Ate (Sister) Weng: "This is not goodbye, I will see you again"

Do forgive my late updates. It's been a difficult time for all of us. For our non Tagalog speakers, you might see the word "Ate" a lot (pronounced: ah-teh). That means older sister in Tagalog. Many of our missionaries from NY are truly devastated at the sudden deaths of Sam and Ate Weng. I would like to share the thoughts of our missionary Joanne L.


Ate Weng, words wouldn't be able to truly describe how much you will be missed. In a matter of one minute into our conversation. I already knew you were such a loving and giving person. The stories we've shared with each other made my Philippines trip even more memorable. I was blessed to have you become a sister of mine. Before I went back to the US, you burned me a CD with many Christian songs that uplifted me and I am so thankful that God sent you into my life to bring me joy.You've taught me to keep my faith strong and put it in God's hands. I'm going to miss seeing you Ate Weng but your face will always be inplanted in my heart. I will never forget what you have taught me and shared with me. This is not a goodbye because I will see you again.
-Joanne L.

With a heavy heart......

With a heavy heart I inform our friends that two of our leaders Samuel Balmores, who is the son of Pastor Ferdinand Balmores and Rowena Cuison died on Monday October 31, 2011(local time).

Ate Weng

Words cannot begin to describe how we feel. Sam and Rowena, who I affectionately call Ate Weng were like siblings to me. Both loved Christ and were loved by the entire EMC family. Sam and Ate Weng were more than just friends, more than just leaders. They were the beloved son and daughter of parents, wonderful siblings, and to us in New York, they were our brother and sister in Christ.

As painful as this is, we find comfort in the knowledge that even though we can't possibly begin to comprehend why this happened, God is still sovereign and all things are in His hand. There are some things that we are not prepared for in life. But we take solace in the fact that Sam and Ate Weng are with Christ in Heaven and one day, we will see them again.

"Our friends, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him."- 1Thess 4:13-14.

Sam & his nephew Jayden

Sam and Ate Weng, I don't know if God gives you the opportunity to hear us right now, but we love you. I love you and miss you both so much. You can never be replaced. You made a difference in so many people's lives and in my life. But I know you are with our Heavenly Father. Words cannot expressed how much you are loved and will be missed. This is not goodbye....this is only 'see you later'.

-Melissa M.