Mario Stories

I’ve known Bro. Mario back in the mid-70’s when I was part of the Cruzada CYF. He would be our Bible study teacher, or speaker at the CYF occasionally. He would be our reference when we have questions about the Bible. He was our stake on the ground…if he’s on our side, we perceive ourselves to be right.

When I got here to the US, he heard about me struggling with my marriage. I don’t see him often but when I finally did so (at least 10 years from the time of my problem), he remembered that and he came up to me to specifically ask me how I was doing. Like a father that he was to us, I saw the joy and relief in his eyes when I assured him that I got through that period in my life…that my family is still together and that everything is well. He told me that he was very sad when he heard about it at first and he said he prayed for me and my family.

Bro. Mario, you will be missed greatly. You have influenced a lot of lives around you, including mine. God bless your family.

– Velinda Umali

Lolo Mario baptized me when I was I think 11 years old. We still had the old baptismal area where I think the nursery dept was in Cruzada. He was very comforting as I was afraid I was going to slip and drown. His words of wisdom after I was baptized, grow in your faith.

Jun Sulit and I grew up together in church. We were friends and I would like to think we still are. We have not seen each other in over 25 years. You see, the friendships you develop in church are the ones that last through time and distance. By the way, Ate Lita was my Sunday School teacher and she would remember that Jun and I were a handful.

Lolo Mario used to drive a Volkswagon Beetle then and he would always take Jun and I for a ride.

To Lolo Mario, thank you. You’ve served our God well. We love you.

-Ariel Chavarria