"Solo Duermo"

These were my grandfather's last words, embroidered on his "going home" neck tie, specifically prepared and chosen by him to be buried in. Their literal translation is "I'm only sleeping"; some would say it's a simple phrase, designed to bring hope to his family and loved ones. But these words go far beyond their literal meaning. 

You see, my grandpa was a head-to-toe Pentecostal who believed in Acts 2:38, and shared it every where he went. He also believed in the great commission given to us by Jesus on Matthew 28:19. He might not have traveled the world preaching, but, oh, did he preach! He had no fear, shyness, or beat around the bush. If someone in his family needed a good talking to, they got it. Why? Because he was fighting for the salvation of their souls. His last words to my father were to never stop preaching the Gospel. And that's exactly what he did yesterday during his eulogy. 

Saying "see you later" at the graveside yesterday was harder than I expected. I understand he's already won his battle, finished his race, and has now received his reward; however, those of us left on this earth feel the void of his presence among us. He was a fixture in the Jaramillo family. A patriarch who loved his family until his last moments on earth. A man who was not ashamed to preach the gospel, hug and kiss his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; he was a strong man.  He married my grandma almost 52 years ago. Perhaps their marriage was not always exemplary, but from the time I can remember, I can say that he was a good, loving husband and father. 

I feel so sad today, knowing I won't see him again until the time comes for me to leave this earth. But this I know, those two words embroidered on his necktie encompass all those words he ever said to me and to anyone willing to listen: you must repent of your sins, be baptized in Jesus name for remission of sins, and receive the Holy Ghost to be saved. Furthermore, you must lead a a holy life, separate from sin and worldly things, you must show fruits of your repentance, you must preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. And if you remain faithful to the end, like my grandpa did, at the end of your life, though no longer on this earth, you'll sleep in Christ til the day He comes back, when those who died in him shall rise again and be with Him forever. There will be no pain, no sadness, no illness. Yes, indeed, "Solo Duermo" is more than just a phrase; it is a reminder for all those who saw, of the life my grandpa lead in Christ, and what we must do to see him again. 

The Legacy of a Pentecostal Grandfather

Honoring a grandfather: 

In a few hours the Jaramillo family will come together to celebrate and remember the life of the Jaramillo Macias patriarch. From the moment I remember, he was an exemplary man. Always fighting for his family and teaching them the Truth. My grandpa was the kind of man that is hard to find this generation; hard-working and family oriented. Though he came to The Lord in his late 50s, from that moment on, he neverstop ped  preaching the Gospel. More than 20 years ago, my grandpa lost his hearing, that didn't deter him from witnessing to anyone and everyone he came across. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, he left it all up to God and encouraged all who visited him to seek the Lord, repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. 

His last years were more difficult, as his body deteriorated due to illness and old age, yet he never stopped sharing the gospel to friends, neighbors and even strangers. Every time I saw him these last few years he blessed me; even the last time I saw him he said a blessing over me. From him I learned that it was possible to worship Jesus in the midst of adversity and sadness. Grandpa, I love you and will miss you more than words can say. You have left behind a family that loves you and cherished you, and a legacy of Truth and love. So I will, to the best of my ability, take up the torch and share the gospel with those who need it. I can't imagine a life on this earth without you. Yet, this I know, that I will see you in Heaven again. Thank you for the blessings, the prayers, and your Godly example to my life.

El Legado de un Abuelo Pentecostal

Honrando a un abuelo: 

En unas pocas horas la familia Jaramillo se reunirá para dar la despedida al patriarca de los Jaramillo Macias. Desde que tengo memoria, mi abuelo fue un hombre ejemplar. Qué siempre lucho por cuidar a su familia y enseñarles la verdad.  Mi abuelo fue de esos hombres que difícilmente se encuentran en esta generación; trabajador y luchador. Aunque llego al camino de Dios a una edad ya adulta, desde ese momento no dejo de predicar el evangelio. Hace mas de 20 años, mi abuelo perdió el sentido del oído, pero eso tampoco lo detuvo; cuando fue diagnosticado con Parkinson's, en lugar de entristecerse, se encomendó al Señor y alentó a cada uno de sus visitantes a ponerse a cuentas con Dios y a predicar el evangelio donde quiera que fuesen. Sus últimos años de vida fueron más difíciles... La edad y las enfermedades lo debilitaron pero el persistió predicando a la familia, a los vecinos, y hasta a los extraños el evangelio. Mi abuelo me bendijo cada vez que lo vi estos últimos años. De él aprendí que en medio de la adversidad, aún se puede alabar a Dios y serle fiel. Abuelito, te quiero y te voy a extrañar. La vida no será igual sin ti, pero se que pronto te veré en el cielo.