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Sunday, July 27, 2008

Thank You Father Rick

For all the things you've done during your time with us!

For the years you came to be among us Igorot Filipino at HTSB. You have tried your best to hear and appreciate our ways and culture with interest. You became a family member to us.

For your great love, mercy and compassion. For your heart for us and our parish. For your vision of all that our church could be as a shinning light to the community of Alhambra and beyond. May your vision not die with your departing. May it be birthed in God's time.

When someone in our family got sick, you devotedly prayed and visited them. You humbly offered yourself as a servant to those in need. You brought Holy communion to those who could not come to church, like Rudy Buyagawan.

God knows the mission you accomplished during your trip to the Philippines. You visited the sick people on our prayer list: Joyce Kimps, Fred Fadlen, Mary Afidchao, Fermina Arcido, and Geraldine Asiong. As you traveled up the mountain in Banaue, the Holy Spirit led you to a sick, dying man Lukas Agwat. You poured out healing prayers to him and gave words of comfort to the family.

In times of death in our family, you stood by with loving support. We bless your heart for you have presented yourself as a living sacrifice!

For the joy and laughter of our children. Every time they see you, they would be jumping for joy grabbing you and calling out Padi, Padi! Thank You for your great love for Children. Thank you for the bonds you established with our youth and young adults.

In your gentle ways, you developed friendships with all of us. You called us friends from the youngest to the oldest.

For the beautiful baptisms you performed that brought light to our babies as you presented them in the care of God's hands. For the blessings you released upon our homes. For the stories you shared of your time in Africa and your experiences with the sheriff and search and rescue teams.

For your support and leadership in our home Bible studies. For showing us God's word is truth, a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path. For teaching us to be like trees firmly planted and grounded in God's word.

For being with us during our weekend retreat in Idyllwild. For leading us on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

For the spiritual messages you shared with us in the Sunday bulletin. As we read and meditated on them with delight, they uplifted and gave us encouragement.

For being a leader in the community of Alhambra. For connecting us with so many other churches in the area. For the 2007 Alhambra Good Friday Service at HTSB which brought over 10 churches together for a beautiful and precious time together in Christ. For connecting us with the mayor of Alhambra and the Asian Pacific Women's Center. This reminds us of Jabez prayer: "Oh that you bless us and increase our territory!"

For the improvements of the building and grounds, we praise the Lord, and thank you for your leadership to get it done. All blessings will come upon us and our church through faith and obedience. Glory to God!

Fr. Rick. For all these things, we praise God, and give thanks that you were with us as God's humble and faithful servant.

May your departing not be a forever goodbye. We are all God's children, and are bound together as one in his peace. Thanks to the Lord God Almighty for sending his son Jesus Christ Who came to save us from our sinfulness. Thanks for the Blood of Jesus Christ shed on Calvary for our redemption. Lord God Our heavenly Father we Love you because you first loved us.

God is in control of everything on heaven and earth. May we lean on him our beloved saviour. To God be the glory!

We will surely miss your presence on our Sunday services and Bible studies. Fight the good fight, forget the battles, remain obedient to God, and pursue His calling for you. May the blessings, the grace and peace of God be with you forever and ever.

The HTSB prayer Chain Group