During the past three years, we saw Iris as she lived what she called ‘her journey with cancer’. The words that come to mind are the joy, hope, faith and courage that she expressed with each step she took. During the past few weeks, many continued to pray hoping for a miracle and for the best outcome. On July 28, Iris joined the Great Cloud of Witnesses and we as her colleagues were left with the job of mourning our loss and celebrating her life. Our hearts go out to Mario Morales, Mario Jr. and Seth Benjamin as well as their family as they grieve. We are comforted by the scripture that ‘NOTHING can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus’.
…We are honored and blessed to have been at the celebration of Iris' life at the funeral services in Los Angeles. On August 7 and 8, two funeral services were held; these services reflected the mission that was so special for both Iris and Mario. The first one (in English) was held at Paradise Baptist Church (Rev. A.D. Iverson, Pastor) in south-central Los Angeles. This location was important, as Iris and Mario formed a ministry with Paradise in the first Hispanic church plant sponsored by a predominately African-American congregation in the LA Baptist Mission Society. The Spanish service was held at Iglesia Bautista Jehová Yireh in Brea, CA; there they ministered before accepting the call from International Ministries, and where their son, Mario, is currently the pastor.
· Pray for Mario Morales, Mario Jr. and Seth Benjamin as well as their family as they grieve.