Mama Planned Her Own Funeral
My Mother planned her own funeral service. She even helped design and put together her Memorial Brochure. I know that sounds macabre, but she did.
Quite a few years ago years ago, something was said, during one of my visits, about dying. I brought up the uncomfortable point that as an evangelist, I would no-doubt be preaching somewhere far away when she died. We both knew, that there may not be a lot of time to put together a nice Memorial keepsake she would like for others to remember her by. I suggested maybe we could put together a draft, so there wouldn’t be a lot of work to do later.
I said, “Mom, what picture would you like on the front of your Memorial Brochure? She looked with me through hundred of pictures and finally chose the one she liked. Then we started with planning the ceremony. When we finished, Mom read it and smiled.
The brochure that will be passed out at the funeral, is the one my Mother read first.
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 
YOUR IN MY PRAYERS AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ❤
LOVE SIS MARIA GOUMAS
SIS MARIA GOUMAS
January 19, 2012 at 1:50 am
She was so cute! She loved being involved in EVERYTHING! She made our life easier by planning everything ahead of time. I’m going to miss her so very much. So very much!
Nila Marxer
January 19, 2012 at 1:58 am
I love this picture !!! Your Mother was such a sweet lady, I only met her a couple of times, but it was such a pleasure to be around here… You were very blessed to have her in your life. I am praying for you and your family at this time.
Robin ~
Robin Mills
January 19, 2012 at 2:34 am
I love that pic!
What a beautiful lady. 🙂
jen lord
January 19, 2012 at 8:22 am
Very special.
Kenneth bow
January 19, 2012 at 8:29 am
This is such a beautiful testimony. A godly lady and her family who didn’t wish to see her depart, but were not afraid of it either. I have considered doing the same thing, but never mentioned it to anyone for fear of being seen as strange. I applaud you and her for being such godly, mature, and spiritual people. Your heritage is one of courage, faith, and holiness. May it live on into generations to come. Praying for you all Bro….
selfspeaks
January 19, 2012 at 9:31 am
Cool. I’ll be there tonight to sorrow and celebrate with all of you.
Comfort be yours.
Shirley Buxton
January 19, 2012 at 9:53 am
Your Mother was a treasure. I have so many beautiful memories of times your parents would visit Truth Tabernacle in Fresno. I loved her smile and her laugh. I was always left refreshed after spending time with her.
Praying for your family today, I know you will miss her greatly.
Kathy McElhaney
January 19, 2012 at 10:28 am
So precious! You have been in our thoughts and prayers, and so wish we could have attended her Home-Going Service! May God give you all His peace and strength.
Marla Van Beek
January 19, 2012 at 11:33 am
Brother Ballestero: You and your family are in my prayers.
Lawrence W. Wismer
January 19, 2012 at 5:35 pm
She was indeed a great mother!
Love & Prayers for the whole family
Shazia Burke
January 19, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Brother Marty,
Your family has always been so special to mine. We are praying for you through your sad time. Know that our hearts and prayers are with you all! Ruth Colbey
Ruth colbey
January 19, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Acres of Diamonds…your parents reunited on Streets of Gold. What a joyous sight the Angels are seeing! I feel your sorrow, and your loss…She was a precious jewel. And will never be forgotten! Love you all so much!
Jeannie Spell
January 19, 2012 at 11:02 pm
To all the Ballestero family: From the Atlantic coast (where I am now) to the Pacific, where you have been gathered in memory of your precious mother, my thoughts and prayers have been with you these days and especially this evening. I was honored and blessed to have known her and treasure the memories of our times together. My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Dorothy Alvear
January 19, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Though I never got to meet this precious lady in person the name Bro. & Sis. Ballestero was heard often growing up in church. We celebrate today with you for her life and influence in the Oneness Pentecostal movement! What a wonderful heritage,may we follow in her footsteps!
Bro. Matthew Coomer & Family
January 20, 2012 at 12:08 am
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful and wonderful woman of God… so thankful it was possible to listen to the beautiful service. (a big thank you to whom ever made that possible) My love to all the Ballestero family… I vow to “meet you in the morning”!
Ellen Gentry
January 20, 2012 at 1:15 am
MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF OUR TIME TOGETHER IN NATIONAL CITY.
YOUR MOM WAS A GREAT LADY AND WE LOVED HER.
THE BARKLEYS- BRO. VERNON, SIS. JOANN
VERNON BARKLEY
January 20, 2012 at 8:47 pm
I never had the opportunity to meet Sis Ballestero but after attending her Home Going service last night I feel like I knew her well. So much of her life was celebrated in those three wonderful hours! My wife described it perfectly when she said “That funeral was a life changing experience!” Thank You Elder Ballestero for such a great Holy Ghost filled “funeral” service!
Bro Troy & Sis Amy Gooch
January 20, 2012 at 10:49 pm
Bro Ballestero…I took pictures at the funeral and I wanted to mail you the CD. Can you let me know where I should mail it? …thanks:)
Bro Troy & Sis Amy Gooch
February 9, 2012 at 7:10 pm
I emailed you an address. Thank you so much!
Martyn Ballestero
February 11, 2012 at 2:16 am
Soldier won the battle , Lady won the war,there to live with Jesus, tears to cry no more. Met her first in Shelbyville,sang on Knowlton street,helped this trembling sinner, get up on her feet.She has made it home now,fought for all it’s worth,…look up to her in heaven , looked up to her on earth…
sis. cathy jo eyer
February 7, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Bro. & Sis Ballestero I miss yall very much guess I’ll have to wait till we meet in that New City of Jerusalem then we can dance and praise our Lord Jesus through out eternity. I know your praising with my little sister in Abraham’s bosom
Howard Gilmer
March 19, 2012 at 1:37 pm