Church Board for many years. 
Efren Larugal Olivares- my brother-in-law who’s my co-worker in the ministry both in Oman and the United States. A master tool man being a mechanical engineer, generous, man of few words, but when he opens his mouth, words of wisdom flow.
Letty Soriano Villanueva- a good friend at later years who gifted me with two pairs of d signer Barong.
Flaviana Olivares – my mother-in-law, kind generous., thoughtful. She shared with me some of her best culinary expertise. I am eternally grateful to her and husband Jeremiah for producing the most amazing woman in the world- their daughter Edita whose hands I begged to marry me! She’s a super grandma to our kids!
Feliciana Valenzuela Agulto- my big sister. She and her husband Alfredo took care of me, help me through college. I owe them a debt of gratitude.
Basilisa Emperio Valenzuela-my Mother dear. One of the most faithful, genuine Christian woman I ever knew. Raised seven children on her own having been widowed early. Prayer warrior, most generous, super humble, displayed patience and perseverance. She imparted to me the love of singing. When I was a young boy, we had a nightly family devotion where we sang all the songs in a Tagalog hymn book.
Rolando Sumang- my brother-in-law having married my sister Dimi. Preacher, entrepreneur, handyman. He filled in an important need of the church- a prolific-genuine Tagalog preacher/Bible teacher. A good provider to his family. Gone too soon but left a precious legacy through her three beautiful, smart daughters: Ardie, Rodilee and Rosval.
Severino Gabriel- a public servant in his community having served as Barangay Chairman. His service to his family and constituents were deep and sincere. He was a faithful husband to my niece Almira and a loving father to three beautiful, smart girls. His eldest daughter is following his steps in the government service.
Loida Garcia- a sister in the Lord. She exemplified genuine trust and faith in the Lord. My family, especially my mother were in the receiving end of her generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness. We sang together in choir.
Luzviminda (Nene) Sevilla- she and her husband Engr. Sevilla took me to their folds when I was a teenager. They provided me with a comfort of a home, food and clothes. More importantly, they encouraged and supported me to pursue my dreams. I am indebted to their generous, kind-hearted family.
Wayne & Virginia Wright- my mother was of the first fruits of their missionary labors in the Philippines. My whole family became followers of Christ through their faithful work. They established the first Pilgrim/Wesleyan Bible College in the Philippines which produced leaders and preachers . Their contribution to missionary work is exemplary.
Elyrn Lepaoen and wife Susana (picture below) were the pastors of Cabanatuan Wesleyan Church when I was a young boy. They provided me with strong spiritual foundation. They set in my life a trajectory to ministerial work. I love their teaching, singing and preaching. They set a beautiful model before me.
Susana Lepaoen
myJOURNEY 