Despite the grim forecast of his condition, that he has limited months to live, Pastor Ronny chose to write about his “Lessons Learned from Sickness” to testify about the dignity that the Lord God provides from living to dying.
New Zealand will learn the result of the End of Life Choice referendum on 30th October, initially and 6th November, officially.
For New Zealand readers, whatever you voted for and notwithstanding the results, it is also good to learn from someone who experienced dying with dignity.
In 2015, I had the opportunity to publish online the “Lessons Learned from Sickness” by Pastor Ronny Luces. He was the Minister for Administration and Community Service of the Jaro Evangelical Church (JEC), Iloilo City, Philipines.
Pastor Ronny learned that he had lung cancer in January 2015. As he went through his treatment, he wrote a narrative of what he was going through and his reflections.
Kiwi readers need to be aware that there is minimal medical support from the Philippine government, particularly with cancer cases, unlike in New Zealand.
In “Lessons Learned from Sickness,” Pastor Ronny shared not only about his personal struggles and how he was able to overcome them.
He talked about the wonderful church community that took care of him and his family throughout his ordeal. He provided a glimpse of what a loving community should be like.
He had served the church for 21 years until his illness. Then, it was the church’s turn to serve him. People from his previous churches and institutions he worked with also cared for him.
Don’t miss reading the part where his doctor told him, “Pastor, I challenge you. Live what you preach!” And how an expensive medicine arrived at his dispensary.
You will take lessons from Pastor Ronny’s family, the amazing love and support of his wife, Martha, his daughter, Rhonzy, his mum and siblings, friends, and relatives.
Pastor Ronny also gave the answer to the very customary question of, “Why me?” He talks about the Supremacy of the All-Knowing God.
“Lessons Learned from Sickness” is a living illustration of how a loving community takes care of the sick, especially in a country where government care is limited.
Pastor Ronny showed how sickness and suffering are part of human life, and there are faith, hope, and love lessons to learn.
Despite the grim forecast of his condition, that he has limited months to live, Pastor Ronny chose to write about his “Lessons Learned from Sickness” to testify about the dignity that the Lord God provides from living to dying.
I have published online 29 lessons of what he posted on his FB account. The lessons are short narratives, easy to read and understand.
Except for his family and church photos, the images used for each blog post are only for illustration purposes.
May I invite you to read Pastor Ronny’s chronicles by CLICKING on the button below:
PHOTO CREDIT: Cherry Blossoms by Ross Waugh
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