Planted by the Rivers of Water

These two people represent the wealth of my life.

This past Sunday, I was already grateful to be able to escort my mom to her first in-person church service in well over a year. But to arrive at Community Worship Center Gardena and see this man’s beautiful smile rocketed me into a whole new galaxy of gratitude.

Wilfredo del Pilar pastored here for decades, back when “here” was Fuente de Vida. And for many of those years he and his late wife Lily were exactly that – a fountain of life and hope to my grandmother and countless others. But they were much more than pastors, they were dear supportive friends who cared for grandma like familia.

Seeing Pastor Wilfredo again was a gift, and the hug that he gave me embraced my heart in a way I didn’t even know I needed. He whispered to me “I always remember Carmen Acayturri. I never forget your grandmother.” In response I cried tears of love all over his shoulder.

It has always proven true to me that those with the least are the most giving. The del Pilar family is an example of this. They are able to serve well beyond their means because they know the One who owns it all. Love like this is the most meaningful investment.