Three faithful PBS Life Members and supporters promoted to glory
Mrs. Buensucesa Rivera, Mr. Felipe Calusa, and Mr. Dominador Laurente had one thing in common: all three shared their lives with the Bible Cause until the day the Lord called them to his Kingdom.
Mr. Felipe Calusa, 64
To his Bible Society family, he was known as Mang Cal Sobrepeña, the friendly artist who always had a ready smile for everyone he meets at the PBS ministry facility. Mang Cal got involved with Bible Society work when he was commissioned to illustrate the Children’s Bible sa Wikang Filipino, for which he produced more than 200 illustrations.
Mang Cal confessed that he was not a regular Bible reader. But while working on the illustrations of the Children’s Bible, Mang Cal came to appreciate the blessings from reading God’s Word. The Children’s Bible was launched in November 2003 but Mang Cal, having found a family in PBS, decided to continue supporting the Bible Cause by becoming a Lifetime Member.
Mrs. Buensucesa Rivera, 88
Mrs. Buensucesa Rivera, mother of former Philippine Bible Society General Secretary Dr. Medarlo Rivera, passed away on August 14, 2004 after a long bout of illness. She was 88.
During her memorial service, Dr. Rivera, who served the Philippine Bible Society for 18 years, acknowledged his mother as one of the greatest influences of his life. “I wouldn’t be standing here if it were not for my mother’s love and discipline.” Mrs. Rivera, who had shown exemplary dedication and support to her children, was also present when Dr. Rivera turned over the leadership to the next PBS General Secretary, Mrs. Nora Lucero, on December 4, 2003.
To PBS, Mrs. Rivera was known to be a dedicated educator, having founded Hope Christian Academy in Antipolo, Rizal which provides quality education to less fortunate but deserving students at the age of 62. She was also a staunch supporter of the Bible Cause.
Mr. Dominador Laurente, 70
Mr. Dominador Laurente, or Mang Doming, served PBS from 1979 to 1993 in various capacities, including Control Head of the Production Department and Church Relationship Officer of Communications and Development Department. Former PBS General Secretary Dr. Ricardo Jumawan remembers Mang Doming as a kind and obedient staff. UBS Translation Consultant Dr. Annie del Corro said Mang Doming, with his gentle ways, was a soothing company. “Around him you can relax,” she added.
Mang Doming retired from PBS in 1993 but continued to support the Bible Cause, not only as a Lifetime Member, but also in tangible ways, such as active promotion of and participation in PBS events – National Bible Week, Annual Membership Meetings and other Bible promotion programs.
Mang Doming died in his sleep on August 21, 2004.