Remember Your Leaders... Imitate Their Faith

Just a Thought!

As most of you know by now, our brother and colleague Richard Delores died Apr. 30th of a heart attack at the age of 62.

Bro. Richard was the first pastor in our region Karen and I came to know, apart from the members of the search team. In short order he and April grew very dear to us. His gentle humor and personal warmth combined with a steadfast faith, making him a giant of a man despite his small stature.

Bro. Richard was a shepherd. Literally! He raised sheep for much of his life out on the Laguna Pueblo. This gave him unique insight into the shepherding aspect to ministry once he became a Christian. Until the day God brought Him home Richard’s great concern was carefully shepherding the people under his care, that they would themselves grow into the image of Christ.

Our most recent conversations centered on his desire to see the men in his church become more engaged in ministry. He knew how easy it is for Christians to settle in as spectators, leaving the pastor with most of the work. He would be glad to see what I saw last Sunday in worship at Laguna-Acoma. God is answering Bro. Richard’s prayer.

I don’t know how or why God moves as he does. I miss my brother, as I’m sure we all do. What I do know is that he is now experiencing the joy that awaits all believers through Christ. Our confidence in this is one reason why we must continue the message he preached so well: there is salvation in no other name but Jesus.

Heb. 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” May we all consider the way our brother lived and do likewise, knowing that the path he walked will help us all as we seek to follow Jesus.

Blessings,
Bro. Jim