An experienced pastor, Kuya Ruding was dubbed as “Amang Tondo” (“Father of Tondo”). He had trained a lot of our pastors and church leaders. Even for those who became preachers of the Word in other churches, he remained a trusted consultant on both church and personal concerns. He was just that loved, respected and trusted. He truly was a loving father and mentor to them. All of them.
A preferred leader, he was respected by every pastor in the International, National and most especially, Central Operations. A reliable co-worker, he’d always volunteer himself “Tutal ako naman ang matanda dito, ako na magsasalita” (Well, as I’m the oldest here, I’ll have to speak [on behalf of everybody]). And he was admired by all as his kind heart was always ready to give unsolicited advice to his colleagues.
A compassionate man of God, his compassion extended even to people outside the confines of our church organization. Even when he began battling the Big C and his health was at its poorest, his obstinate heart would not allow him to cut on the visitations and follow-ups. He was relentless in graciously reaching out to those in need. Even when circumstances were not favorable, nobody could sway him to not go and visit those in need of fellowship and encouragement. He is proof that inner conviction is neither shaped nor hindered by outward condition.
A servant to all, Kuya Ruding exemplified a life of resourcefulness, creativity and reliability. During JIL anniversaries, he’d help in practically everything – from the most essential like lights and sounds, to the most trivial like securing nails and screws. In his passion to minister, he served without being mindful of what position he occupied. A true servant, the ball rolls on and on.
We all have imprints of him: the Kuya Ruding that we all know.
We all had the joy of sharing our lives with this great man of God and now that he is home with our Lord, it may seem that our connection with him has ended. But like that song, he is “a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace… a heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly [life].” In the simplest words, he was, is, the reflection of every servant of the Living God.
Even now, at this very moment, he speaks to us with such clarity that moves us deeply and genuinely. At this point, as we look at our beloved pastor, we are also compelled to look at ourselves – to examine our faith and service to our Master. This is an urgent call for us to give our best in serving our Living God. From this very moment up to the last second of our life.
May Kuya Ruding remind us of what awaits us in the future – a glorious graduation day to mark the end of our earthly service and a warm welcome in heaven as we share the joy of our Lord.
This is the reason why at the end of his life, Kuya Ruding was a picture of true strength and good courage. Despite physical pains and emotional struggles, he did what only a brave man can do – to give a “two-thumbs up” on life. He knew he lived life to the full and gave glory to the Most High God.
It’s inescapable: His death has brought inexplicable pain to our hearts and to our entire JIL Family. We’ve lost a great general, a seasoned pastor, a mentor, a father, a friend… Yet, what keeps us going despite the pain is this unshakeable reality – Kuya Ruding will remain alive in our hearts and his memories will be celebrated forever and ever.
•His Christ-like character touched the hearts of many
•His competence and excellence blessed the JIL Church as well as other churches
•His strength and courage showed the world that we can choose to be victors by the grace of God
•His faith, hope and love remained sheltered in his heart despite the most extreme challenges
Kuya Ruding’s fruitful and meaningful life is a constant inspiration to each one of us – a life that wasn’t overcome by death, simply because the Author of Life is in him.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Our Lord Jesus has given us this promise of a complete and satisfying life. Our very own Ptr./Kuya Ruding claimed this promise for himself. But at this moment, he is enjoying the reward that this earthly life can never give – he is with our Creator and Father, the One who holds our life in His loving Hands.
May our own graduation from the Hallways of Life be marked worthy of the same reward. To look back and have no regrets. Like an online poem, at the threshold of eternity, may we, too, celebrate lives lived to the fullest with these words:
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times,
a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me.
God wanted me now. He set me free.
Salamat po, Kuya Ruding…
Poem source: http://www.poetry-inspirational.org/dontgrieveformefornowimfree.htm