Beth Macadangdang

The earliest memory that I have of Beth was on Mother's Day in 1984. Three mothers were recognized in the church. The oldest mother, the mother with the most children present, and the youngest mother - and that was Beth.  

I vividly remember Bro. Jun Macadangdang's story of how he and his family came to Sumulong Baptist Temple - that was the original name of Sumulong Baptist Church. They had just moved in to their new home at Town and Country Executive Village, and Bro. Jun was looking for a church. He saw Sumulong Baptist Temple signs along Marcos Highway. Thinking that the church was not very far, he just walked and followed the signs, and later found out that as he continued walking, the signs did not stop appearing. He walked a long way until he reached the corner of Marcos and Sumulong Highways, and the sign said turn left to Sumulong Highway, so he continued on until after about an hour, he was able to reach the church.  

Those who have been with the church before 1993 know that the commercial building which housed the then Sumulong Baptist Temple was very far for walking; it is about 5 kilometers away from Town and Country. I admire Bro Jun for his patience and perseverance, aside from being hard-working and a good provider. And I think he deserved a good wife like Beth, who was also a good mother to their three children. Aside from being a good wife and a good mother, Beth was also a good friend. She was the best friend of my sister Fe. When my sister was still living in the Philippines, it was Beth she would run to during her lowest moments, and Beth would always be there for her. I think the last time that Beth and my sister talked was last Sunday on Skype. I know my sister would miss her a lot. 

I remember sometime in 2004, Beth called me on the phone. I knew she wanted to talk to my sister instead of me during that time, but my sister was already abroad. She was so sad and was crying on the phone. She said she had just been diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage, and that her husband and children did not know about it yet. She did not want her family to worry, but then eventually she had to tell them.  

I can emphathize with Beth in her pain during her last moments. I am aware of the agonizing pain that she went through during her last few weeks because my own mother also died of breast cancer at the age of 52. To Bro. Jun, James, John and Jeremy, be encouraged that Beth is now with the Lord, singing with all the saints in heaven. She is now free from pain and she is happy. I leave with you the following verses: 1 Corinthians 15:55 - O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.