Let's Join Our Hands for Nature

The most profound way of acknowledging that there is a true God living among us is having a story of life that are woven in space, in people where Brother and Sister in Christ have a similar pattern of how God called them to serve to the extend of those people in that story are connected

A Divine Legacy: The Faith That Carried Us Home

✨ Personal Story

On the morning of Brother Rod Yumul’s funeral, a memory popped up on my Facebook feed—a video from exactly nine years ago. It showed the beginning of a Christian Life Program (CLP) in Ukiah, Fort Bragg the very mission Brother Rod nurtured for Couples for Christ and Parejas Para Cristo. The song playing? “Fight the Good Fight of Faith.

That same night, I led praise and worship at our St. Vincent Charismatic Community and, without hesitation, I sang that very song. It wasn’t just a memory—it was a prophetic moment, one that spoke of Brother Rod’s legacy.

Brother Rod Yumul was a man of God-one who lived with humility, served with quiet strength, and walked with a burning passion for the Gospel.

His commitment to the Lord and this ministry was total. Always available. Always leading with love. Always ready to listen, correct with compassion, and encourage with firmness.

Brother Rodolfo Yumul, aside from his missionary work in Couples for Christ and Parejas Para Cristo, also handled the finances of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish with deep integrity and quiet dedication. He wasn’t one to seek the spotlight, but his careful stewardship helped sustain the Church’s ministries and outreach, ensuring that the mission of Christ continued to thrive behind the scenes.

Sister Edna, his devoted wife, likewise gave herself fully to the service of the Church. She was deeply involved in teaching the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)—guiding and forming those who were preparing to enter the Catholic faith. With patience, gentleness, and a heart full of truth, she walked with many seekers on their journey toward Christ and His Sacraments.

Their son had served as CFC missionary..

Their service was never flashy, but it was faithful.

Never loud, but deeply lasting.

They quietly built up the Body of Christ in ways that many may not have seen, but Heaven surely noticed.

In every word, every prayer, every act of service, his love for Christ and for souls was evident. He was not just a leader-he was a servant, a mentor, a spiritual father to many.

Through every mile he traveled, every couple he mentored, every prayer he led—he built the Kingdom of God one family at a time. His love for the mission brought him to far places like Ukiah and Sonoma, where he nurtured the faith communities of Parejas Para Cristo, never turning away from the call, even when it was inconvenient or difficult.

His passing leaves a void in our hearts, but it also leaves behind a deep imprint on our lives. He taught us, inspired us, and showed us what a servant is.

After the prayer meeting, I drove Sister Frances home. It was on my sharing that he learned about Brother Rod passing

Along the way, she shared a simple but profound memory.

More than 25 years ago, she was browsing at Home Depot when she noticed a beautiful fern plant. Turning to the woman beside her, she asked, “Do you know anything about this plant?” That woman was Sister Edna, Brother Rod’s wife. Their plant conversation quickly turned into something divine when Sister Edna asked, “Where do you go to church?” Frances replied, “St. Basil’s.” And just like that, Sister Edna invited her to the Charismatic prayer group.

Sister Frances didn’t even drive at the time. “I’ll pick you up,” Sister Edna offered without hesitation. That moment—a plant inquiry—became the doorway to a life rooted in the Holy Spirit.

Years later, Sister Frances became one of the most faithful leaders in our prayer community. She and I have witnessed miracles, healings, and answered prayers—some instantly, others after years of waiting. But always, in God’s time.

That evening, I sent her testimony video to John Yumul, Bro. Rod’s eldest son. His message back said it all:

“Yes, I remember Sister Frances.

Though Sister Frances wasn’t able to attend the funeral, t told her Brother Rod hears your heart.

Sharing another Story of Sister Frances about healing in one of gathering of Couples for Christ

And then—there’s my story.

Saint Vincent Charismatic Prayer Community

In 2006, five years after migrating to the U.S., I was still searching for a spiritual home. One day while driving along Georgia Street in Vallejo, I noticed a home selling plants. Something urged me to stop. I went in and heard two women talking about Santo Niño—the Child Jesus, to whom I have always had a deep devotion. Those women were Sister Frances and Sister Virgie.

They invited me to a Life in the Spirit Seminar, and from that encounter, my life changed. I joined St. Vincent Charismatic Community,

Couples for Christ

It was through this same deepening of faith that Brother Dean Castro later invited me to Couples for Christ. That invitation became another turning point in my spiritual life. I now look back and see clearly: I am so blessed. The Lord not only brought me to a place of worship, but to a mission, a family, and a calling.

In your faith journey you need to bring your family

A clear message of God.

I was mentored, guided by Brother Rod Yumul, Brother Amos de Leon, and many other humble, faithful leaders.

These stories—Frances’s and mine—both began with a plant.

Just as seeds take time to grow, God uses even the smallest things to bring people into His kingdom.

📖 Scripture Reflection

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

Brother Rod finished his race with faith and fervor. Through the CLPs that started in Ukiah, through his devotion to his family, and through the many lives he touched—he lived out his calling.

🔥 A Call to Continue Their Legacy

Let us not allow their passing to be the end of their mission.

Let it be the beginning of our deeper commitment.

To honor their memory, we must:

Love the Church as they did. Serve our families with humility and joy. Say yes when God calls—again and again. Encourage the next generation to rise, just as they encouraged us.

May their legacy lives in us.

Let’s live it well.

Let’s continue the journey.

For Christ. For the family. For the mission.

🙏 Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the life and legacy of Brother Rod Yumul.

Thank You for how You use everyday moments—a ride, a song, a conversation, a plant—to draw us near.

May we also be vessels of invitation, just like Sister Edna, Sister Frances, and those who welcomed me.

Help us recognize divine appointments and respond with courage, love, and faith.

And when our time comes, may we too be found faithful, having fought the good fight.

Amen.

✍️ Journal Prompts

Can you recall a simple moment that became a turning point in your faith? Who were your spiritual mentors? How did they help guide your path? Is God calling you to extend a small invitation today? What could that invitation look like—a ride, a message, a prayer?

ENGLISH translation

Couples for Christ

FAREWELL FOR NOW, FAITHFUL SERVANT

Rod Yumul

With hearts full of sorrow but also gratitude, we bid farewell to a great leader, brother, and friend in the faith. Today, a pillar of our ministry, Couples for Christ, has gone to the presence of the Lord.

He was a man of God who lived with humility, walked with passion for the Gospel, and served with unwavering dedication. His commitment to the Lord and this ministry was total—always available, always leading with love, firmness, and compassion. In every word, in every prayer, in every act of service, his love for Christ and for souls was evident.

His passing leaves a void in our hearts, but also a deep imprint in our lives. He taught us, encouraged us, corrected us with tenderness, and motivated us to remain firm on the path of the Lord.

Today, we do not say goodbye with sadness alone, but with hope, knowing that he has run the good race, fought the good fight, and received the crown promised to faithful servants.

May the Lord welcome him with open arms.

May his life continue to be an example for all of us who serve on this beautiful journey.

May we never forget his legacy of love, unity, and faith.

Rest in peace, beloved brother.

Your memory will live forever in the heart of Couples for Christ.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…”

— 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Brother Carlos