thru a friend who lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Shortly after, someone from school (who wasn’t even saved) brought me to NCF. It was a Wednesday night and the meeting was at the Y downtown. The moment I walked in the door I was greeted by Pastor and another beautiful saint, Morley Bordes. They welcomed me with open arms and even though being a baby Christian I didn’t understand everything spiritually, I was hungry for the word of God which Pastor delivered so eloquently. The sermon was about being a true follower of God. I hung on his every word, and afterwards I sat down with him and asked questions about scripture I didn’t understand. Pastor answered me with so much compassion that never did I ever feel I was asking a dumb question. He always would put me at ease when I was in his presence.
I remember two times that have stuck out in my mind that have really blessed me to this day. I had a Gremlin which was in need of repair. When I got the bill, I couldn’t afford to get it out of the shop. Pastor caught wind of it and wrote me out a check so that I could have it for work! He said to pay him back when I could, but when I tried he said it was a gift of God’s goodness to me. Another instance–I had borrowed my uncle’s car on a very icy might and put it in the ditch! I was so scared what my uncle might say. I called Pastor and he paid to have the car towed and even talked to my Uncle! So kind, so compassionate, always willing to help in any way he could!
My beginnings of my walk with Jesus were strongly rooted because of Pastor. Although there was a period of time when I was not walking, I truly believe because the word from the teaching of Pastor was dug deep into my spirit.
He would always chuckle when I would get up in front and share special music with my guitar and sing because he knew it would be a little wild. He never once discouraged me, even though some of the songs I sang were a little bit too rocky for his taste! Ha! Although I am not able to be there, I celebrate his home going with all of you. He is hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant of the Lord.” I want to say thank you for spurring me on in the faith. You were a true example of the love of Christ! All my love to you and praying that God will comfort you and give you his peace. See you here, there or in the air!
All my love in Jesus name,
Frannie Gutierrez Karstaedt