It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the news of the sudden passing of Pastor Noel Balanay who has served our Lord JESUS CHRIST faithfully as a National Presbyter of OPIF Philippines and a Resident Pastor of OPIF Sector 6 for more than 4 long years. More than all the titles aforementioned, he has been a loving father, a trusted brother, a good friend, an ideal partner in the ministry, a supportive team mate, a teacher, an adviser, and so many more to most of us. He has fought a good fight of faith, has finished his course, has kept his faith in God, and has now peacefully returned home to our Father in heaven.
Who would forget Pastor Noel who continued to be faithful in the ministry entrusted to him despite his age and the difficult situation we’re in? To mention just a few of his labor of love for the Lord, is his selfless and fearless devotion as he shared the gospel of JESUS to all ages in any places he’s been to. They may be adults, young people, and children who are in the streets, schools, barangays, homes, and even with those in jail. Who would never appreciate Pastor Noel who has been supportive in all of the church programs? His irresistible smiles and contagious laughter had made him the ‘energy booster’ in every event. He boosted the confidence in all speakers as he encouraged everyone to be attentive to God’s word with his loud praise. Everyone will agree if he’ll be called the church’ cheerleader.
Who are the church leaders and elders who will not show respect to him? He who has been so understanding in every situation. He who always find the good in all awful circumstances. He who never failed to set an example as he’s always the first one in line to gladly comply, without complaining, with all being asked from the ministers. That’s why no one doubted him when he was selected to be awarded the Outstanding Character in Leadership by OPIF Philippines Education last December 2020. There are more to say about Pastor Noel. In addition to that, he who is being a jolly person that he is, loving and caring, yet a tough minister who will never compromise God’s Word. He will rebuke you with the truth of the Word of God and will never comfort you with a lie. He’s never been a person-pleaser but always been a humble leader who’s never afraid to apologize when he recognized that he’s at fault. And he’s a leader who loves to learn more, never had been proud despite his long years in the ministry.
Pastor Noel will be cherished and will never be forgotten. He has left a legacy in every one’s heart. He will be remembered saying, “Serve God with all of your being as if this is your last!”
Let us continue to keep his family and the saints of OPIF Sector 6 in our prayers. May God’s strength and comfort be upon them as they go through this storm. Job 1:21 says, “And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” May everyone finds comfort in God’s Word in Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” and in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
