The Greatest Legacy

THE GREATEST LEGACY

PSALM 119:159-160

Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

          This week is such a challenging week for me. I did not expect that I'll be given a heavy task, but not burdensome. The thing was just so special that I cannot imagine myself  messing it up. I was asked to make a script for a birthday tribute to our Pastor Emeritus. The very first thing that came to my mind was, "O LORD, help me, how do you want it to be done?" I prayed a lot, even inside the toilet room. I don't like to do something that's not real. I want it to be done with all honesty and sincerity. I don't like to make up stories. As I was inside the CR, little by little the LORD put into my remembrance all the special  experiences of some members in our church who are serving the LORD in the KAYA KIDS Ministry. So, when I sat down and started to touch the keyboard, the letters just flowed easily. Why? Because it's real. So please allow me to share it with you.

 

 

Sir Norman:

A very pleasant day to you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ!

Perhaps you heard about the “The Faith Hall of Fame” (Hebrews 11:1-40) it’s a lengthy list of the Old Testament heroes and the mighty deeds our great God has accomplished through them. For sure, you and I have been fascinated with the miraculous stories of Noah and the Ark, Abraham and the Promised Land, Joseph the Dreamer, Moses and the Exodus, Joshua and the Wall of Jericho, Daniel and the Lion’s Den, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego in the Burning Fiery Furnace, David and Goliath, and the list goes on and on.

 

Sir Ben:

All the heroes of faith left a remarkable legacy in the spiritual realm of Christianity. In one way or another, I believe that each one of them left a mark in our hearts and made an influence in our beliefs and principles today. I believe many of us are excited to see these biblical heroes for us to express our gratitude for the legacy of faith that they left us.

 

Sir Mark:

By the way, do you know that these kinds of heroes of faith still exist today? They could be our parents, teachers, and leaders, and speaking of leaders, today is the very special day of the greatest leader in the history of Bible Baptist Church, Katipunan, our very own beloved Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Armie F. Jesalva!

 

All: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! PASTOR ARMIE! WE LOVE YOU!

 

Sir Matt:

Yes, indeed, we love you, Pastor! And because today is your very special day, the KAYA KIDS Ministry are so grateful that even in this difficult situation we could still express our heartfelt gratitude to you our spiritual father, our hero, Pastor Armie Jesalva!

 

Ma’am Cathy:

Happy birthday, Pastor Armie! Because we love you very much, the KAYA KIDS Ministry had found our way to prepare this special birthday presentation for you. Please enjoy this short video clip and be blessed!

 

Leaders:

We believe that “Everything rises and falls in leadership,” where we are, and who we are today reflects your leadership in us. Thank you for giving all your life to Jesus. Thank you for shepherding us more than half of your life. We are forever grateful to you, Pastor!

 

Gonda Family:

(Gem) To be with kids is not easy. Every now and then, they get so messy. I need to be extra patient all day. I wonder how did you keep your sanity, in leading the church with different flaws and personality. (Everyone) Happy Birthday, Pastor Armie! Thank you for loving us unconditionally!

 

Baculi Family:

(Joseph) I never thought I would reach this far. To be a father and a Bible College student at the same time is not only frightening but also faith-shaking, but because you are there through thick and thin, I’m holding on, and keep fighting. (All) Happy Birthday, Pastor Armie! Thank you for your love, and for the support that is unending!

 

Alcaraz Family:

(Jungeline) To sing for God before you preach is a great privilege. At some point in my life, the music in my heart had faded, but when it came back, you have stood still. You are still there with your arms and ears widely open. (All) Happy Birthday, Pastor Armie! Thank you for the love that is so committed!

 

Aquino Family:

(Jinky) When I was confused and I didn’t know where to go and what to do, you were there to guide me where should I run and in whom should I look up to. (All) Happy birthday, Pastor Armie! Thank you for the love that will never let go!

 

Siao Family:

(Mailyn) O Pastor, you are so cool! We’re so grateful that you are our neighbor. When we saw you with your jogging pants strolling around, giving candies to the kiddos, our heart just leapt for joy!

 (All) Happy birthday, Pastor Armie! Thank you for the love that is so adorable!

 

Mansueto Family:

(Sarah) Hi Pastor, your faith in God is truly evident! Though sometimes you’re not in your good health, but you never faint. (All) Happy birthday, Pastor Armie! Thank you for your love and for your faithfulness!

 

Beth & Gimena Family:

(Risky) Hello Pastor! I wonder when I will see you again.I am missing your voice, the jokes, most especially your message of encouragement and hope. I know you are praying for all of us, with that, I am confident. (All) Happy birthday, Pastor Armie! Thank you for showing to us your love through your prayers!

 

Apawan Family:

(Jocelyn) Hi Pastor, the strength you’ve shown in every trial is undeniable. You’ve been tested time and time again, but I have not heard you saying, “I’m giving up!” instead, in sharing your hope, you never stopped. (All) Happy birthday, Pastor Armie! Thank you for the strength you’ve shown!

 

Japhia/ Mom and Thirdy/Mom:

(Japhia &Thirdy) A fatherless like us is unimaginable, but we are not miserable for we know that  you are there for us. With your blessings in the Kaya Kids Ministry, we found a new family, and we never feel alone. (All) Happy birthday, Pastor Armie!  Thank you for loving us enough to give us a spiritual home!

 

Ariesga Family with Dawna, Shawn, and CJ:

Happy, happy birthday,  Pastor Armie Jesalva! We praise God for your life!

 

Ben, Caroll, Benson, Kristine and Banner:

Happy birthday, Pastor Amie! Again, we would like to thank you for surrendering your life to Jesus!

 

Glory:

Thank you for sharing your faith and hope to us, most especially for the passion that you’ve shown for the gospel; when my loyalty and love for the church were put into trial, it was your love for the lost that made me pass the test, and made me stay. Thank you very very much for your love!

 

Mary Ann& the Church Kids:

(Mary Ann) We can’t thank you enough for opening the door for us, so that we could serve God better, in the way that He wants us to be. (All) Your love for every one of us is God’s expression of love to us. Happy birthday, Pastor Armie! Thank you for your love!

 

Curato Family:

(Joshua) Hi Pastor Armie, I just want to thank you for the trust that you gave to my mom and dad to lead the KAYA KIDS Ministry. I think life without this ministry will be boring for the kids, Hehehe, just saying. Happy birthday, Pastor Armie!

 

Ma’am Liberty:

Indeed, Pastor ArmieJesalva, the legacy that you have given to us is your faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of all is the legacy of love!

 

Curato Faamily:Happy birthday, Pastor Armie! Thank you for the legacy of love! We love you, Pastor Armie!

           Indeed, it's all about love. I strongly believe that the love of God is in him. Only a man who knows what really love is can stand and stay committed, not only to those who are good, but most specially to those who are losing their ways. The word of God is true to his life. In making judgments, God was with him.  He may not be perfect but I know that he is doing his best to be just, merciful, and humble in the sight of the LORD.

I SALUTE YOU, PASTOR ARMIE JESALVA!