Photo from Pastor Steve’s 2001 trip to Lima, Peru
Sister Emilia and Pastor Steve in Pachacamac
Sister Emilia and Pastor Steve with Pastor David on his graduation from seminary in 2016
Pastor David wrote a moving and inspiring tribute to her. Here is an English translation, slightly edited:
My beautiful Mama Emilia is already with the Lord, whom she not only said she loved but showed fruits of that real, genuine love throughout her life, a life full of testimonies of selfless love, a life of service to others, an example to emulate.
Here the first lesson:
LOVE IS NOT ONLY WITH WORDS BUT WITH DEEDS, COMMITMENT TO YOUR NEIGHBOR as the Bible says in James 2:14-18 “… Faith without works is dead”
This is the best sign that God is with us, when we love others and show God’s love with our actions…This was a great ministry, which I had the privilege of sharing from a very young age… She imparted to me that love and service to God. I learned a lot by her side. Her life and example are for me the best school she leaves me, her conviction, her strength despite the difficulties, because… wow, this ministry had strong struggles, strong trials.
Here is another lesson:
IF WE HAVE THE CONVICTION THAT GOD CALLS US TO SERVE HIM, WE SHOULD NOT FEAR ANYTHING OR ANYONE, BECAUSE GOD HAS OUR BACK.
She had many encounters with people who opposed God and attacked her, yet she never wished them evil; on the contrary, she always showed them love, sharing food, helping them in some need, etc. This was more effective than getting into theological discussions that could end badly. I witnessed through this how many came to know Jesus, and give their lives to Him.
Here’s one more for my life:
THE BEST WAY TO PREACH GOD IS WITH YOUR LIFE TESTIMONY, that’s worth more than words.
Lastly, I want to emphasize her great love for the children and hard work in sowing the word in them through Vacation Bible School and Sunday school. Everything was focused on them…
LET US SOW IN THE HEARTS OF CHILDREN SO THAT OUR SOCIETY CAN IMPROVE.
That too I have tried to imitate where God has put me to serve him now.
I was privileged to have an example like this, so strong, so visionary, so brave. Many memories will remain in my memory of the school of life that she leaves me, I only have to follow her steps and strive to achieve what she already enjoys BEING WITH HER LORD….I know we’ll see each other again, while that day comes I’ll wait to see you in my dreams, visit me please, your grandson Robertito remembers you, and I’ll take care of telling him everything you did.
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU MAMAEMILIA