YIYE AVILA DIES AT 88 YEARS

Veteran Latin Evangelist  Yiye Avila went to be with the Lord as he quietly passed away in his sleep at age 88.Yiye Avila (José Joaquin Avila born 1929 in Camuy, Puerto Rico), is one of the most respected evangelists in Latin America and a former Mr. Universe as well. Avila went to college at "La Universidad Interamericana De Puerto Rico" in San German, to study to become a teacher. One of the requisites was to take a class about the Bible. He returned to Camuy after graduating and began teaching at the high school level, but he also began playing baseball in the double A level and winning Mr. Puerto Rico as a bodybuilder in 1952. He would later win the title of Mr. Universe. While training for the Olympic Games of 1956, Avila suffered terrible pain and was diagnosed with chronic arthritis by his doctors. This prevented him from participating in any further sporting events. The pain was so intense that Avila could not do everyday chores. As consequence of his health problem Avila began praying and seeking divine intervention in his situation. His conversion to evangelism came after watching a TV show conducted by a north American preacher. In 1967 Ávila retired from the magistery after 21 years as a teacher and began to concentrate on his work as a Christian instead. He became a preacher, and in 1972, he formed his "Escuadron Relampago Cristo Viene" in a small room in his house. Eventually his ministry grew too large for that small room and a new facility had to be built somewhere else in Camuy to accommodate all of the attending public. Avila's preaching network eventually kept on growing and has now reached all of Latin America as well as Europe and the United States.

THE GALA FOUNDATION LAUNCHES JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES

A FATHER'S PRIDE

By Irving Serrano Sr

 

There are many topics in life that people debate, as to questions; what came first..... the chicken or the egg? One thing that is certain is, if you exist. It`s because you had a Father. At one point in time a guy met your Mom, maned up and married your mom, caring for Her and your future existence. Then hung around, not just till you became 18 eighteen. He`s always there for you in one way or another. It takes a lot of effort, time and money to raise a child. We must always cherish and celebrate both Moms and Dads. Our Bibles teaches us to; honor our Fathers and Mothers, and it goes on to say; for this will add days of life to our lives.(Exodus 20:12) Some times Fathers are like an invisible man. Like a super hero. They spend a lot of long hours away at work. He`s that Man who pays for the electricity, so your cool during the day, and so your warm on those chilly nights. He pays for your cell phone, provides the food you eat. Some how you don`t fall out of bed because He comes in without you knowing it and tucks you in at night. He takes out the trash, and fills the sugar bowl. He`s usually up and away, even before your awake. But when you have a school play, or a baseball game. To your surprise, He`s right there cheering you on! Yes, we some times think, Oh He`s not coming, or He does not care. I`m aware that there are single parent homes, and I also know that for some, Circumstances are different. For the most part, All Father`s carry a pride. A pride that gives them strength to endure long hard hours of work. In their minds, their sacrifice is to achieve the the goal of producing what their Son`s or Daughter`s needs. Right along with keeping in mind the needs and wants of your Moms. The ones who hold everything down in the meantime. Today I am so grateful that God blessed me with both a great Mom, and Dad. In reality, a day never goes by that I don`t use or say something learned from my Parents. Both my parents have since passed away to be with our Lord. And as a Father, and Grandfather I strive to pass on the teachings, the love and care for those in my midst. As Both My Parents have done. I encourage you to honor your parents, and cherish the moments with them. Here`s wishing every Father, and single Mom, a very Happy Fathers Day.

                 Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.