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I would estimate that over 700 people attended the homegoing service of Pastor Jerry Salinas last Thursday evening. I met Pastor Jerry back in 1993 and had been encouraged by his life and ministry ever since. He always had a smile on his face that I believe was a direct result of his love for God and for people. He loved his Lord and was passionate about introducing everyone he came in contact with to him. One of my favorite memories of him is when he prayed for me at my ordination service back in 1995. Pastor Jerry's service felt more like a revival service than a funeral service. It was filled with powerful praise and worship, testimonies and a life-changing message from the Word of God. One of the best parts of the evening was getting to see so many friends that I hadn't seen in years. There were people greeting and hugging each other all around. I couldn't help but think that even at his homegoing service God was using Pastor Jerry to bring others together for encouragement. It was truly a night that honored Pastor Jerry and that brought glory to God just as he would have wanted.

Pastor Jerry was 53 years old and as I'm sure everyone agrees was way too young to go home to heaven. He leaves a legacy of many things behind, but for some reason the one that stands out to me the most as I type is faithfulness. Pastor Jerry was faithful. He was faithful to his Lord, his family and to God's ministry. Just like the rest of us he was not perfect, but he was faithful. He had his stumbles and his weaknesses. He didn't always get it right, but what he did get right was faithfulness. When Pastor Jerry breathed his last breath in his earthsuit, he saw his Lord face to face and heard the words we should all live to hear "well done good and faithful servant".

I want to be faithful. I want to honor my Lord and the legacy of Pastor Jerry Salinas by being faithful.