Why Seek The Living Among The Dead....?

Dear friends, Pastors, Christian Fellowship Leaders:

I received sad--yet glorious greetings from Germantown HOPE Church today: 

"Today we mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. Manny Ortiz, pastor of our Germantown Hope's parent church, Spirit and Truth Fellowship in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia. Manny was a shepherd, mentor, and friend to our church's leaders and a support to our congregation from the beginning. He faithfully led Spirit and Truth as a local church focused on the gospel and the needs of the local community, but also sent out teams of leaders and families to plant churches in 8+ other locations in Philadelphia.We will all miss his warm heart and spirit of wisdom and integrity.

Please pray for his family and for the extended church family now in mourning, and may we honor him by loving God and loving others as he did in living out these verses from 1 Peter 5:

'To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away'."

---

Manny was an avid bicyclist, an author-teacher at Eastern University in the city at Esperanza College. In addition to his "Pastor" responsibilities at Spirit and Truth Fellowship he raised a family, supported others in their ministries and with his church was a big supporter of Whosoever Gospel Mission and Shelter on Chelten Avenue in Germantown. 

He personally "Mentored" several men in his congregation, including my friend and former house-mate. Manny radiated the Love and Peace of Christ! He lived The Greatest Commandment" and worked "The Great Commission". 

Pastor Manny was a personal inspiration to me when I breifly attended his Fellowship with house-mates when I lived in a intentional community in Hunting Park (circa 2005). 

Today, word of his passing to Glory made me think; "What are WE doing to advance the Kingdom of God on our watch?". 

Though we mourn our 'loss' of this vibrant, encouraging brother--we at the same time rejoice in his passing on to Glory and completeness in The Lord.  I have to ask "Why Do WE Seek The Living Among The Dead?"

May we strive to imitate Rev. Dr. Manuel "Manny" Ortiz in his love for the Lord, his neighbors and the community. May he rest in peace in the love and fellowship of the saints. AMEN. 

With Regard,

D. Michael Blackie (MSW, M. Ed), OSL 

ONE Feltonville CCDC-RCO 

UPDATED: InterVarsity Press Remembers Dr. Manny Ortiz

ttachments area