By Bong Pedralvez
FOR the past 35 years, Gavino “Kuya Ben” Maming has not missed serving as one of the Security of the Saints (SOS) of the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide’s yearly anniversary celebrations.
“Di ko talaga nami-miss mag-serve sa Lord bilang SOS sa JIL anniversary,” said the gray-haired Maming, who, however, still looks spry and bright-eyed at 63.
“Naaala ko pa yong unang anniversary na ginanap sa Rizal Memorial Stadium,” said Maming, “at tanda ko pa na isa sa mga naging guests ni Kuya Eddie ay si Nestor de Villa.”
A resident of Kawit, Cavite, Maming’s home Bible study grew into a full-blown church which is now being handled by Pastor Oscar Villegas.
With the perspective of having been there from the very beginning, he noted the growth and success of each JIL anniversary over the years.
“Laging may nangyayari himala at pagbabagong nangyayari kapag may JIL anniversary,” said Maming, who expects the same to happen in the 35th anniversary of the globe-spanning ministry led by Brother Eddie Villanueva.
Among the most memorable, he said, was the 32nd celebration in 2010 “when the pastors prophesied and prayed over the map of the entire Philippines,” shortly after the Quirino Grandstand hostage-taking tragedy where eight Hong Kong tourists died.
Asked if he would continue in service as an SOS during the JIL’s annual anniversary, Kuya Ben smiled and said: “Hanggang makakaya ko pa, ipagpapatuloy ko. Iba ang mag-serbisyo sa Panginoon.”