The day before barangay elections, Dr. Linda Oakland, senior pastor of The Well, a Foursquare church in California, USA, visited PCF Nova once again. This time, God led her to talk about politics using King David as her text. That was the Sunday we had the opportunity to pray for some candidates for the Barangay Youth Council and a church member running for Barangay Kagawad. Much prayers were offered for other youth as well. Later after the worship service, the incumbent barangay chairman, a stroke patient, walked in asking to pray for his strength and healing. This is God's way of initiating PCF Nova to be socially relevant and to exercise our calling as the light and salt of the community!
He was admin department head of Lingap-Kapwa, a non-government office engaged in sponsorship program among the poor. But a fulltime secular work will not hinder Lester Quijano from building churches. He went around PCF churches to preach, impart strategies, and encourage leaders. These on top of what he loves most - planting churches. Being a green card holder, he visits USA several times. And in every visit, he uses the opportunity to promote the work of PCF in the Philippines among the PCF churches there. He made himself available, and God has used him in powerful ways.
Kuya Lester, as he is fondly called, is an action man. He cannot stand long meetings; he would rather be in the neighborhood establishing relationships and reaching souls for Jesus. Being very practical, he made use of the resources that God has given him. As a head in Lingap-Kapwa, God made use of his influence to reach out to its recipients. Those who have responded to the gospel have now become the core leaders who have helped to start PCF Nova.
Starting early next year, with peace in his heart, Kuya Lester will work in USA for keeps. Right now, there is a prevailing sentiment that he will be a big loss to the PCF family here. But I believe God in His infinite wisdom, can turn loss into gain and weakness into strength. "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." (Isa. 40:31) When Kuya Lester flies to US, some of us here will learn to fly on our own. The Lord wants to build more full-grown eagles.
On Oct. 19, 2007, the world paused for our family. Dr. Maria Dellota, Ruth's mom, died. This was the first time I've been involved in a funeral, from beginning to end. We prepared the funerary and interment sites, received visitors, conducted funeral services, ran odd jobs here and there. It was tiring, but it was a good therapy as well for us, loved ones, left behind. There were numerous visitors, most we've never seen for quite some time. We chatted, exchanged stories - their time was a precious gift to us. No matter how tiring, the Filipino funeral tradition remains to be truly endearing!
Dr. Maria's funeral was a reflection of what matters most in life, a celebration of a faithful heroine, and a reunion to send off what was left of a godly inspiration. When Ruth's mom was finally laid to rest, we rested as well. Whatever happened is best for all of us, most of all, for Nanay Maria. Her death was precious in the Lord's sight (Ps. 116:15) and meaningful to us as well. I say this must be the Christians' aim - to glorify God in our lives, and to glorify God in our deaths.
