| From the Heart: A triangle of love | |
| October 13, 2011 Herminia Flores | |
 A dinner was planned for Pastor Javier Cortez in honor of Pastor Appreciation Month. Sister Orpha came to me and asked, “Will you please write something nice about Pastor Javier? It has to be something soft, tender and full of love.” I nodded that I would try. Then Sister Carmen approached me with the same request. “Wow,” I thought. “Pastor Javier is really well-loved and respected by the people.” After much reflection I decided this would be a story of love that two people have for God and each other. Both Pastor and Sister Liz were raised in Christian homes by pastor dads. Still, I don’t think they cultivated their desire to be God’s servants because of their upbringing but because it was born in their hearts to do so. It’s obvious to look at them that their first allegiance is to God. And they, too, have made a Christian home for their family. Somewhere along the line, they fell in love and were married. This union was blessed with two daughters, one son and several grandchildren. Pastor Javier and Sister Liz are loving grandparents to all children. They don’t discriminate against any child – young or old. From what I have observed, Sister is “good cop” to Pastor’s “bad cop.” She has a gentle face with a quick smile that reaches up into her eyes. Although Pastor is a marshmallow, he doesn’t look it. He has a round, chocolate face that tends to frown. Just when I’m beginning to squirm under his look, he flashes his white smile and his dimples dance on his cheeks. Then I can breathe. Pastor and Sister make a good team. Pastor preaches in Spanish and Sister interprets to English. They must discuss the sermon before the services as Sister always has her scriptures ready to avoid leafing through the Bible at the last minute. Occasionally Sister Liz preaches and Pastor interprets. They are both good at what they do. The congregation of Iglesia Templo de Vida (Temple of Life Church) is fortunate to have this wonderful couple as pastors, leaders and friends. They have spoiled us by being just a phone call away. Whatever the need may be, we are assured they will do all they can to help, beginning with prayer. Recently I was hospitalized and I only made one phone call – to Sister Liz. It didn’t take them too long to arrive at my bedside. It was like a tall drink of water when I saw them enter my room. We visited, prayed and they left. Even after my dismissal, sister called me to offer comfort and help. I’m afraid that we take advantage of these beautiful children of God. Sometimes we’re ungrateful for all they do for the Lord and us. I want to apologize to Pastor Javier and Sister Liz for our shortcomings and hardness of hearts. We love and respect you very much. Please, Pastor and Sister, accept these humble words as our love letter to you. Thus the love triangle continues to flourish like a wreath of flowers – colorful, green and strong. May it never wither but may it continue to sustain Pastor and Sister in the Lord. Happy Pastor Appreciation Month, our beloved Pastor Javier! Happy Pastor Appreciation to all the hardworking pastors on behalf of Iglesia Templo de Vida. God bless all of you! Then Jesus said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully...and Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to his house, because he also is the son of Abraham; for the son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 13: 6, 9,10). Read more by Herminia Flores |
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