Erlinda Javelona Estrella

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am, Wednesday July 3, 2024 at the Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary with Dr. Mark Schweitzer, Chaplain, officiating. Burial will follow at the Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary.

Mom was born on March 26, 1939 to Rosendo and Riza Javelona. She was the 6th out of 10 siblings: 5 boys and 5 girls. She came from a well-off, but very humble family. Her father was one of the pioneers and became the mayor of Matanao, Davao del Sur, Philippines. He had to give away lands in order to attract people to move in to the township.

Mom graduated from Ebenezer Bible College, Zamboaga City, Philippines. She is survived by her spouse, Henry, four children - Joy, Albert, Mariza and Alvin, six grandchildren – Gerilyn, Brian, Allie, Ian, Kristen and Maevery, great-grandchildren - Matthew, Mia, Maxuel, Dominic, Dylan and Desly and four siblings - Thelma, Aida, Lindo and Amable.

At age 15, through the ministry of an American Missionary couple, Mom received the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Her parents really wanted her to become a pharmacist but because of her new-found faith and love for the Lord, she enrolled in bible school – Ebenezer Bible College in the Philippines and majored in Child Evangelism.

In 1961, Mom was in her senior year at Ebenezer Bible College when Dad enrolled as a junior year student, majoring in Theology. Dating in bible school was very strict. Dad befriended the Dean of Women (Mommy Limbaring) so he can talk to Mom. Mom belonged to a singing group and traveled around the country. Dad was one of the Advisors of the group. When they reached Dad’s hometown, Dad introduced Mom to his father by saying, “Tatay, this is my Palangga.” It means, “Father, this is the love of my life.” Mom was shocked because she did not know at that time that dad was interested in her. In 1962, Mom graduated Bible School and worked for the Child Evangelism Fellowship in Davao City. Dad went on his Bible School Internship and was assigned in Salaman, Cotabato, Philippines. It was a 32-hour travel by land and sea to visit Mom in Davao City. He graduated Bible School in 1964. They were married January 2, 1965.

A week after they were married, they left for their first church assignment as a couple in New Panay, Philippines, a small barrio in Mindanao. They ministered in that church for one year until dad’s home church in Kalawag, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat called them to head the church. From 1966 to 1983 they ministered the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church (C&MA) in Isulan. In November 1983, the family immigrated to the United States to join with the rest of the Estrella clan.

During their tenure at the C&MA, Dad was the Senior Pastor while Mom worked in the Children’s Department, the Choir and the Women’s Group. Mom was a pastor’s wife who dedicated her life in the service of the Lord. She was a great example of balancing marriage with ministry and family. Mom truly epitomizes the Proverbs 31 woman, in this way. Many children (now adults with their own kids/grandkids) came to know the Lord Jesus Christ through her ministry. Mom was a great soloist of her time. She also taught organ/piano and many are now professional pianists. Dad and Mom financially supported many young people in the Philippines in order for them to attend Bible School. Many are now ministering in several churches. The last few years were dedicated to her loved ones in her hometown. Each year they would go home and spend 3 months with relatives and people who were close to her. They’ve established weekly bible studies and the choir which to this date, continues to thrive. Throughout their marriage, they dedicated their lives to the ministry of the Lord.

The greatest testimony of their marriage is their prayer life and God was at the center of it. Mom and Dad set time each night reading scriptures and praying together. May 18th, 2024, when Mom could no longer stay up for their devotions, Dad continued their devotional time together in bed. He continued doing that until Mom’s passing. Indeed, they have been married for 59 years and 6 months with Jesus being at the center of their marriage. Mom and Dad were prayer warriors for every member, relative and friend. Our thriving family is truly the recipient of their love and faithfulness in praying and studying God’s word.

Mom loved her children, their spouses, grandkids, their spouses and great-grandkids. She witnessed to them individually about Jesus Christ. She glorified the Lord through her love of her family. Her grand and great-grandchildren loved their Lola’s cooking and they would ask her to cook their favorite dish. They call Lola and Lolo’s house the “House-house”. Joshua 24:15 was Mom’s favorite verse (…as for me and my house we will serve the Lord). That stuck in our minds since we were kids. It’s all about serving the Lord. The song, “The Longer I serve Him (the sweeter He grows)” is the family’s theme song.

Even in her deathbed she enjoyed being surrounded by her loved ones. Everyone sung hymns of praise with Lola even until her last breath. Her life was a testimony of faithfulness and love for Christ. God allowed Mom to have a prolonged finale, defying and thwarting science, gloriously and miraculously faithful until the end. In the midst of suffering and sorrow, her grace and peacefulness shown through. She was a picture of joyful surrender, glorifying Christ until her last breath. What a beautiful testimony and legacy for her family to behold!