I lost a special friend a few weeks ago. The sad thing was
that I didn’t realize he was gone until today. A January 1 Facebook message
from another friend in the Philippines somehow got overlooked.
Many people knew my friend simply as “Doc Ryan.”
We met him in October 2008 in Mindoro. He was an instructor
for a mini-medical course Deborah was taking. He was a Filipino who had studied
medicine in the US & could have, if he wished, stayed here & done very
well for himself.
Instead he chose to return to the Philippines & dedicate
himself to serving God by using his training & skills there.
I know Doc Ryan knew & loved the Lord. He could be very
straightforward in dealing with people, but that characteristic was just an
overflow of his passion to give his best to them for God’s glory.
Doc Ryan was with us for nearly all the medical outreaches
we hosted. He understood the sacrifices that medical professionals make in giving
their time (usually almost 2 weeks including travel time to & from the
Philippines), energy, & finances.
He also had a gift for stepping into
situations that others couldn’t handle. (You would have to participate in a
medical mission to understand this.)
I’m not sure how old Doc Ryan was when cancer took him.
Maybe early 50s. Honestly, as a doctor he made a much better care giver than
patient. He probably erred on the side of working too hard & not taking
good enough care of himself.
But a couple things are sure.
He loved the Lord & demonstrated that love thru his love
for people.
He is now in the presence of the Lord he loved.
We’ll miss you, Doc.
But we’ll see you in the morning.
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