Thursday, February 28, 2008

Highway To Heaven

I always look forward to my drive home from work. It's the idea of looking forward to my kids greeting me with questions like "how was work dad?" or "did you have a good day at work?" It's the excitement of seeing my wife again and digging in on the delightful dinner that she has prepared for me. Not to mention the warm hugs and kisses. And the real kicker is just seeing my bed and snugling with my pillows. It's the idea of rest, there is no place like home. So everytime I drive home from work guess what goes through my mind?

To most people the idea of death or dying can be horrifying but not to the one who has the confidence at the notion of spending the afterlife in an eternal home where joy is an unexplainable phenomena. This can only be a demeanor developed by somebody who has put his or her life in the hands of a Savior.

To be greeted in the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven by your Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son with warm hugs and kisses is an event worth hoping for. So as you breeze through the interstates and local roads of life speed bumps and all enjoy the drive and look forward to the greatest welcome of all...Home Eternal!

A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie promised before the begining of time.
Titus 1:2

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Gotta Go... Gotta Save The World!

A radio disc jockey friend of mine has this peculiar fantasy, he would liken himself to a superhero. Whenever his daily radio show was done he would always end it by saying the words on air "Gotta Go, Gotta Go, Gotta Save The World." Over two thousand years ago somebody did save the world...from the sin that corrupts our souls. This genuine superhero's name is Jesus. You can't read His stories from a comic book but you can read loads of it compiled in one book called the Bible.







Seventeen years ago I read a headline article from the morning paper that went "Man Jumps To His Death" I saw the picture printed on the front page showing a man carrying his son and much to my disbelief it was a picture of a very close college buddy of mine with his son who happened to be my godson. After reading the very morbid tale of what drove my friend to commit suicide I began thinking... I was given an opportunity before to share the gospel to him but instead, I procrastinated. I was so devastated and the guilt that I felt was so compelling that it motivated me to start a crusade.







The goal was to share the gospel to everyone whom I considered to be my bestfriend, that way I would know that not only would I share the greatest joy that each of them would ever experience in their lifetime but to also have the assurance that their salvation is secured and that they would enjoy eternity in the presence of our Lord.







Each of us have the opportunity to partake of the blessing of God's saving grace through the death of His son and eventual resurrection by recieving Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior and then sharing the good news of His gospel to our loved ones and everyone else who are in need of a Savior.







Because I listened to His call for me to share the gospel to my best friends, Omie became a recipient of this message of hope. The thought of listening to God's call of sharing the good news to Omie at the time and seeing him grow in the Lord throughout his last days here on earth gives me the peace and the assurance of knowing that Omie is literally in a better place.







You to have the opportunity to do the same, so go ahead say these words with me..."Gotta Go, Gotta Save The World...for the glory of Jesus!"







READ: JOHN 3:16 AND MATTHEW 28:16-20

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Moving ON

Omie loved the ocean so much that he would often times travel to the other side of the island with his speed boat securely connected to his SUV and he would later on go boating as soon as he reached his desired destination. This picture was displayed beside his casket during his wake. This is how he will be remembered an adventurous man who in the words of his niece Johanne was "full of life." Now that he has been finally laid to rest I think Omie would want all of us who have gone through the longest February of our lives waiting, anticipating, hoping and finally mourning to move on and to celebrate the fact that Omie will now enjoy driving his speedboat above the vast expanse of heavenly waters in the company of Jesus. The man full of life in his living years is now enjoying a different kind of life the one that is for eternity. You will be missed my friend, Hang Loose!!!

Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15: 55-57

Thursday, February 21, 2008

REST IN PEACE


ROMAN ANTONIO MIGUEL "OMIE" SOLA
AUGUST 21, 1967 - FEBRUARY 17, 2008

On February 24, 2008 at One in the afternoon (Philippine Time) Roman Antonio Miguel Sola or Omie as we would fondly call him will be laid into his final resting place at the Sola Family's hometown of Kabankalan City in the Philippines. The picture posted on this blog of myself, Omie's wife Gina and Omie was taken during our final road trip together to the resort city of Dumaguete in the Philippines.

Let me share an excerpt from the eulogy written by my eldest daughter Pajie for her Tito Omie...

"It saddens me to know that I will never fall for any of his pranks anymore, that I will never feel his embrace and hear his laugh. But he's in a better place where he will no longer feel any sorrow or suffering. I know he recieved his warm welcome and I can picture him running into the arms of our loving Savior. Our fondest memories will remain preserved in my famly's photo albums and they will be securely locked in the depths of my heart. He will be taken care of and knowing this brings me the comfort I need to carry on with the remainder of my day. I know that we'll meet again...and I'll be looking forward to that day. Rest in peace, Tito Omie. I love you

Your Yhada,

Pajie

Rest In Peace My Friend, Crack jokes if you must up there in heaven, because such was your character. I love you.

"For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Philippians 1:21

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Gone Home to Jesus, Goodbye Omie

I wanted to tell you how closely I've kept
The memories of you in my heart
And all of the lifetimes that we've had to share
Live even though we're apart

But don't cry for me
Cause I'm finally free

Chorus:
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our maker
That's where I'll be
When you finally find me

Now don't you be weary cause waiting for you
Are wonders that you've never known
Just hold on to Jesus, reach for His hands
And one day they'll welcome you home

And that's when you'll be
Finally free
Finally free

Chorus

Bridge
And all the dreams that you treasure
Will soon come together
And that's when your sorrow will find tomorrow
And you will rise again

Chorus2x

Lyrics from the song "Wish You Were Here" by Matt Harris
Goodbye my dear friend I love you very much
At Last You are now in the presence of our Savior, Jesus running with the angels on streets made of gold.

Please pray for Omie's wife Gina, the entire Sola Family, Beloved friends and church members of Omie who are now grieving for our loss but will rejoice soon knowing that Omie is now in a better place.

"Rejoice, cry aloud dear ones, Omie has left this world and is now with Jesus"
Pastor Chaz Yandall
Pastor, Horizon Christian Fellowship Bacolod the Philippines


Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Psalm 116:15


Friday, February 15, 2008

Farewell My Friend And Brother


This picture was taken after the final service I attended in my local church in the Philippines six days before I moved to the United States. On the left hand corner from behind where Omie is sitting is his wife Gina. I had my last lunch out together with Church and Bible Study members at an Italian Restaurant.

Around 6am (8pm Philippine Time) I spoke to the members of my Friday Bible Study Group called PGIF short for Praise God It's Friday! Gina, Omie's wife requested all members of Omie's church and Bible Study to come to the hospital to say goodbye to our Brother Omie. I had an overwhelmingly emotional conversation with the members of the Bible Study... I could not stop myself from crying.

On my way to drop off my eldest daughter to school we were both silent but we were both in tears (my kids are very close to their Tito Omie) my youngest still has a hard time accepting that Tito Omie is about to leave us. On my way home from school while listening to a Christian Radio Station I heard them play the song "Wish You Were Here" which talks about someone who passed away telling his loved one that he's at a better place "running with angels on streets made of gold" and enjoying himself in God's presence. It was almost as if God was communicating to me and giving me the assurance that my friend Omie is now in His presence.
Please pray for me and my friends whom Omie also grew up with like Jojo, Raffy, Tootsie, Francis, Ringgo, Cuyot, other friends who are also grieving who have been part Omie's life like Jun D., Toto, Joey, Jun U., Ryan, Cedric, Tellet, Phillip, Terrie, Leeanne, Shawi, Maggy, Pie, Pastor Chaz (who has been by Omie's bedside inside the ICU almost every night). Pray for the Sola Family Omie's sisters and brothers nephews and nieces and his Mom. And of course please pray for his wife Gina that God would give her the strength and the comfort that she needs at this most difficult time.

On Saturday February 16 at 6 a.m. (Friday afternoon 4pm U.S. Central Time) Omie's life support will be turned off he will then be coming home to Jesus where he will run with the angels 0n streets made of gold. I will see you soon my friend.

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2Cor. 5:1
Update: Omie's life support system has not yet been turned off he is still hanging on as of 9:42pm Feb. 16 (Philippine Time) his heart rate has increased to a little over 100 although his blood pressure has not been registering for 9 hours. Continue to be in prayer for Omie's family and friends in Bacolod (Philippines) and here in the United States.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

COMA

This picture of Omie clowning around was taken during my last road trip with him to the resort city of Dumaguete in the Philippines. I just got word that he has just slipped into a coma, he has been having problems breathing and is now attached into a life support system. The doctors are saying that if there are no changes within twenty four hours then they would have to declare him brain dead. His family would then have to decide what to do from there. Please include him and his family today in your prayers.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
2Corinthians 12:8-9

Monday, February 11, 2008

One Way Conversation With A Friend

February 10, Sunday 2pm (U.S. Central Time) 4am, Monday (Philippine Time) Pastor Chaz texted me to inform me that Omie was awake. Chaz has been watching over Omie almost every night inside the ICU. I immediately called through his cell phone. Chaz positioned his cell phone to where it is within hearing distance from Omie. Then with such overwhelming emotion I spoke to Omie for the very first time since his collapse. I told him to hold on to Jesus like I have always reminded him over and over again before I moved to the United States. Omie could not verbalize his reaction to the words he heard me speak but could only reciprocate through the movement of his hand. My kids and my wife also had their chance to wish Omie well, it was a very emotional day for me and my family indeed. I miss my friend and how I wish I was with him during this very crucial time. Omie continues to fight for his life daily and as of this writing Omie has spent his 12th day inside the ICU due to Brain Aneurism and Heart Attack. He is not yet out of the woods and the prognosis continues to be rather dismal for all of us. He is still alive although in a precarious state...I have all the reason to be hopefull and all the reason to continue to believe in Miracles but not my will but God's will be done. Until the next update, I continue to hope and show my love to a friend who is closer to me than a brother. Offering nothing more than my prayers to the Lord for his well being and my faith in our Living God that He is in control...whatever happens.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love the but the greatest of these is love
1Cor 13:13

Postscript: Pastor Chaz read all of the comments posted in my previous blog to Omie...they were all very encouraged(especially Omie)...thank you all for the support and God bless!!!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Last Stretch


As of this writing my friend Omie is at the last stretch of his fight to live, his heart rate has gone down to 10 Beats Per Minute in the first ten minutes and his stomach is no longer functioning properly. Let us all pray for God's will for Omie and for his spiritual and biological family as well as his wife at this very difficult time. Thirty Nine Seconds at the Fourth Quarter ... I am still hoping for that winning touchdown but not my will but God's will be done.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Fourth Quarter And Thirty Nine Seconds

Roman Antonio Miguel Sola or Omie as we would fondly call him has been my friend neigh my best friend since forever. He is fighting for his life at a hospital in the Philippines confined within the Intensive Care Unit after suffering from a lethal combination of Brain Aneurism and Heart Attack all at the same time which is not a very common condition. His doctors are having a hard time in treating him.



My friends, this will be the last blog that I will be posting for now not until I find out if there are any significant developments within Omie's condition. In lieu of this I will be posting regular updates based on the information that I will be gathering from his pastor and church members whenever I have the chance. I am asking all of you to please pray daily for my friend and check my blogsite daily for regular updates...oh and please post a comment preferably words of encouragement or prayers for Omie and his family, friends and church members after reading the updates on this blogsite. You can even start posting them right now after you've read this. Pastor Chaz (his Pastor and one of my best friends) takes the nightshift daily at the ICU watching over Omie at his bedside he sometimes gets to talk to Omie by getting close to his ears so Omie can hear the words he sez. Chaz can use these comments/prayers to encourage Omie, his family, friends and church members for them to know that they are not alone that though we recognize that the "battle belongs to the Lord" we are all in this together for Omie in perhaps the greatest battle of his life with our Lord Jesus leading the way. I really don't care who you are I may not even know some of you who will be posting these comments but that is not important to me or to Omie. What is important is a for all of us in Blogland to have a cohesive show of support for Omie. I will be transmiting the comments you have posted to the church members friends and family of Omie who have been distraught and disheartened by this very daunting event in their lives. The more posting of comments I get the better this would show the family, friends and church members of Omie and of course Omie himself that they are not alone in this fight therefore making them feel all the more encouraged.



This would also help me as I myself am coping from all these. I have had sleepless nights waiting for my phone to ring anticipating at what the latest update would bring. I end today's blog by sharing what went through my head as I was watching the Superbowl match last Sunday between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. I remember if memory serves me right that the Giants only had thirty nine seconds during the last quarter to pull one off for the team and become this year's champs. Eli Manning, the Giants' quarterback led his team to victory at those crucial last seconds of the game. I think about the game and I can't help but compare it to Omie's situation he may not be out of the woods yet but God (our team's quarterback) can lead us into the last crucial seconds of the game to victory for as long as it is within His will, either way no matter what the outcome is Omie will still emerge a winner because of his faith and love for the Lord.

Finally I would like to thank you and for your support in behalf of Omie may our good Lord continually bless all of you.



"If one part of the body suffers every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."

1Corinthians 12:26

Update February 6 from Pastor Chaz: Omie's condition is still critical but maybe a little worse; Docs are telling us to be patient and pray...so that's what we do.

Update February 7 from Pastor Chaz: Omie's condition is a little worse there is blood coming from his brain again he still responds well to your name. Please continue to pray for him. Thank you and God bless.

Update February 8 from Dr. Tellet Pedutem (member of Omie's Church): Omie has pneumonia and prone to infection we are still in a waiting mode, I talked to Omie's attending physician and it seems that if Omie survives this riverting back to normal maybe a difficult either he becomes a vegeteble or have a childlike demeanor. But then Phenjie ... Nothing is Impossible with God!!!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

CHAZ AND OMIE


Pastor Chaz Yandall (tall American-Samoan guy on the extreme right holding a bass guitar and the mic) is not just my Pastor in the Philippines but one of my closest friends possibly the first American Best Friend I have ever had. Chaz spent the whole night last Saturday watching over my best friend Omie's frail condition inside the I.C.U. where Omie is confined. I asked Chaz a few hours earlier if he could tell Omie whenever he had a chance how much I loved him (Omie) coz' I never did have the opportunity to say it to him before he succumbed into a state of unconciousness. I had planned to call Omie during the weekend but I was overtaken by these sudden twists of events. Chaz sent me a text message last Saturday evening (Saturday morning in the United States) informing me that he was doing an all nighter for Omie and that he had a chance to tell Omie that I loved him very much and that we were all praying for his recovery. Omie at the time was semi awake and after hearing these words from Chaz he squeezed Chaz's hand and nodded his head not only that ... Omie smiled! My very dear childhood friend and brother in Christ is not out of the woods yet and the prognosis is not good at all. But through all of these otherwise difficult situations Chaz has done a pretty good job at taking care of Omie in my absence. He is truly not just my Pastor but my friend and my brother in the Lord whom I can count on at this time of adversity.
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom to many.
Matthew 20:26-28

Friday, February 1, 2008

Omie 2

This picture pretty much tells all of you in Blogland how I am feeling right now knowing that my Best Friend is fighting for his life miles away across the Pacific Ocean. All I could really do is pray and put my trust in my God who I know will always have a purpose for everything that happens in our lives. As of this writing Omie is now about to go through surgery to drain all of the fluids in his brain (after undergoing CT Scan his doctors determined that the bleeding caused blockage of the drainage of the CerebroSpinal Fluid in the brain so he had to go through surgery to have the fluid drained). What is worse is that Omie also suffered from Myocardial Infraction (Heart Attack) now this is not suppose to happen simutaneously with the Brain Aneurism. Ergo, due to this situation further surgeries have been defered. Omie is currently breathing from a tube coming out of his throat. Once again at the risk of sounding too redundant, I am requesting for all of you who are reading this blog to please pray for Omie that the Lord will give him another chance to life and for Omie to live to tell a beautiful testimony about this experience and bring glory to our Living God in the process. Thank you all for the prayers.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

1John 5:14