HONORING
TOTO DE LA CRUZ
December
20, 2011
I
take this privilege to honor Toto, my brother, co-worker
and friend.
As has been his practice, he has gone on ahead of us. He
has always been a trailblazer. He was among the first full-time
pastoral workers, and there has been no stopping him ever
since. Even death has not done that, as he has now moved
on up there, where he can intercede mightily for our life
and mission.
Toto was a modern-day St Paul. His zeal and passion for
the Lord’s work was great and legendary. Like Paul,
he experienced deep personal conversion that turned his
world topsy-turvy. He let go of his worldly existence, one
of power, position and worldliness, and totally embraced
his new life in Christ. He had become God’s soldier.
He was persistent in seeking to conquer new territories
for Him.
Toto was a man of faithfulness and commitment. He lived
out his community covenant and expected his other brethren
to do so too. He was tireless. He was persistent. He worked
in season and out of season. God had called him, and he
was determined to serve his Master. He was always focused
on the mission. To sustain his work, he was a very prayerful
man.
Toto is a prime example of true servant leadership. Having
been a leader in the secular world, he knew what he was
not to be. He was now a man of God. He now spoke on behalf
of God. He took seriously the task of leading God’s
people, caring for them and keeping them on track. Where
the Lord brought him, he followed. He had given his life
to Jesus, and would willingly have died for him.
Toto was a man who manifested great love. He loved his wife
Delia. (Delia, I honor you for being the loving support
that enabled Toto to respond fully to God’s call.)
Toto loved his children. (You can truly be proud of the
legacy that your father has left, especially as he touched
the lives of very many people.) Toto loved his community
Couples for Christ. (The CFC-FFL young fulltimers present
here did not have the privilege of knowing this man, but
what he did is what endures, and what has paved the way
for your own work.) Most of all, he loved the Lord. Jesus
was his all.
It has been my great privilege to have known and worked
with such a man as Toto.
Farewell. Till we see each other again.
Frank Padilla