The Ballestero Blog

When I was a small lad of ten or so, my father, Evangelist Carl Ballestero preached a revival in Texas City, Texas for a Pastor Titus McDonald. My memories of those days are faded somewhat with time. But I remember being there.

I remember also meeting Brother Titus McDonald’s son, Rodney. He  was about my age. I never dreamed that someday we both would find ourselves in the ministry and that I would preach for him like my father preached for his father, and later preach revivals for his son.

In the early sixties, I attended Western Apostolic Bible College in Stockton, CA. That is where I met Bishop Rodney McDonald’s lovely future bride. Her name then was Sister Karen Hedger.

Imagine my surprise years later to find out that my old acquaintance was married to someone I had met out in California years ago.

Over the last decade or so our paths have crossed with the McDonald family quite frequently. It has been my great honor to preach several revivals for Pastor Nathan McDonald, their son. The church is in great hands with his leadership and is experiencing a wonderful move of the Lord.

Last month, I preached a revival at their church and one afternoon was honored to go out to eat lunch with the Bishop and his wife in downtown Oklahoma City. No one knew that it was to be one of my last moments to be with them together.

I was awaken with the news today of his impending passing. He was given “minutes or maybe hours” to live. My heart hurt with the news. I became overwhelmed with emotion.

This morning Bishop Rodney McDonald went from this life into the Glory World. He had struggled with health issues for several years now, and it hurt to even watch him try to breathe on his bad days.

I Salute Him and Honor Him.

• The Godliest of men.
• Pristine in his principles and motives.
• A man of honorable ethics.
• Accurate in doctrine.
• Devoted to his wife.
• Devoted to God.
• He gave his life to the Work of God
• Uncompromising.
• A Preacher’s Preacher
• He held fast to the Old Paths.
• He lived what he preached.
• He was given to hospitality.
• Everyone that knew him loved him.

Goodbye My Dear Friend. I Love You!

I will always treasure our moments, meals, and the memories we made. We were just together a few short weeks ago. It doesn’t seem possible!

Join with me in prayers and support for the whole family, especially Sister Karen McDonald, their son Pastor Nathan McDonald and church, Apostolic Faith Tabernacle, Oklahoma City, OK.