Funeral Service

It was a solemn crowd that filled the halls of a small Nazarene church down at Mission Bay, San Diego, of September 4, 2010. Decked out in whites, with speckles of black here and there, they came to pay their respect to a legacy of Christian faithfulness and humility. It was the funeral service of a dear grandmother, a mother, a sister in the faith to many.

And so they came. Family, relatives, friends, and others, who in one way or the other were affected and touched by the ministry that she portrayed. They came from far and near, from distance lands, on buses, on cars, on planes. From all walks of life: elders, mothers and brothers, soldiers and civilians, pastors and missionaries, young and old, they came because of love, because of our collective island heritage, and above all, because of the Christians bond that binds us all together.

It was Brother Sato who described it as a “hopeful mourning.” And yes it was! Through the stifles, sobs and tears, hope permeates it all. Hope in the fact that death is not the end. It was merely a doorway into an eternal glory that awaits every child of God. Pastor Herman Buehler called it a “celebration.” "Away from the body is present with the Lord" was part of the message shared. And yet, many could not help themselves, but weep, as they gazed upon her “sleeping form.” For although her soul is in the halls of heaven, her body still represent the legacy she left behind: of love, of care, of faith, of family, of maternal care, of faithfulness, and beloved friendship. Her memory on earth will be survived by the many that called her "mom," "grandma," "sister," and "friend."

It was a story of God's sovereign care lived and shared in a family that loves Him. It is a lesson that many could learn. Like Isaiah of old, it was an opportunity to "see the Lord!" And so, our MOMUSA family would like to praise and thank God for her! And we wait the time where we would all be reunited in the presence of our great God.