Lessons Learned from My Sickness Part 29: Women
By Pastor Ronny Luces
I have a few women in my life, but that does not mean I’m a womanizer.
First, there’s my mother who gave me life. Next, there’s my wife, who gave meaning to my life. And then, our daughter gave purpose to my meaningful life.
My life is being strengthened and sustained by the love of these women.
Aside from them, God gave me the strong support of JEC women in my ministry since I was called as pastor in 2003. They always accompanied and supported me during outreach services, vigil services, shut-in visits, and when there were invitations extended to me outside the city.
Their active presence and support through prayers, choir songs, generous contributions add blessings to the many engagements we have participated in many areas of the church’s ministries.
Reading Luke 8: 1-3, I’m glad to know that Jesus had the same circle of support from faithful, generous, and prayerful women.
Aside from disciples like Peter, James, John, Matthew, etc. there were also women like Mary, Joanna, and Susanna who supported Christ’s ministry out of their own means.
I thought that all these would come to an abrupt end when I was diagnosed with my sickness.
I have to resign from my post as pastor of the church since I am already weak to carry on with my responsibilities.
I can no longer preach, led bible studies, conduct home visitations, led vigil services, make lectures and seminars, do counseling sessions, and other pastoral duties.
During my long hospital confinement, I have to explain these facts to these JEC women – that I can no longer spent time with them since I’ll be confined to my living quarters for my treatment and convalescence.
But these women have a totally different plan and would not be limited by that.
When I was released from confinement, they became my regular visitors to bring me foodstuff and pray.
They also accompanied my family and me in our walking exercise at Fort San Pedro, in my doctor’s consultation, and even performed some errands.
They also took my family and me out for special lunch or dinners so that our fellowship will continue, and I will not be deprived of these kinds of celebrations!
Yesterday, eight of them treated Mam Martha and I to a sumptuous lunch at Tatoy’s.
I’m thankful to God for these faithful, generous and prayerful JEC women!
Posted on FB: 22 March 2015 – 12:34 PM
About the Author
Rev. Ronny Luces was the Minister for Administration and Community Service of the Jaro Evangelical Church (JEC), Iloilo City, Philipines. He and his wife, Martha have been with JEC’s ministry since 1994.
Pastor Ronny graduated from Central Philippine University College of Theology in 1985 and was pastor of several Baptist churches.
In January 2015, after tests and two long hospital confinements, Pastor Ronny got the word he had lung cancer. He underwent chemotherapy.
Praying for healing and going through all the medical processes, Pastor Ronny wrote his reflections “Lessons Learned from My Sickness.” In July 2015, he passed away.
May Pastor Ronny’s series of reflections and meditations strengthen your hope and faith as you go through your own life’s battles.
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