‘Susan Strong’

I was asked to officiate the funeral service of Susan Rivera this past Saturday. It was over a year ago when I officiated the funeral service for her son Alan. I have become good friends of the family through these tough times. I first visited Susan when she was at Rust hospital over a year ago, she recovered from her illness. One day she called me and we talked for about a half-hour. I then met her again on a very sad day, the funeral for her son. So very sad. I asked her to speak at the service for Alan, and she did from her wheelchair. Susan spoke such love for her son, so much love……….she also shared her thanks for all that came to Alan’s funeral. The West Mesa Community Center in Albuquerque was full.

I so much admire Susan for her love for Jesus and all people, her courage to forge ahead in life despite being in a wheelchair and all the health battles she fought. Susan’s life speaks volumes of overcoming great obstacles. I am a wimp compared to her. Doctors thought she would live to be just 9 years old……..

Susan’s sister April Gurry write this tribute….

Susan Rivera was 53 years old when she passed away on September 30th of this year. She endured a life full of challenges due to her medical conditions. She was born with a condition, Spina Bifida, that left her paralyzed and wheelchair-bound. She had a life expectancy of 9 years old per her doctors at birth, and she surpassed that many times over. Susan has accomplished many milestones in her life, even with her physical limitations. She graduated high school, partially attended college, had a son that she loved dearly, and outlived her parents. Although Susan faced many hardships in her life she always found a way to overcome life’s difficulties and tragedies. She meant so much to her family, caregivers, and friends.

I learned at the funeral that Susan had been a dj for my fried, the late Scott Flury, who owned founded the Chama, NM radio station. Scott worked for me in my days as manager of the Sports Animal radio station in Albuquerque for a time. Scott and I became great friends. I officiated his funeral in 2022. Scottie had such a heart for all people, he was always trying to help others and he gave Susan a great opportunity at the radio station. Scott Flury enters into the arms of Jesus

The West Mesa Community Center was filled on Saturday to pray tribute to the life of Susan. She is a miracle of God! When I asked at the end of the service if anyone would like to share a testimony on how Susan touched their life, many came forward to speak of their love for dear Susan. They all spoke of her courage and love and her ability to make them laugh!

Let us all be ‘Susan Strong’ I told the family we need t-shirts with that on them!

The Lord has had me officiating many funeral’s over the last 15 years. I have learned so much from God and all the people I have served. I thank the Lord for making me a better husband, father, grandpa, and Pastor. Getting to know the families, understanding their struggles, loving all people, and just listening to them has been a godly education. Thank you Lord, and thanks to all the families that call on me for help, trusting me to serve in a godly manner. Some ask me, “What do you charge?” I say nothing but this,  Jesus gave His life for you and me…how would I ever charge for my services? People support FGGAM, that is how we survive. I must add that many families do give love offerings. We are thankful for that. All of the services I do have the message of Salvation. I ask you, “heaven is a prepared place, are you prepared for heaven?” Our citizenship is in heaven. II Corinthians 5:8-10 NKJV. and Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV.

Just one more important thing…..so many of her caretakers came to Susan’s service! It was wonderful to see! I am so very thankful for those that care for others! Please make sure and love on these folks! Sine the light of JESUS!

Today more than ever I am thinking of the many families that have trusted me to officiate the services of their loved ones. It is very touching when I am asked to help.