Kuya, Tatay and Lolo…
January 17, 2020
Today marks two months since Ross flew into the arms of Jesus, and I am still busy writing to the hundreds of people who have shared their gratitude and deep affection for Ross, for his life, his teaching, and his books.
Ross’s books are still in demand because their message of faith and obedience to God is always relevant. The stories of his growth, learning through success – and even more through failure – always ring true and draw you into his small story – and God’s Big Story. And the message is still alive and working; recently I heard of two leaders excited to be using Walking on Water (first published in 1996) as their small group study.
Nowhere was Ross more at home than in the Philippines, where we spent 13 memorable years sharing God’s message and making life-long friends. The Filipino language tells its own story. In our first youthful years Ross was called Kuya – or older brother. Then, growing in maturity and wisdom, he was Tatay – father. And as his hair whitened and the smile lines deepened he became Lolo – Grandfather.
He was proud to be Kuya, Tatay and Lolo to the generations of believers he taught and loved who, in return, taught and loved him.
Faith and love are inseparable qualities – as Paul says, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love “ (Galatians 5:6). That is what Ross aspired to, and as I read and re-read all those cards, emails, and messages I realise he did a pretty good job of living it out.
Margaret Tooley
To learn more about Ross and his books or the other two books shown below, or read Margaret Tooley’s blogs, visit tooleybooks.nz
