Tony Janacito passed away this past week. He was 92 years of age. I visited with his wife, Jane, last night for a few minutes on the phone, while most of the world was watching the Oscars. People were engaged with interest, wondering who would garner the next golden Oscar statue, or gazing upon the style of clothing that the movie stars were wearing.

Meanwhile, I was chatting with Jane, who lost her husband, which was, indeed, a far greater concern to me. You see, it’s when you lose your husband, wife, or any loved one, that things take on an eternal perspective.

Many of you do not know Tony, but trust me, there are a LOT of people who DO know Tony… Because every Sunday of his life, with very few exceptions, Tony led someone down the aisles of our church to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In all my years of ministry, I have never met someone who so diligently led men and women to salvation. Every Sunday, I’d see Tony walking down the aisle… and to his side would be someone that he had befriended and led to the Lord, and now they were stepping forward to accept Jesus as Lord.

Talk about receiving a trophy!!! When Tony got to heaven, he received his heavenly reward. There are many people who are grateful to Tony for taking the time and the interest to be concerned with their eternal soul.

Tony, I want you to know that you are going to be missed in a mighty, mighty way. Our church will never be the same without you. You were a true soulwinner. God used you in ways most people only dream of. Thank you for always being concerned about the lost.

May you dwell in your heavenly home with your eternal rewards forever and ever and ever.