On July 17 and 18, we gathered to honor the life and legacy of Papa Ramon, a man whose legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of our community.
July 17: A Service of Remembrance
The service began on the evening of July 17 at the church in San Antonio de las Minas, one of the first churches that Ramon helped establish. It was a standing-room-only crowd—filled with his family, church members, El Sauzal staff, alumni, and countless others whose lives had been touched by Ramon. Among those in attendance were the now grown children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the original kids who came to live at the orphanage in the very beginning, a testament to how deeply Papa Ramon’s influence reached across generations. The outpouring of love was evident, with the parking lot so full that cars were parked behind one another.
Leaders from the local Asamblea de Dios led the service, and Samuel Acosta, the son of Brother Acosta who led Ramon to the Lord, was the main speaker. His words were powerful as he shared how Ramon’s passion for spreading the love of Jesus shaped so many lives. Samuel described Ramon as “the complete package”—a man who could sing, preach, and play the guitar with equal fervor. He also shared how God had called Ramon as a pastor, which was central to the life of service Ramon led. In a moment that touched us all, Samuel invited Ramon’s family to come forward. Then, he called upon the alumni of El Sauzal to join them. This was followed by powerful testimonies from several individuals, including children from the home, his own great-grandson, and those who had served alongside him. Each shared how Ramon had impacted their lives, leaving us all moved by the deep and lasting influence he had on those around him.
July 18: A Journey to San Antonio Necua
The next morning, we gathered again at the church, forming a funerary caravan to San Antonio Necua, the indigenous reservation where Ramon had pastored a church for 32 years. The long processional, winding through the beautiful Valley de Guadalupe countryside, arrived at the reservation, where yet another service was held. The people of San Antonio Necua showed up early to pay their respects, a beautiful display of the love and admiration they held for Ramon.
After the service, we made our way to the cemetery. The sun beat down on us as we stood in the midst of the beautiful, peaceful mountains. There, beside his beloved wife Magdalena, was a place ready for Ramon. As men who knew and loved him lowered the casket into the ground, we sang worship songs to honor his life. In a final act of farewell, many of us tossed handfuls of dirt into the grave. Strong hands filled the hole with earth, and a blanket of flowers was placed over the site.
It was a beautiful, solemn farewell to a man who had touched so many lives. Papa Ramon’s legacy of love, service, and devotion to the Lord will live on in each of us who were blessed to know him. His works remain, continuing to inspire and touch lives long after his passing. As Revelation 14:13 says, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
