From Sacrifice to Service: A Memorial Day Sunday of Remembrance and Missions at Arbor Christian Fellowship

Arbor Christian Fellowship honors the return of Army Sgt. R.L. Taylor, uplifts a Gold Star family, and celebrates God’s powerful work through a mission trip to the Philippines that touched hearts across continents.

Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend, was a morning of deep reverence, remembrance, and healing at Arbor Christian Fellowship, where hearts gathered not only in worship but also in solemn honor of those who paid the ultimate price for our nation's freedom. The sanctuary, bathed in natural light and hushed reverence, became the setting for one of the most emotionally moving services the church has hosted in recent memory.

The service began with a stirring tribute from Deacon Victor Veturis, who opened with the poignant story of Army Sergeant R.L. Taylor.

Sgt. Taylor joined the Army Air Corps in 1939 and was stationed in the Philippines with the Headquarters Squadron of the 19th Bombardment Group. When Japanese forces overtook the region in April 1942, he survived the infamous Bataan Death March—a brutal 65-mile forced march of American and Filipino prisoners of war. Though Taylor endured the unimaginable, he succumbed to malaria in July of that same year and was buried in a common grave.

His death was only confirmed after World War II. Decades later, in 2018, his remains were disinterred for DNA testing. In 2019, he was finally identified, and in April 2025, Army Sgt. R.L. Taylor was returned to his hometown of O’Donnell, Texas. There, at O’Donnell First Baptist Church, friends and family gathered to honor his life and sacrifice. He now rests in peace at O’Donnell Cemetery—honored by a grateful nation.

US Marine Corps Lance Corporal Bryce William Smith (1995 - 2015), grandson of Arbor Christian Fellowship’s Beverly Dickson.

After this powerful remembrance, Deacon Veturis turned his attention to a very special guest in attendance—a Gold Star mother, Jamie Luchay, whose son, Bryce William Smith, a proud United States Marine, lost his life in service to the country in 2015. As Jamie and Bryce were honored, the entire room gave a heartfelt applause. The moment was both humbling and healing, as the congregation surrounded her in love, gratitude and honor.

Then came one of the most tender parts of the service: the Children’s Moment. The youngest members of the congregation were called forward and gathered closely in front of Deacon Veturis. He gently asked, “Do you know what TAPS is?” Some of the children shook their heads, curious and solemn.

He then played the hauntingly beautiful melody of “TAPS,” and the sanctuary fell into complete silence. As the last note lingered in the air, adults and children alike were visibly moved—many wiping away tears.

“TAPS is played to honor all of those who gave their lives in service to our country,” Veturis explained to the children. “Veterans Day is for the living veterans … Memorial Day is to honor those who died; those who laid down their lives for their friends” (John 10:11).

“As we talk about sacrifice and freedom,” Pastor Jonathan continued, “of course the ultimate sacrifice that we've been blessed with is that Christ sacrificed His life for us. The ultimate freedom that we have is our spiritual freedom, and that's found in Christ Jesus. So, I also want to remember and acknowledge what Christ has done for us, and the freedom that we have in Him.”

A Joyful Mission Fulfilled: The Philippines Mission Trip Celebration

After the poignant moments of remembrance, the morning transitioned into a celebration of service in a different form—missions. Pastor Jonathan invited all six mission trip members—Stone Alvaro, Chris Bitun, Deo Busacay, Riezle Rivera, Riza Rivera, and Seth Yu—to come up on stage. The congregation welcomed them with warm and grateful applause, recognizing their courage, faith, and willingness to serve far from home.

The team recently returned from San Juan, Cainta in the Philippines, where they served with Christ’s Community Baptist Mission. Their purpose: to bring the love and message of Christ through worship, discipleship, outreach, and compassionate care.

Pastor Jonathan took a moment to interview the team live, asking them to share about the amazing and wonderful things God had done during their time on the mission field. What followed was a powerful and moving testimony of God’s faithfulness at every turn.

As each team member spoke, it became evident that God had orchestrated every step of the journey. From the beginning, the team committed the mission to prayer—relying fully on God for provision, guidance, and timing. Every decision, even the unexpected ones, became opportunities for deeper ministry.

One major change involved their lodging. Originally planning to stay in more affordable accommodations 30 to 60 minutes away from the church, original accommodations fell through and the Lord moved them to a place just a short walk from Christ’s Community Baptist Mission. Though significantly more expensive, this new location became a ministry in itself. It allowed the team to extend hospitality in a tangible and heartfelt way—inviting church members to join them for meals, rest, and fellowship in a cool, comfortable environment. Many had never experienced air conditioning before and were invited to stay overnight. As the night stretched into early morning hours, deep conversations unfolded. Hearts were opened, and the Holy Spirit moved powerfully. Some stayed talking and praying until 3 a.m.—moments of transformation that no one could have orchestrated but God.

The team was also there to support and help host a Vacation Bible School (VBS), originally prepared for 100 children. Just days before it began, nearly 200 children were signed up to attend—along with many of their parents. Once again, the team watched God provide. Additional funds came through at just the right moment to purchase more school supplies, snacks, and materials. Plans shifted quickly to host two VBS sessions each day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—to ensure every child had the opportunity to participate.

In the midst of the sweltering heat and relentless humidity, joy abounded. As the children sang and played, Chris, Riza and Stone, ministered in Tagalog to the parents, many of whom are often overlooked in such events. With sweat streaming down their faces, they witnessed the Spirit of God moving—not just among the children but in the lives of the adults as well.

And then, a moment of divine provision that only God could orchestrate: when the team looked around and realized they didn’t have enough food for all who had come, a truck unexpectedly arrived—filled with food for 200 people. It was a miracle. In an area where transporting food is difficult and costly, and where daily needs are often hard to meet, God showed once again that nothing is too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:27). To everyone’s amazement, the truck and the food had been sent by none other than world-renowned boxer Manny Pacquiao.

As testimonies were shared, it became clear: this mission was not just about a trip. It was a glimpse into the heart of God—who sees, who provides, who moves beyond all barriers to reach His people. Through the team’s willingness to trust Him completely, lives were touched, hearts were changed, and the name of Jesus was lifted high.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll share more of what God is doing through martial arts outreach (Toughguys Karate Training), a dynamic Fullcup young adults worship service, and more. God’s work is not finished—and the story continues.