(Complete text of a memorial service message---December 30, 2018)
By: Norberto Betita
In the bitter reality of the natural wear and tear of my mortal coil attendant to aging, I stand today fairly bereft of intellectual reflexes as to prompt me to write my message for this special memorial event in the life of the late Reverend Efegenio Huelma-Azarcon. I pray that the words I have to say today may merit and be worth King Solomon’s description when he wrote: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11).
As we memorialize the unfailing virtues of those loved and lost, who served in righteousness and in truth to the end, we rise from the deepest depths of our sorrows to the pinnacle of a joyful assurance of an eternal reward promised to the faithful and of a coming grand and glorious reunion with him in the hereafter.
When I received Effe’s invitation for this service in memoriam of the 19th death anniversary of her father---Reverend Azarcon---which to me is such a great honor and privilege, the first thing that came to my mind were the words of James M. Barrie, “God gave us memories that we may have June roses in the December of our lives.”
Indeed, the December of Pastor Azarcon, as we fondly called him when we were in college, was long since gone, but the June roses of each passing December remain fresh and immaculate as loved ones revisit and review the prints of his memorable journey from the tablet of their hearts.
As we memorialize the unfailing virtues of those loved and lost, who served in righteousness and in truth to the end, we rise from the deepest depths of our sorrows to the pinnacle of a joyful assurance of an eternal reward promised to the faithful and of a coming grand and glorious reunion with him in the hereafter.
When I received Effe’s invitation for this service in memoriam of the 19th death anniversary of her father---Reverend Azarcon---which to me is such a great honor and privilege, the first thing that came to my mind were the words of James M. Barrie, “God gave us memories that we may have June roses in the December of our lives.”
Indeed, the December of Pastor Azarcon, as we fondly called him when we were in college, was long since gone, but the June roses of each passing December remain fresh and immaculate as loved ones revisit and review the prints of his memorable journey from the tablet of their hearts.
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| The speaker |
Perhaps during this yearly commemoration of his death which coincidentally was only a day past the anniversary of the passing of our National Hero, we can best imagine their common feelings as they bade their sad goodbyes to their loved ones and slipped into the other side of the veil. Such poetic farewell was so beautifully written by Dr. Jose Rizal, in his Mi Ultimo Adios: “I go where there are no slaves, hangmen or oppressors;
“Where faith does not kill; where the one who reigns is God.”
I know Reverend Azarcon as an schoolmate at the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges sometime in the early 1970’s. I was then in my second year in college and he must have been on his third year. I was also seven years junior his age. Although our fellowship was not that close because we were taking different courses, yet such occasional engagements in the campus left imprints of wonderful memories that has long since stayed in my mind and heart. He was then taking up Bachelor of Arts and mine was leading to a degree in Commerce. I know him to be a pastor, because he was a classmate of my best friend Jose Fuertes who was also taking Bachelors of Arts.
One of my most memorable encounter with Reverend Azarcon was when we were both chosen as contestants in an oratorical contest for the NEMCO College Day celebration, which used to be one of the grandest celebrations we have in Surigao City at that time. He was representing Bachelor of Arts Department and I was representing the Commerce Department. I only knew he was the contestant when we were already sitting on the stand. His being chosen to be a contestant must have been the reason for our Department’s original contestant to backtrack, probably knowing the oratorical virtue and skill of him.
During the presidency of Jose O. Paloma of NEMCO, the college day is the most celebrated event and during such activities the quadrangle and the second floor foyer were always filled with people--- parents, students, friends, and guests. By the view alone of the audience, you’ve got your knees quaking, especially if you are not used to a large audience. Such condition was most favorable for Pastor Azarcon, because he had been regularly exposed to a large congregation being the preacher of the UCCP Central Church, while I was a neophyte-trying-hard oratorical contestant for the first time in my college life.
“Where faith does not kill; where the one who reigns is God.”
I know Reverend Azarcon as an schoolmate at the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges sometime in the early 1970’s. I was then in my second year in college and he must have been on his third year. I was also seven years junior his age. Although our fellowship was not that close because we were taking different courses, yet such occasional engagements in the campus left imprints of wonderful memories that has long since stayed in my mind and heart. He was then taking up Bachelor of Arts and mine was leading to a degree in Commerce. I know him to be a pastor, because he was a classmate of my best friend Jose Fuertes who was also taking Bachelors of Arts.
One of my most memorable encounter with Reverend Azarcon was when we were both chosen as contestants in an oratorical contest for the NEMCO College Day celebration, which used to be one of the grandest celebrations we have in Surigao City at that time. He was representing Bachelor of Arts Department and I was representing the Commerce Department. I only knew he was the contestant when we were already sitting on the stand. His being chosen to be a contestant must have been the reason for our Department’s original contestant to backtrack, probably knowing the oratorical virtue and skill of him.
During the presidency of Jose O. Paloma of NEMCO, the college day is the most celebrated event and during such activities the quadrangle and the second floor foyer were always filled with people--- parents, students, friends, and guests. By the view alone of the audience, you’ve got your knees quaking, especially if you are not used to a large audience. Such condition was most favorable for Pastor Azarcon, because he had been regularly exposed to a large congregation being the preacher of the UCCP Central Church, while I was a neophyte-trying-hard oratorical contestant for the first time in my college life.
 |
| With host, Ms. Effe Ping Barker (3rd from right) and other guests |
As Reverend Azarcon started his piece, and his solid and penetrating voice thundered all around the open arena of the NEMCO quadrangle, I knew then that not one of the other contestants have the chance of winning the grand prize. His piece was well written, his delivery was exceptional, his presence of mind and memory was perfectly consistent and his voice bellowed with precision as to invite audience applause and heads up for the judges. He seemed to be like the Apostle Paul delivering his powerful testimony before King Agrippa and the accusing Jews, to which the king replied, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28). That made me shiver and wished that I would be allowed to use the podium to cover my quivering knees or just hold on the microphone stand at least. I was in such dilemma to the end that when it was my time I forgot part of my piece and immediately skipped to the last paragraph. The same must have been the predicament of other contestants that they also lost their power. Fortunately, I still placed second to Reverend Azarcon.
However, such was not the best memory that was planted in my mind and heart for Reverend Azarcon. I remembered him most during those silent moments and quiet encounters we have at the campus. He must not have known it himself, but I found him to be a very humble man of God. His gentle smile and soft tone, when not in an oratory, reflected kindness and meekness. His manly bearing and countenance invited honor and respect. Even his ever enduring style of a flat-top hair, when most men were sporting “tagalog” cut and I was even wearing a long hair and beard, to me manifested his moral consistency, bearing his integrity with conscious dignity.
He used to ride a semi-racer bicycle to school with his notebooks and a book, which I sensed to be his Holy Bible, fastened on the back carrier, while wearing his dignified ministerial outfit of polo-barong. I saw him on several occasions passed by our makeshift resting benches at the SNNHS cottages along Paradise Street, where I lived with my brother, towing by his side the same bicycle up the hill to the Surigao del Norte National High School, perhaps on his way to or from his ministerial duties for his flocks. I viewed this unpretentious straightforward display of his guileless circumstances to be an example of true discipleship; a classic and most admirable way of magnifying his pastoral election and calling.
His most noble attribute of humility reminds me of the words of Marlin K. Jensen: “...it should come as no surprise that, in the estimation of some, humility ranks quite low on the scale of desirable character traits. Popular books have been written in recent years on integrity, common sense, civility, and a host of other virtues, but apparently there is little market for humility. Obviously, in these coarsening times when we are taught the art of negotiating by intimidation, and assertiveness has become a byword of the business world, those seeking to become humble will be a small and overlooked but critically important minority.” (To Walk Humbly with Thy God, lds.org.) Yet, in his being a part of that critical minority, I placed Reverend Azarcon, with his humility and manliness, in high pedestal.
I am most confident that as a minister and student of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, he was most familiar with the account in Matthew when the Lord’s disciples asked Him the question, “...Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? In response of which, “...Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4.)
As revealed by my PNB colleague, a member of his congregation, who truly loved his sermons, whose marriage he administered and solemnized, Reverend Azarcon’s childlike humility also radiates the kind of ministerial leadership, which the Lord taught to His disciples as recorded in Matthew. “...Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:25-27.)
It is only occasional that we witness childlike humility from one who bears the mantle of authority to preside over a Christian congregation, dressed in dignity and honor in accord with his assignment and calling and then act implicitly as a servant. It is very uncommon for a leader to consciously show his humility. Reverend Azarcon might not even have recognized that he sent an undying message to me, during those times when we were yet schoolmates, for if beforehand or during those quiet moments he knew that he was humble, he might not have probably acted the way he did. For one to recognize himself as being humble, he is not.
His noble character, in unity with the exemplary motherhood of Mrs. Azarcon, must have been a great influence for good in the lives of their children as to motivate them to attain the highest possible education they could. The eldest, Reverend Dr. Azriel, is a Doctor of Theology, and dean of Asia Graduate School of Theology, Philippines; Atty. Casel, is educated in law and a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and Ms. Effe, is a Master in Education, with further studies in journalism at the University of California, Los Angeles. Such achievements are grand parental endowments.
The way Effe described his father’s consecrated life in Christian ministry, voiced anew the legendary words of Dr. Jose Rizal: “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted in the field without becoming part of an edifice.
“You must shatter the vase to spread its perfume, and smite the rock to get the spark.” (El Filibusterismo).
Indeed, the memorable story of Reverend Azarcon’s ministry will endure well forever as being part of that Christian edifice he pioneered in Surigao City---The Presbyterian Church. The pleasant scent of his exemplary life and the illuminating rays of the light demonstrated in his remarkable Christian life and ministry, warranted for him a state of peace and rest, where no tears should be shed and no sorrows remain. His lifetime of service to God and His people qualified and guaranteed for him an exalted sphere in the place, which John, the beloved apostle, described as a condition where, “…God shall wipe away all tears from [his] eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:4, 7)
As I now picture the present reality and the glorious state where Reverend Azarcon is right now, my thoughts are steered anew to the wondrous words of Lord Alfred Tennyson in his poem “In Memoriam”:
“Forgive my grief for one removed,
Thy creature, whom I found so fair.
I trust he lives in thee, and there
I find him worthier to be loved.”
(In Memoriam A.H.H., par. 10.)
In expressions of gratitude to God for him whose wonderful memories of long ago still lingers---even the late Reverend Efegenio Huelma-Azarcon, I quote these words most popular among Christian ministers, and perhaps also a favorite of him, the 23rd Psalm of David:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
Thank you very much.
However, such was not the best memory that was planted in my mind and heart for Reverend Azarcon. I remembered him most during those silent moments and quiet encounters we have at the campus. He must not have known it himself, but I found him to be a very humble man of God. His gentle smile and soft tone, when not in an oratory, reflected kindness and meekness. His manly bearing and countenance invited honor and respect. Even his ever enduring style of a flat-top hair, when most men were sporting “tagalog” cut and I was even wearing a long hair and beard, to me manifested his moral consistency, bearing his integrity with conscious dignity.
He used to ride a semi-racer bicycle to school with his notebooks and a book, which I sensed to be his Holy Bible, fastened on the back carrier, while wearing his dignified ministerial outfit of polo-barong. I saw him on several occasions passed by our makeshift resting benches at the SNNHS cottages along Paradise Street, where I lived with my brother, towing by his side the same bicycle up the hill to the Surigao del Norte National High School, perhaps on his way to or from his ministerial duties for his flocks. I viewed this unpretentious straightforward display of his guileless circumstances to be an example of true discipleship; a classic and most admirable way of magnifying his pastoral election and calling.
His most noble attribute of humility reminds me of the words of Marlin K. Jensen: “...it should come as no surprise that, in the estimation of some, humility ranks quite low on the scale of desirable character traits. Popular books have been written in recent years on integrity, common sense, civility, and a host of other virtues, but apparently there is little market for humility. Obviously, in these coarsening times when we are taught the art of negotiating by intimidation, and assertiveness has become a byword of the business world, those seeking to become humble will be a small and overlooked but critically important minority.” (To Walk Humbly with Thy God, lds.org.) Yet, in his being a part of that critical minority, I placed Reverend Azarcon, with his humility and manliness, in high pedestal.
I am most confident that as a minister and student of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, he was most familiar with the account in Matthew when the Lord’s disciples asked Him the question, “...Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? In response of which, “...Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4.)
As revealed by my PNB colleague, a member of his congregation, who truly loved his sermons, whose marriage he administered and solemnized, Reverend Azarcon’s childlike humility also radiates the kind of ministerial leadership, which the Lord taught to His disciples as recorded in Matthew. “...Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:25-27.)
It is only occasional that we witness childlike humility from one who bears the mantle of authority to preside over a Christian congregation, dressed in dignity and honor in accord with his assignment and calling and then act implicitly as a servant. It is very uncommon for a leader to consciously show his humility. Reverend Azarcon might not even have recognized that he sent an undying message to me, during those times when we were yet schoolmates, for if beforehand or during those quiet moments he knew that he was humble, he might not have probably acted the way he did. For one to recognize himself as being humble, he is not.
His noble character, in unity with the exemplary motherhood of Mrs. Azarcon, must have been a great influence for good in the lives of their children as to motivate them to attain the highest possible education they could. The eldest, Reverend Dr. Azriel, is a Doctor of Theology, and dean of Asia Graduate School of Theology, Philippines; Atty. Casel, is educated in law and a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and Ms. Effe, is a Master in Education, with further studies in journalism at the University of California, Los Angeles. Such achievements are grand parental endowments.
The way Effe described his father’s consecrated life in Christian ministry, voiced anew the legendary words of Dr. Jose Rizal: “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted in the field without becoming part of an edifice.
“You must shatter the vase to spread its perfume, and smite the rock to get the spark.” (El Filibusterismo).
Indeed, the memorable story of Reverend Azarcon’s ministry will endure well forever as being part of that Christian edifice he pioneered in Surigao City---The Presbyterian Church. The pleasant scent of his exemplary life and the illuminating rays of the light demonstrated in his remarkable Christian life and ministry, warranted for him a state of peace and rest, where no tears should be shed and no sorrows remain. His lifetime of service to God and His people qualified and guaranteed for him an exalted sphere in the place, which John, the beloved apostle, described as a condition where, “…God shall wipe away all tears from [his] eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:4, 7)
As I now picture the present reality and the glorious state where Reverend Azarcon is right now, my thoughts are steered anew to the wondrous words of Lord Alfred Tennyson in his poem “In Memoriam”:
“Forgive my grief for one removed,
Thy creature, whom I found so fair.
I trust he lives in thee, and there
I find him worthier to be loved.”
(In Memoriam A.H.H., par. 10.)
In expressions of gratitude to God for him whose wonderful memories of long ago still lingers---even the late Reverend Efegenio Huelma-Azarcon, I quote these words most popular among Christian ministers, and perhaps also a favorite of him, the 23rd Psalm of David:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
Thank you very much.
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