Steve Alessi: Author of Alessi’s Angle, Pastor of Metro Life Church in Miami, Husband of World Renown Worship Leader Mary Alessi and Father of Four. Today's PrayDay Blog is dedicated to the memory of a dear friend, JC Diaz. This past Monday morning, in the early hours, a man that I've known for over 15 years, a man that loved and provided for his wife, daughter and mother faithfully, a man that gave and enjoyed his friends sincerely, and a comrade that served me and my family graciously each weekend, suddenly passed away. And tonight, along with his many friends and family members, our Metro Life Family will gather to say our final goodbyes.
We are all in shock this week as we try and piece together the emotions so many of us are dealing with. It was just this weekend at Metro that many greeted JC, hugged his neck, shook his hand, and patted him on the back. His always inviting spirit allowed him to connect with so many at a genuine level that made us love him deeply. And now we're finding it hard to process that he's not going to be around any longer. As one brother mentioned to me at prayer yesterday; "I saw him in the parking lot this weekend and he looked so busy. I went to say goodbye, but then thought I wouldn't bother him. So I left. Man, I wish I would have said goodbye."
As I prepare for this evening's Memorial Service, I'm inundated with so many great memories of JC. My relationship started with he and Maria back in the Amway days, before their beautiful daughter Melinda was born. Mary and I were always greeted with the warm, loving spirit that became the Diaz's calling card. Years later as we were growing our Metro family, I remember the day they walked in and reconnected and we were so encouraged by their presence as God used them to encourage us in the building of this baby church. For the last few years, JC Diaz has been my personal MPA (Ministry Personal Assistant). Each weekend as I pulled up to my parking space for service, he willingly and faithfully served me, making sure the little particulars were covered for me so that I can serve each member of our Metro family. Some people would see him and question; "Is he Pastor's Body Guard?" Not at all, he was one of the few men that joyfully took on the role as my Armor Bearer.
One more memory stands out in my mind when I think of JC. It was the day he came and gave me a beautiful green box. As I opened it in disbelief, tears immediately filled my eyes. It was a stunning Submariner, blue, silver and gold, Rolex watch. JC and Maria felt led of God to sow this extravagant seed into my life along with a gorgeous Rolex ring. I'll never forget that moment and what God spoke to my spirit when I saw this seed, and the bond it formed with me and JC. From that day on, whenever me and a ministry friend of mine would speak, on occasion he would ask me, "How is the Rolex Man doing?"
Over the years when we were building Metro, I felt that I should sell the Rolex to raise the needed funds for our building project. Each time I would hear the Lord tell me no, as this was a seed that JC and Maria sowed into "your" life, and "every time they see you wearing it, they are blessed by the harvest they can witness by the seed they've sown into your life and ministry." I'm so glad I never sold the watch, because now as I look at my wrist and see the beautiful time piece, I am reminded of the bond the Rolex Man and I will share in eternity. Yes, I will miss my dear armor bearer, but will never forget him as time clicks on by. He's left me with a special seed to always remember him by.
On this PrayDay, remember to pray for Maria and Melinda Diaz. And remember to always love and cherish every day God's given you to sow into the lives you love the most.
Finally, a small clarification on the funeral arrangements. Metro Life will still have our normal services tonight. Following service, we will all go to the funeral home to have a prayer time at 10:00 pm. Tomorrow, the burial has been moved from 11 am to 1 pm.
Wednesday Oct. 19th
Viewing from 6 PM till 1 AM
Prayer Service at 10 pm
Vior Funeral Home
291 NW 37th Ave.Miami, Fl. 33125
305-643-3131
Thursday, October 20th
Burial Service at the cemetery at 1 pm
Miami Memorial Park
6200 SW 77th Avenue
Miami, 33143
305-274-0364
