“There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light.” – John 1:6-7
On the night of May 8, Pastor John Ost left his wife and children, who surrounded his bed, holding his hands and singing “When He Calls Me, I Will Answer”, and went to be with the Savior who he had served so faithfully for so many years. 
Pastor John Ost, or “Pastor Juanito”, as his congregation at “Iglesia Bíblica” knew him, will be remembered for his devout commitment to Jesus, his love and dedication to his wife, Clara, his family, and his untiring love and devotion to the people of South Texas and Mexico.
After attending Taylor University and the University of Mexico (UNAM), Pastor Ost came to McAllen as a young man in 1953, where he began his ministry as Pastor of Iglesia Bíblica.
John Ost served faithfully as Pastor until 1966, when he became General Director of Christian Fellowship Union, and began traveling extensively in Mexico, encouraging pastors and opening new areas to the Gospel. When he wasn’t in Mexico, Pastor Ost would travel throughout the United States, urging American Christians to get involved in the task of reaching our neighbor, Mexico, for Christ.
In 1986, John Ost once again became Pastor of Iglesia Bíblica, and flourished for 20 years in what he called his “highest calling”. Throughout his life, both as a missionary and pastor, he gave himself to the people of Mexico and South Texas through his preaching, teaching, visitation, counseling, and officiating hundreds of weddings, funerals, quinceañeras and baby dedications.
Every day, Pastor Ost would start his morning with his cup of coffee and his Bible. After reading his Bible and praying for literally hours, he would make long lists (in his many notebooks) of hurting people to pray for and visit throughout the week. Even when eating at Denny’s with the family, he would get up and walk around the tables to, in his words, “see if I can cheer somebody up.” If you live in the Valley, you no doubt know someone who was touched by John Ost’s ministry.
Pastor Ost’s ministry could be summed up by Paul’s words about Timothy in his letter to the Philippians: “I have no one like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.”
John Ost was a great son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, and a role model of the ideal pastor and man of God to all who knew him. For all of us who remain, Pastor John Ost will be missed, but we will see him again in heaven, worshiping at the feet of Jesus.
He is survived by his wife, Clara R. Ost of McAllen, children, Samuel C. (Linda) Ost of McAllen, James A. (Esther) Ost of McAllen, Deborah L. (Lance) Krueger of Mission and Stephanie F. (Eddie) Martinez of Mission, 6 grandchildren; Joel, Nathan, Elizabeth, Caroline, Lorien and Rachel, 3 sisters; Virginia Corbin, Betty Omley, and Grace McElhannan, a brother, Stanley Ost, many nieces and nephews, and father-in-law, John A. Riveness.
A visitation with memorial service will be held Thursday, May 11, 2006 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home, 621 E. Griffin Parkway, Mission. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2006, at Iglesia Biblica, 306 S. 26th St., McAllen. Burial to follow at Valley Memorial Gardens, McAllen.
Services under the direction of Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.
Word to the Wise 
We can all be so thankful for Jesus’ love, which shone so brightly through your father’s life and ministry, and which assures his eternal life in heaven. Just think how much better his glorified, resurrected body will be able to enjoy God forever!
Your Dad was a wonderful Godly man. We all loved him very much. We’re praying for your family Jim.
To me, Paster Ost embodied someone who lived, breathed and walked his faith in a manner that was very genuine. He touched many lives, including mine, and for that we are all grateful.
We’ll see you in heaven, Pastor Juanito.
Jim, I’ll always remember your father as a godly and zealous man who loved His Savior more than the world. Thanks for letting me know about His “graduation”. I look forward to spending time with him in eternity. Elyse
My dad one time made the comment that he would give anything in exchange for Pastor John’s health when John had open heart surgery back in the late 80’s. At that time I did not understand why my dad would say such things because Pastor John was not related to us. Many years later I understood why my dad felt that way. John was not our blood relative but better yet he was our big brother in Christ. Pastor John was a genuine leader. He lived by example. I am so grateful God for having the opportunity to spend time with him, learn from him, and taken his advice. He genuinely cared about us. Pastor John is now having the time of his life with God and all the people that went before him and met him at those pearly gates. Till then, we’ll see you there Juanito.
What can we say, Pastor John was a wonderful man, I met him only three years ago and right away I felt his love and passion for the Church and saw him as a dad. When he married David and me he always asked us how we were doing, and always asked, “como estan los Novios”, he is a very loving man. I say is because as long as we remember him he will always be with us in spirit. Sometimes I wonder why things happen, but God needs him now, and we can’t be selfish! We love you guys, we are here for you. You are in our hearts, we will keep you in our prayers…love always…David and Brenda Madrigal
Jim,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your dad was a great man here on earth and heaven has received one of its finest. What a great obituary from the Monitor. May God’s peace surround your family as you mourn the loss of your father and also celebrate his homecoming.
Sincerely,
Brian Russell
We will surely miss your dad. He always made us feel like we were welcome at Iglesia Biblica, from the time we first came as new Kingsway students and knew very few words in Spanish. Then every year when we would come out of Mexico to itinerate in the USA, we looked forward to seeing our church “family” in McAllen, Texas. When Pastor John preached you could always count on a sermon rich in practical applications from the word of God. I always recieved something I could use in my daily life. It’s sad to think that we have to wait till we get to heaven to
hear him preach again (aside from recordings). Pastor John will be sorely missed by our family. Wish we could be there for the funeral.
You and the whole family are in our prayers, and you’ll be seeing my husband John and son Peter in a few days.
Love and blessings,
Patty (and David)
Dear Family,
I will miss dear Uncle John. I like the Spanish way of describing his relationship to me, “tío abuelo.” He was something between an uncle and a grandfather to me. I will miss him when I visit McAllen…. church and family gatherings won’t be the same without him!
Many images and memories of him have come to my mind in the last few days, but the one that is my favorite is the memory of his laugh. I can’t describe it well, but I just loved that chuckle of his that was usually in response to something comical said by one of his children.
Another thing that comes to mind when I think of Uncle John is gentleness. He had the gift of mercy and he was such a gentle spirit. His gentleness was especially evident in his relationship with Clara. He treated her like a queen and took care of her in such a sweet way.
I will miss him dearly. I’m glad he’s finally reached his Canaan rest. I wish I could’ve hugged him one more time before he left, but I know lots of Uncle John hugs await all of us in Eternity.
Love,
Becky
Querida familia!
siento mucho la perdida de nuestro Hno. Juanito. Aunque sabemos que ahora ‘el esta mucho mejor que nosotros, sin embargo eso no quita la tristeza que sentimos en el corazón por el gran hueco y vacio que él ha dejado. Para mi siempre fue un gran varon de Dios que vivia lo que predicaba, siempre me tocaba su amor y compasión por el perdido, su fidelidad y amor al Señor es un ejemplo a seguir. Pero sobre todo nunca olvidaré que estuvo dispuesto a apoyarnos cuando hicimos nuestros viajes misioneros en México (Paty Salinas, Blanca Vazquez y yo), aun recuerdo en diciembre cuando estuvimos con ustedes (en McAllen), él me decia que recordaba cuando lo habiamos invitado a tomar un cafe para presentarle nuestros planes. Otra cosa que recuerdo de él es que siempre preguntaba por mi familia y por un tio con quien él tuvo buena amistad. Pero sobre todas las cosas nunca olvidare ese domingo 2 de Septiembre de 1979 cuando él predico en la Iglesia de Victoria y esa mañana yo decidi entregar mi vida al Señor, por eso doy gracias a Dios por este gran varon que dio su vida al ministerio, me pregunto cuántos nombres han sido escritos en el libro de la vida por causa de él, y entre esos esta el mío. Gracias Tío Juanito por tu amor y tu entrega al Señor, siempre estarás en nuestra mente y en nuestro corazón.
Con Cariño,
Rita Johnson
Dear Jim and Esther,
Robbie and I want to send out heartfelt condolences to you and to your entire family…..John Spyker told us about your father….we were talking to a young girl who lives with us and explaining to her who your dad was…we both said ” he was such a GOOD man, a man of integrity, a godly man, a man who so loved his wife and his family…..we are praying for you all that you will be comforted and strenthened by the One who is eternal and always with us and who loves you with a loved that will never be broken and will let us be separated from Him.
Love in Him,
Robbie and Pat Evans
Dear Clara, Jim & Esther, Sam & Linda, Debbie & Lance, and Stephie & Eddie,
We want you to know that you are in our prayers and hearts at this difficult time of saying good-bye to your husband and father. The older we get the harder it is to find men around us that we look up to as a father figure, a leader, and someone who has wisdom from generations past. John Ost was one of those men in our lives. He always received us well and always had something good to share. His legacy will live on in all of you, his grandchildren, his flock and all the others all over the world who have been touched by his grace, gentleness, steadfastness and holiness. We see John in each one of you Osts, being lived out in an individual, vibrant way. We support you and the church during this time.
All our love,
Marty and Mary
Dear Jim,
Today we read of your father’s home going. Even though you must be filled with sorrow, still, as Paul said “we sorrow not like others who have no hope”. You will now fill a very large role of leadership in your family and church. We have been and will continue to pray for you. Please greet your wife, whom we have not met as yet. In consideration of the pressure and sorrow of the moment, I will keep this short. Keep looking to Jesus for strenght and may the God of all grace be your loving Father in even a greater way during thise days.
Love Peg and Irv Gillett
Thirteen years ago I was hurting over the loss of my dad. As I knelt before my dad’s body, I felt like the lonliest person on the face of this earth. I was surrounded by my family, but it really didn’t make any difference.
I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder. As I turned to look back, I saw a pair of the most compassionate eyes looking at me. God had sent a special friend to be with me in my darkest hour. It was pastor, and with tears in his eyes he told me everything was going to be alright. I also learned that he had left the Sunday morning sermon in charge of someone else because one of his flock was hurting. I always knew that pastor cared about the church, but on that day I saw with my own eyes the love that Jesus Christ had placed in my pastor’s heart. Pastor made an effort to go looking for me even after my dads funeral just to see how I was doing. Pastor was always willing to sacrifice himself for someone else.
When I learned that pastor was diagnosed with the tumor, I knew in my heart that if anyone could overcome this problem it was Pastor. God had Pastor in the palm of His hand. I knew that John was a fighter, and would never give up.
Pastor you fought the good fight and now it’s time to rest. I know that you wanted to take me on a trip but it’s o’k we’ll take it when we are together in God’s heavenly streets. If I could speak with you just one more time, I would say to you that I love you. That I miss you, and that you made a difference in my life. I will never forget all the fellowship you and I shared. The trips you and I made to Harlingen every Thursday to the Bible study and just talking on the phone.
Thank you so much for your love and time, and not only were you my pastor but a friend whom I could count on. Clara thank you for unselfishly sharing pastor with us. May God Bless You and keep you in the palm of His hand. The Lord giveth and Lord taketh, Glory be to Him.
Ismael Fernandez
Greetings all from Calgary on a chilly spring day in Alberta.
It was supposed to snow but fortunately no sign of it yet.
It has been sad to hear of Uncle John’s dying (causing me to reflect on Mom and Dad’s home going) but it is so good to know that he is now whole again and has heard those words “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
My memories are mostly of his days of courting Clara and their wedding! He (and Clara) were so much fun – always ready to play inside or out, sing songs with the guitar and piano, tell stories and entertain with great amounts of fun and laughter. Remember there was no TV in those days so talking and family were everything! (I have a feeling they found us kids quite obnoxious at times as we gave them no time to be alone together!) I so vividly remember their wedding and I can still hear them singing Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us and then I can see them on the video in my mind – walking down the aisle together. As a little girl I remembered their wedding and dreamt with hope that my wedding, marriage and life would be lived with that theme.
From then on it was always John and Clara! They lived their lives together as fully devoted followers of Christ and fully devoted to each other and their family.
Thanks for these memories – we have a wonderful heritage in our family and the godly lives that have been lived before us.
Love, Peggy
(I am sure Lorne will write memories too as He has the gift of remembering and he has known Uncle John much better in these recent years from serving on the CFU Board.)
Dear Aunt Clara, Sam & Linda, Jim & Esther, Debbie & Lance, Steph and Eddie,
I am SO sorry that Uncle John has died. I can’t stop crying this morning. He was such a Godly man, gentle, wise, tender, merciful. And as Doug said last night, “His was a life well lived.” Not rich by this world’s standards but rich in character and faith and love.
I have memories of Uncle John from when I was very little, times when he and Clara would come to the farm in Minnesota and there was always coffee and Swedish coffee bread and laughter! I remember many times (it seems like many) when they would be at our house and I would come in from school to the family sitting around the small kitchen table at the farm having wonderful discussions. What a warm memory.
The summer of my 16th year I spent 3 weeks in south Texas. God changed my life that summer and Uncle John had a significant part in that. He preached a sermon based on a vision Rita had during prayer for me the previous Sunday and God convicted me during that message of the need to be completely committed to Jesus.
From that same summer I have many memories of fun times together – there was always laughter and fun and Uncle John had the most amazing ability to make me feel like I was important and like my opinion mattered.
I could go on. My memories of Uncle John cover Thanksgiving board meetings in Mpls, his visit to us in Montana, several times in Richfield in the 90s and then as Mom was dying he came and ministered to her in a beautiful way. I wish Mom and Dad were here to tell how they loved and valued Uncle John, for they truly did.
As with my folks, it seems it was always John AND Clara, so Auntie Clara I am saying these things about you, too. You and John have impacted so many for the kingdom and brought joy along the way. THANK YOU.
I am so sorry for your loss and Doug and I are praying for you.
Love,
Sue (for Doug and Trish and Angie, too)
Jim,
I just heard that your dad John Ost past away to be in God’s presence
eternally.
What a blessing your dad was to us and me personally for the time that I was in McAllen, He was a true man of God and always had a timely word from God. I appreciated his heart for God and the ways of God. His live definitely impacted my life as I am sure hundreds of others in US and Mexico and other countries.
WEll we feel with you your loss and heavens gain.
Blessings and love your brother in HIM
Tom Spyker
Debbie, Jim,
I have been thinking of and praying for you all all day. We love you guys.
Psalm 116.15 – Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
When Grandpa was dying, this verse helped me a lot. Although nothing escapes God, I was comforted to know that his special care and concern was directed towards Grandpa when his time came. Uncle John is a saint.
Love,
Ben, Jen, and Lydia
Jim,
I feel I have been blest with the best in knowing your father. He truly lived out the Greatest Commandment. His deep love for God and care for people was second to none. He will be missed. On the morning of his last day on earth, Nancy and I read passages from Isaiah to him including the last part of Chapter 35. “They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” Your father has been overtaken with gladness and joy.
Keith
Dear Jim and Esther,
I am really sorry for your lost. When I think about John Ost I think about a righteous man. A man of integrity an example to others in leadership. A man that showed me the love of Jesus Christ and believed in my calling and ministry. I will miss to hear his jokes and his advises. I am glad I was able to see him again and talk to him last January. We will see him again walking on the golden streets of the new Jerusalem. May the Lord give you the peace you need at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Uli
I love Pastor John a lot and will miss him. All my life has been Iglesia Biblica and all (los hermanos) the brothers from church have been a part of my family. I do not imagine how things will be in not seeing Pastor John on every single church service. Walking around the church and stopping to say “hi” to members and to the new people welcoming them to church. I have been thinking of so many memories that I have of Pastor Juanito of my Quinceanera, my high school graduation, my dad’s funeral, my college graduation and all the endless church activities that we had. I remember that every time I could go and talk to him like a friend (when I had a concern or just simply have a good conversation). The last time I sat and ate dinner with him was at a church Quinceanera where he sat across from me at the reception and we spoke about everything. He wanted to know how I was doing, how things were at work and at home. I had a good time that evening talking with him.
Pastor John was always concern for my family and worried about my mom, sisters and brothers and of course he also wanted to know if I had already met the “guy”. Oh, yes, the question of the day and I would just laugh and would say “no”. On one of those times, Pastor John told me “your dad is not here any more but because he was a deacon of this church it is my obligation for you to bring the young man to the deacons and see if we are going to approve” I laugh and said that was “fine”, but he didn’t stop there he went to my sister Rosie who was standing next to me and told her “nothing yet, because she needs to choose carefully not just any guy but make sure she chooses a man who loves the Lord just like your dad.”
Thanks, hermano Juanito for everything you did for my family and for me.
To the Ost family I love you all and I know that Pastor John already saw my dad and Conchita and had coffee together. I love you and will be praying for you all.
Love,
Norma Morales
Your father had the most gentle eyes of any man I have met, in my greatest time of trial, the loss of my son Shane, John in someway felt my pain, it was as if he made it his pain. John to me was a living example of the good things of this earth, I have repected no man more, I have held no living man higher.
We mour your loss, we celebrate John’s life, a life well lived. Our world is better for John’s trachings and gentle ways, he will live forever in my memories.
Jim, Lourdes Ditton and family.
Oh Jim. I am so sorry. I wish I had words to explain my heartache. This must be such a very difficult time for all of you. My heart goes out to your Mom. Tell her how sorry I am to hear of her loss, and that we will continue to uphold her and you all before the Throne.
There are so many who mourn with you because you father was a man of obedience. Obedient to God’s call and therefore touched so many lives in so many ways. In just the few opportunities I had to be with your dad, I was profoundly touched. I don’t know how accurate my observations are, but this is the man I knew. A stereotypically
reserved Scandinavian, yet so bold for Jesus, and the Cross. Steely eyes that seemed to peer right into your soul, yet always the gentle pastor. What a challenge for those who knew him. To be half the man as your father…would be an accomplishment, indeed.
My heart breaks with yours, Jim. While I can’t be with you in McAllen, know that I am with you in spirit and you are in my prayers.
Kerry
Quiero expresar mi agradecimiento al Señor por la vida tan fructìfera del Hno. Juanito Ost.
Puedo decir que buena parte del fundamento cristiano que hay en mi vida llegò a travès de su trabajo y predicaciòn que amorosamente compartió con los mexicanos.
Deseo dar a conocer una reflexión que él tan amablemente escribió en la Biblia que me regalaron en el Campamento Juvenil Mc Allen 1971:
“El secreto del èxito en la vida espiritual y humana se encuentra en: Proverbios 3:5 y 6; Romanos 12:1 y 2; Hebreos 12:1 y 2”
Esta enseñanza impactò mi vida; hasta el dìa de hoy, sigue inspirándome para profundizar màs mi relaciòn con el Señor Jesucrito.
Hna. Clarita y a cada uno de sus hijos e hijas: Dios les bendiga mucho, les fortalezca grandemente.
Atte: Irma Torres de Carranza
Guadalupe, N. L
Queridos Santiago y Esther:
No necesitaba haber conocido a Juanito por muchos años para llegar a amarle. Su gentileza, su genuino interés por los que le rodeaba, su misericordia, el ánimo que te impartía siempre que tenía contacto contigo, su corazón tan sensible a las cosas de Dios y los necesitados, todas estas cualidades y muchas otras me cautivaron desde un principio; cómo no llegar a amarle si en él pude ver el carácter de Jesús.
Ha sido un hermoso privilegio conocerle, y espero el día en que podré saludarle nuevamente y mirar sus misericordiosos ojos.
Thank you for such an outpouring of love. I have posted some clips of the funeral and memorial service. Both were standing-room-only, beautiful times of remembrance. By Sunday afternoon, we will have audio of the entire funeral uploaded.
http://iglesiabiblica.us/dadfuneral.html
Not for the glory of man but for the Glory of God!
On Thursday as I was getting dressed to head to the church I heard on the news “Former heavyweight boxing champion Floyd Patterson has died at the age of 71. In 1956, Patterson became the youngest fighter to win the heavyweight crown. He later was the first heavyweight to regain the world championship”. A simple prayer went though my mind, Lord to extend your hand to console his family.
With all my respect to Mr. Patterson, my mind raced a zillion miles an hour. My next thought was “If anyone deserves headlines it is Hermano Juanito, he is the champion, he fought the fight of faith and was Champion”. He deserves to be on every channel on TV, everyone should know the loss. I thought how amazing and sad that everyone can know Mr. Patterson’s accomplishments and not know Juanito’s. Just not fair!
As I asked the Lord why, he immediately answered me. It is not for the glory of man but for My Glory. Hermano Juanito would not have it any other way. That is just the kind of man he was, a humble faithful servant of God Almighty!
Juanito is my Champion, my role model as a Man of God, a Father, a Husband, a Brother, a friend should be. I am grateful to have known him for 14 years and to have been fed by him. I am deeply indebted to him. With all our hearts my Family and I are honored to be a part of Iglesia Biblica, to be able to contribute to the legacy he left helping in anyway we can all for the Glory of God!
God Bless the Ost Family and God Bless us all!
In Christ,
Gary Cisneros
Dearest Ost family,
We are thinking of all of you at this time. Brother John Ost certainly fought the good fight and will have many crowns to cast at the feet of Jesus. We cannot even began to comprehend what our loved ones must be seeing and experiencing right now. What a comfort it is to know that they are rejoicing the in the presence of their savior and that this separation is only temporary.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. –Psalm 115:15
Lewis and Donna Coggeshall
Dear Jim and the rest of the Ost family,
We were sorry to hear about John’s homegoing. I (Ruth) met John in 1941or about that time when he was nine years old living in New Jersey. I was at Pinebrook Bible camp and Elmer came out there to pick us up after a week there at the camp. We then stopped at Aunt Martha’s and I suppose had lunch. Then a couple of years later we were at
Astrid’s family home and I was sitting on Elmer’s lap and John came out and saw us sitting on the bench and he was so shocked to see us like that.
He came and visited us a couple of times with Uncle Axel, I think in Corona, N. Y. and Chicago. John and your mother with you two young boys came to visit also while we were in Chicago. We did get to see all of you in Texas one year and had a good visit. I will try and get Elmer to write a little but he is not into writing these days as he is losing his memory.
Love, Elmer and Ruth
Jim,
We were saddened by the news of your father as I know many people were. It reminds me of May 1999, when my own father passed away. Take joy in knowing that he is now with his Heavenly Father, and without pain. Imagine, our dads walking the streets of gold together, rejoicing, praising, and singing to the Great, I am! One day, we too, will join in the celebration above. Until then, emerse yourself in the love that only Father God can demonstrate to you and your family. Keep on serving Him tirelessly and with the same passion that your father exemplified.
We love you guys….the whole family! You are in our prayers frequently.
Stephen & Georgiana Thomas
Ephesians 3:16-19
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Hello Jim,
I am so sorry I was unable to attend the funeral. I have been praying constantly for your family and the church. I know Pastor John’s life impacted so many.
I continue to pray for you, that God would provide anything you may need today and in the days to come to help you through. God bless you.
Love,
Imee
Jim,
We heard the news from the Compton Family and began praying right away for God’s perfect comfort to come on you and your family. We remember your Dad being a great encouragement to us at college!!!
We love you!
Chris and Pam Chambers
Jim,
I hope you have gotten our flowers. I weep with joy and sadness at your loss. I will be at the funeral tomorrow. YOU have no idea how much I love, support and look up to your family, and the legacy your dad leaves.
Trevor Carpenter
Hello Jim,
I am very sorry for your loss. Although there is probably nothing I can say to lessen your pain, I want you to know I care very much. Your father was a wonderful man and a great pastor—I really enjoyed his services every Sunday and I will miss his enthusiasm and zeal for God. My prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Arlette
We are truly sorry for the great loss the Ost family has encountered. Our prayers are with you during this time, but are rejoicing with you at the same time knowing that Juanito is now with the Lord. He didn’t leave us, he just beat us to heaven. God bless the Ost family.
Dear Clara & Family,
My heart goes out to you all. Pastor John will be so missed in my family. My brothers (Hugo & Ernie) and I have practically known you all of our lives. You have rejoiced with us & have been a source of strength to us throughout the years. Our life’s events have been that much richer because you have been in it. We will dearly miss Pastor John. We know he loved us & we loved him too.
My heart & prayers are with you.
love,
Angie
Thank you so much, Lance, for letting us know about Bro. Ost. He was such a special man of God and I know the sorrow your family is feeling right now. What a comfort to know that he is rejoicing with Jesus.
Please give my condolences to your family. I wish there was a way we could be there for the services and to see everyone, but I’m afraid that’s not possible at this time. Each of you will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
When possible, would you please send me Clara’s home address so that I can send her a card. Thank you!
Sincerely, Phil and Jayne Geery
We were sorry to hear of John Ost’s passing. We are glad that his suffering is over. Our prayers are with you during this time.
Randy and Lynn Braaten
Lance, thank you for letting me know about this. I know it must be really hard for your family right now and my (our) prayers are with you guys. John was such an awesome man on earth. I know God just couldn’t wait any longer to be with him. I would like to offer our help in any way possible. We are there for you guys!
Love,
Chuck and Janice
Deb-im sorry for the loss of your father and the girls grandfather. The world is worse off now that he is gone. He always made me feel welcome in his home and was always such a warm and caring man. His passing I’m sure is mourned the world over.
With condolences to you and your family,
Todd
Dear Family,
What a range of emotion we all feel today with Uncle John’s passing. We are
heartbroken, but are rejoicing because we know where Uncle John is, and what
a wonderful time he must be having in Heaven with those who have gone
before. Uncle John has a special place in our hearts, and we are so
thankful for the time we had to spend with him four years ago when he came
to Dad’s funeral. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mom is doing as well as she can right now…the tears continue to fall.
She prayed all day yesterday (Monday) for the Lord to release him from his
sickness and take Uncle John home…I shared with her today that many
prayers were answered because there is no more suffering and pain now.
We love you very much.
Lisa, Tim, and family
Dear Debbie,
I am so saddened to hear about Uncle John. A great light (as in “Ye are the light of the world”) has gone out tonight in McAllen, TX. We are all crying tonight with you guys. I wish life weren’t hard – and we didn’t lose people we love and care about. The thought of heaven comforts us, but the reality of loss overwhelms us.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Wish there wasn’t such a big hole in our hearts.
Love you, Karen.
Debbie, Jim,
I have been thinking of and praying for you all day. We love you guys.
Psalm 116.15 – Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
When Grampa was dying, this verse helped me a lot. Although nothing escapes God, I was comforted to know that his special care and concern was directed towards Grampa when his time came. Uncle John is a saint.
Love,
Ben, Jen, and Lydia
Hi Guys
We’re thinking of you all this morning. Our hearts are with you. So good the family could all be together. Much sorrow now, for all of, but especially you. I’ll write my thoughts about Uncle John later. For now I just wanted to say sorrow now, soon joy indescribable for us all as we will be reunited.
Love you all
Brad Bart and Ann Ost
Deb,
We love you so much.
This morning I remembered thinking when Dad died. “All the things we preach about hope after death, etc., aren’t just words. They are true.”
I wonder who your dad has already seen. Or maybe he’s just sitting with Jesus.
Now he doesn’t need any more books about visions of heaven. He could write the book. 🙂
Love,
Rob
Dear Lance & Debbie,
We were so sorry to hear about your father!
We know he will be greatly missed by all, but you can be comforted by
the fact he is in heaven!!!
How is Clara doing? what a hard birthday it must have been.
Please send our
condolences & keep us posted via email.
Love your friends in NC,
Gina & David xxx
My condolences to the Ost family. I really wish I could have been with you guys this past week. Hno. Juanito has been in my thoughts and I can only remember all the great things he did at Iglesia Biblica. His words “are you still saved?” are always in my mind and heart everywhere I go. Hno. Juanito always made sure that we were doing great with the Lord! You are in my prayers. God bless you.
-Niddia
Dear Clara, Sam and Linda, Jim and Esther, Debbie and Lance, Stephanie and Eddie – Our hearts hurt with you, our prayers reach our Father in your behalf, our hope remains sure though tested and our memory of John and Clara bring joy to our hearts. We 1st heard of Pastor Juanito in 1976 (RGBI year) though never met. Then when we moved to Matehuala 20 years later, I knew who needed to share into our students’ lives – still not having met. John’s and Clara’s life testimony was a special investment into the lives of all of us – and we thank our Father for the privelege of knowing them. I confess, I would have enjoyed more opportunities but that’s not the road the Lord gave us. We were with Dorothy last Monday when Clara called her – and prayed together for you. May you all be blessed in this testing time. We love and appreciate you all.
Dick & Birdie Johnson
Dr. Arroyo, NL, México
Jim and Esther,
What a comfort it must have been for your father that, in God’s providence, his final hours were spent surrounded by his family. In your personal e-mail announcment, you said that you “hurt a lot”. How true that is. But know this, that for your father, the sting of death has been obliterated by the atoning work of Christ on the cross and that he has been clothed with the garments of salvation, the robe of righteousness.
On a personal note, I only heard your father preach once. That was at a missions conference at LWC in the late 80’s. You’ll be happy to know that I enjoyed his message on Jonah so much that I stole it and preached it in the San Diego county jail the next Sunday.
Bruce & Deborah Settergren
Some video clips of Dad in action:
Dad sings at Jim’s 37th birthday: http://jimost.com/estabien.html
Dad’s birthday 2005: http://jimost.com/dadbday2005.html
Dad helps Rachel direct the orchestra: http://jimost.com/conduct.html
Dad preaches on Father’s Day: http://iglesiabiblica.us/iglesiaemanuel.html
Hey Jim.
My heart is heavy for you and your family. Yesterday Sammy and I were singing traditional hymns and praises at my house and I could do nothing but remember your dad. My soul and heart felt heavy with sadness at the loss of John, my dear and sweet friend. I’ve gone through some of our photos at my house and found two that I will treasure forever. One is the Christmas card your Mom and Dad sent this past Christmas. The other picture is of my wedding right before the service is to begin. It is John, Rob, Sammy and me bowing our heads in prayer. Priceless indeed! I was reading about a pastor named DL Moody and came across this in part of his biography. The first excerpt is of the person writing his biography. I did not know your Father for the longest time but I did love him very much.
The other is part of the Eulogy his eldest son shared. Greater words cannot be said of a Father.
“To have known him at all was a blessing, but to have known him with any degree of intimacy was one of the rarest privileges of a minister’s life. I would not say that I knew him better than other men, for hundreds knew him far more intimately and for a far longer time than I; but if love, since I have known him, can make up for the years in which I was not acquainted with him, then these recent years with their increasing admiration and love will give me the right to speak and write. ”
“We could not call him back; we tried to for a moment, but we could not. We thank God for his home life, for his true life, and we thank God that he was our father, and that he led each one of his children to know Jesus Christ.”
Love ya bro!
How I miss my Dad. How I feel sorry for those that never were able to meet him! He was wise and gentle and kind. My loss is deep and profound and yet I feel blessed.
Blessed, because I had so many things that some never have even for one day.
When I was a little girl, I always imagined that God looked just like my Daddy. I know now that that was a child’s thought, but because of my father I will never doubt that God is a kind and loving heavenly father, that he has compassion on us and wants only the best for us.
Many times, when someone is gone, the most flowery words come from those outside the family. Those who weren’t able to see the flaws. But in this case, those of us who knew him best, loved and respected him most.
The same man who preached in the pulpit on Sunday mornings came home with us after church. Dad lived out the ideals and truths that he preached.
I never heard my father raise his voice in anger to my mother, never heard him utter a curse word, never heard him lie.
We knew that we were loved and valued. Dad always told me I could be anything I wanted to be. I was happy and secure in my father’s love, and in my parents’ love for each other. I saw them treat each other with deference, kindness and respect all of my life. Dad shielded and protected Mom and we knew our family was safe.
Dad took time to spend happy Saturdays and vacations with us, tromping down nature trails and swimming in the Frio River. We knew his family came first. Even after becoming adults, we loved being all together, playing games, talking, enjoying each other’s company.
What a wonderful treasure my father was!
I miss my father deeply, but there is not one regret, not one bitter thought to muddy the sweet fragrance of his memory. He lived a Godly life and endured the end of his life without complaining or bitterness.
Daddy, I miss you so much, but I know I will see you again. And Dad, because you taught me the truth about Heaven, I know that its not some weird, ethereal half-life, sitting around on a cloud, but where we will become truly alive for the first time, free of sickness, age, sorrow and night. Where we will go on fully developing all we were meant to be and exploring vast expanses of rivers, forests, valleys and mountains. We will recognize each other there and have more times of laughter and togetherness with no goodbyes. And God Himself will be there. I can’t wait, Dad. I’m so glad you don’t have to wait anymore. I love you.
Debbie
Your words are so special to me. I’ve also lost a Dad who was, (like yours,) one of the all-time best Dad’s that have ever existed; Truly a Dad made for us by God himself.
Dear Family Ost,
I am sorry for your loss. I will always remember Pastor Joh because he was my pastor since I was born. WhatI remeber most about him is that he would always shake my hand after church and would ask me “how was I doing in school”. He always had a smile in his face when ever he saw me. He would encourage me to keep on going. I truly miss him.
Hermana Clarita and family, you would all be in my prayers. You have been a great blessing to me and my family.
Love,
Clara Alicia Garay
Querido Jim y Esther,
Quiero expresar mi más sincero pésame para ti y tu familia. Recuerdo cuando la familia Cisneros me invito por primera ves a su iglesia hace ya varios años… Sentí una paz que me lleno el alma, me di cuenta que el pastor de esa iglesia era un verdadero líder espiritual. Llegue ha apreciar mucho al hermano Juanito y a toda su familia, de corazón te lo digo Jim.
Siento que todavía tenia el hermano Juanito muchos proyectos por concluir en esta tierra, pero se que dejo un legado de hombres muy bien preparados y se que vencerán todos los obstáculos que se lleguen a presentar con la ayuda de nuestro señor Jesucristo.
Dios les bendiga mucho y les de fortaleza para seguir adelante.
Atte: Erick Jimenez y Familia
Cd. Reynosa, Tamaulipas
Hola Dios les bendiga, les mandamos nuestro más sinsero pesame, por la partida de nuestro Hno. y Pastor Juanito, cuando lo tuvimos entre nosotros fué una gran bendición el oir como se expresaba de nuestro Dios, el alentar a predicar al inconverso.
Les mandamos Bendiciones y que Dios les prospere más y más
Dear Ost Family-
I am so sad to hear about the passing of your father. He definitely made the world/McAllen TX a better place. I always enjoyed talking with him when I would go over to “Debbie’s house” in junior high and high school. He spoke quietly but with strength and a twinkle in his eye. I will remember all of you in my prayers, especially your mom.
In Memory of Bro. John Ost:
We are involved in mission work. No one has affected the lives of people in the fields like Bro. John Ost. We have heard more reports and stories about the work he has caused to be raised up and the many souls saved than any other missionary we have come in contact with. May his tradition and work continue to be effective and mulitply.
-Melody Lane Christian Renewal Center
For the last few days now, I have found myself at different times of the day, saying, "Oh, daddy, my daddy," and somehow not quite believing that my extraordinary father can possibly be gone from this earth.
For many of you, John Ost was a friend, a brother in Christ, a pastor, and he was those things to me, too, but today, I want to tell you just a few of the great memories of the daddy that I was so blessed to have.
As a little girl, I just knew my dad could do anything… He was my greatest hero, so strong and smart. And, you know what? I never stopped thinking that. My dad loved coffee, chocolate, nature, animals, trains, tractors, maps, boxes, almanacs, flashlights, and writing his thoughts on any possible surface available… Napkins and cereal boxes were favorite choices. Did you know that he took flying lessons to become a pilot, and that he could make delicious fudge, even though that was a much promised but extremely rare occurrence! He was a wonderful father.
Even though he was a busy man, he always made time for his family. Every evening, after eating supper together, we would read the Bible, each of us getting to apply a verse to another, which we did with great gusto. We would also listen to stories on the radio, play games together, and laugh a lot around the table. I remember my dad wrestling and playing Ping Pong and Risk or chess with my brothers, and football out on the lawn. My dad would have compassion on us little girls, and let us "play" football too, telling us to "go long".
My dad put a lot of effort into planning fun outings for us, as well. We would go to the zoo, parks, museums, junk yards and lots and lots of swimming pools, rivers, and lakes. My dad taught all four of us how to swim, and let me tell you, he was a powerful swimmer… None of us ever beat him in a race across the pool. We traveled a lot as a family, and our car trips were filled with games, book reading, and singing, and stopping at gas stations for used tires! At the end of every family vacation, my dad always announced one "final fling", where we would have one last treat, such as sundaes at Dairy Queen, or something similar.
Dad was also a gifted storyteller. He would have us entranced by a story about a "wizened old man with a long, white beard", and then at the critical moment, say "Well, we better leave the rest of it for tomorrow", just to hear our reactions.
From the time we were little, dad always told us that he and my mom were praying that we would have godly spouses some day. When I was four, I came home from kindergarten and told him, "Daddy, you can stop praying. I found him!"
Dad liked to use big words with us, to expand our vocabulary. One thing he would say when we were misbehaving was, "Do you want Daddy to take extreme punitive measures?" We didn't know what that meant, but we were sure we didn't want it!
My mom says that at every Christmas, after she had bought all the gifts, my dad would say, "Are you sure we have enough for Sam? Are you sure we have enough for Debbie, and Jim, and Stephie?", and then usually rush out for some last minute extras. On all of our birthdays, everyone would come into the birthday boy or girl's room, early in the morning, to bring breakfast and sing, my dad leading the song with his steel guitar. My childhood is a blur of love, laughter, family and fun. To my dad, his children were all the best looking, most talented, capable, intelligent, and fantastic people in all the world.
When dad would go on trips, he would invariably bring us gifts, and tell Debbie and me, "I saw lots of little girls, but none of them were MY little girls"! As I got older, my dad was a constant source of encouragement, guidance, friendship, and driving lessons! He was never too busy to listen to us, and give us his full attention. Whatever I wanted to talk about, no matter how boring the subject, or what the time was, he always listened. Sharing problems with dad made them so much easier to face.
I especially liked to talk to him about one of our shared passions, Mexican history and Spanish grammar, which, believe me, not many people enjoy discussing. He was very intellectual as well… a deep thinker, whose opinion everyone was interested in knowing. I loved to hear the loud and lively discussions and debates that he and my other relatives engaged in at every opportunity.
Dad went with me to buy my first car, and I laughed a lot that day, because he kept pushing me toward the big, "safe" cars. We were his number one priority. A month after Eddie and I got married, late at night I was making a pizza, and I cut my hand with a knife, and had to go to the emergency room for stitches. I told Eddie to call my dad to tell him, and before I knew it, my daddy was coming through those ER doors, to check on his "Stephanie Faith".
Even as adults, our dinner companions of choice were most often our parents, and family gatherings were the highlight of the week. If we were at my parent's house for any reason, dad would follow us outside when we left, and wave goodbye until we were out of sight.
My parents were a wonderful example of marriage. My dad was always sweet, tender, and attentive to my mother. We all saw his kindness and love to her every day. About a year ago, I helped my mom to redo their bedroom. The day we installed the blinds, my dad called me to say that my mom was unhappy because she thought the blinds would block the light and they didn't. He told me, "She is my whole life… I have to make her happy." A week before he died, he told my mother, "You are my greatest treasure".
But above all other things, my dad was first and foremost a living example of Jesus. He was exactly the same person at home that he was in the pulpit. He lived and breathed what he preached. Every single day, I would see him reading his Bible, making notes, and crying and praying for the needs of his flock. He was also a walking Bible concordance. One phone call to dad would get me any verse I needed. He loved the church and missions, and took the burdens of the people as his own, always ready to go where he was needed.
My dad was never bitter or resentful towards anyone who had harmed him, and always saw the best in everyone. He was compassionate and kind, always knowing the comforting thing to say, and truly waited on God for each message that he preached. I told my mom that I bet dad is spending time with all of his family and friends, then he'll move on to the apostles and prophets, then to the Bible commentators, and by the time we get to heaven, he'll say, "What? You're here so soon?!"
As I walk through mom and dad's house, it feels like a piece of my heart has been torn out … His office is empty, his steel guitar is silent, and his notebooks are closed. It seems that the world will never be the same again without my beloved father in it. But thanks be to God for that blessed hope, because I know that everything he preached is TRUE, and it won't be long until we will all be together again. On that glorious day, Jesus Himself will wipe all tears from our eyes, and I will thank Him for the great honor and privilege of being my dad's daughter. In John, it says, "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness of the light. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light." And now Dad is enjoying eternity with his Savior. I love you, Daddy! We'll see you soon!
Famila Ost, especialmente Hna. Clarita con mucho amor…
Las palabras no alcanzan a expresar lo que nuestro corazón siente. Sentimientos encontrados; gratitud a Dios por el privilegio de haber tenido compañerismo con un gran Siervo de Dios y al mismo tiempo el sentimiento que se haya adelantado en el camino del Señor.
Nuestros recuerdos como familia con el Hno. Juanito son gratas experiencias, las gratas experiencias son para edificación y cuando hemos sido edificados podemos decir que aquellos que han sido conductos para lograrlo son grandes hombres. El verdadero Siervo de Dios que ha impactado nuestras vidas, que estuvo junto a nosotros tomando nuestras manos en momentos difíciles, bendiciéndonos cuando Dios hablaba por medio de él, cuando la última vez que estuvimos juntos en Chiapas de manera personal nos dijo “valoro la fortaleza de ustedes”, en nuestro interior decíamos que él había sido uno de los pilares que por su dedicación, esfuerzo y lucha incansable había sido parte de esa fortaleza.
Dios en su infinita misericordia nos acercó a este gran Siervo, su ejemplo perdurará en nuestras vidas. Se que no somos los únicos con este privilegio de haberlo conocido, pero lo que traemos en el corazón refleja como si lo fuéramos. Hna Clarita, nuestro amor para usted y toda su familia.
Luis, Lolita, Isaac y Esaú. Fam. López Herrera.
Well i didnt really have all the pleasure of knowing john as close an many others did.But i will miss the little things like haveint this great joy in my heart whenever i would hear john sing with his BARITONE voice. That man could sing….but another thing i will miss is his preaching john would usually speak on terms such as “there is a tommorow” and to always have hope yet a different message everytime he would preach that i wish i could’ve gotten to know him better but he is in a better place now
As I sit here looking at the words being typed I wonder what words to say, I will only allow my heart to speak.
John Ost was without a doubt one of the finest men I have ever known, I hold no living person higher than John, he has been a very important person in my life.
When I think of God, I think that John Ost fostered my connection to God. When I think of kindess I think of John, when I think of gentleness I think of John, when I think of compassion, I think of John, when I think of love, I think of Clara and John’s marriage.
Pastor John Ost represents to me how good a human man can be.
Your forever friends,
Jim and Lourdes Ditton and Family
I am one that has many fond memories of first John’s father. Axel B. Ost, from way back in my early teens and later on John T. himself. Like fater, like son I must say. Tireless love for the Mexican people. I also knew Clara and the Riveness family and used to spend much time with her brothers, David and Paul, Philip came along that much later but I remember them all. Clara and I many years ago had the same piano teacher and we took some lessons at my great-aunt Esther’s place near the old water tower in Karlstad. Remember that, Clara? There will alway be “Solen i Karlstad” for you. Daddy Riveness was always so fond of saying “The SON is shining” and then he’d add it’s spelled S-O-N.
Soy de Monterrey, Mexico,
Un dia en un vuelo de Mcallen-Dallas(1994), intercambie algunas palabras con el Hno Ost, nunca nos habiamos visto ni menos conocernos, solo que el comenzo una muy buena platica al verme leer la biblia durante el vuelo, platicamos acerca de la obra de Dios en Mexico y como el comenzo en el ministerio.
Dios siga bendiciendo a su familia
Alex Granados
Today would have been Mom and Dad’s 48th anniversary. I just wanted to say what a great example Dad was for us as a husband. Mom was his treasure, and he loved her with all his heart until the day he went to heaven. Thanks for being a great example, Dad.
[…] thoughts one year ago Tributes left by friends and family Video and audio of the funeral services Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)One Year […]
Word Press backlink builder plugin…
[…]My Dad (John Ost) is With Jesus « Word to the Wise[…]…
van tai, van tai hang, thfue xe tai, thue xe cho hang, van tai hang hoa, van chuyen,thue xe tai, thfue xe tai, thue xe cau,…
[…]My Dad (John Ost) is With Jesus « Word to the Wise[…]…
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to
shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
Hello
Im Lupe daughter in law of Jose Concepcion Morales. His family attended your fathers’s church. He was at my mother in law’s funeral, juanita morales. They will forever be greatful fir your fathers prayer when their was heald.
I hope you get this email. Feel free to answer. We are all serving theLord.
David Morales sends regards to your mom clarita.
Thank you God bless.