Florida Andres Agngarayngay

Our sister Florida Manuel Andres Agngarayngay born into this world on November 19, 1940. Her parents were Buenavida Cabacungan Andres and Carmen Raymundo Manuel Andres. She was born in a remote place in the Northern part of Luzon, specifically Sinaoangan Norte, San Agustin, Isabela, Philippines. Her siblings are Warlina Andres Pascual and Relecita Andres Proctor. She was more than a sister to them; she was like a second mother.

In 1947, she started her school journey at the age of 7 years old. No pre-school nor kindergarten then. She graduated High School with honors in 1957 at Jones Rural High School. Thereafter, she went to Bethel Bible Institute, now bethel Bible College in Valenzuela, Philippines to pursue Ministry. She was a very talented person in that she played piano and accordion. She also had a nice voice that while she was in Bible College, she occasionally sang at DZAS, a religious broadcast singing duet with her classmate by the name Mamerta, who became her sister-in-law being married to her cousin, Ireneo Manuel. After her graduation in Bible School in 1960, her calling to become teacher of the Word became a reality. In 1960, she joined the National Bible Institute in Cauayan, Isabela Philippines as one of the teaching staff. She taught Music 1 & 2, Old Testament Survey, Poetical Books and Principles of Teaching.

Her husband Pastor Pete pursued Ministry in 1960 at the National Bible Institute and there he met our sister Florida. Their love for each other developed. On June 26, 1967, the two became one. At some point, her husband was appointed the principal of the Bible School. While in Bible School, she pursued her further education in Isabela Colleges and got a bachelor’s degree in science education. She graduated as cum laude. All in all, Sister Flor served for 16 years teaching in Bible School.

A blessed day came when their petition to migrate to the USA materialized through the instrumentality of their sister Frances Ramolete on April 4, 1978. She was 38 years old then.

She worked in an electronic company in Silicon Valley and retired at the age of 59 years old when her husband retired at 65 in 1999. And on Nov. 14, 1985, she became a naturalized American citizen.

In life, Flor lived life to its fullest. Flor was an avid worker in her secular career, above all in her service to the Lord with her husband even if they were busy working to earn a living in their secular jobs, they did not neglect their ministry to and for the Lord.

They, as husband and wife, continued their calling in the ministry. In 1979 after their arrival in the USA, they pastored the Filipino American Church of God until Sept 25, 2016. To this date, she is a faithful member of the church now called Santa Clara Miracle Church of God. To God be all the glory for her life of legacy, a faithful servant and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Flor was a loving, caring, humble, self-sacrificing individual. In relation to her sisters, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, she was loving, compassionate, and always encouraging with a smile. She had a lending ear and shared godly wisdom. Though she did not have a child of her own, she was blessed with numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Her home is always open to host friends and families who are visiting the USA. Her hospitality is exemplary, giving her best to accommodate them. Pastors from the Philippines attending the Church of God General Assembly every two years were often her guests.

As a wife, she was consistently faithful, very loving, and always concerned about the welfare of her husband. Even in the midst of her pain and suffering, she always demonstrated all of these characteristics. The last message she sent to her husband while in the hospital before she passed away, read “I love you. You are always in my heart. Take care.” She always told her sisters-in-law, Rose & Georgina, not to flavor his food with too much salt! Her hobby was gardening, and her garden stands out in the neighborhood. Not just outside, even the inside of the house is full of plants. She found joy growing succulents and orchids. She is famous for her sunflower motif in her kitchen.

These attributes make up the special person she was, especially to her husband. Glory to God!

Her earthly life ended on March 7, 2025, and went immediately into the presence of the Lord forever and ever. Someday we will meet our sister Flor again in that eternal place the Lord promised to all who believe and accept Jesus as their savior. Amen!