Condolences – Vincent F Cimera

Condolences – Vincent F Cimera

We extend our condolences to the Cimera and Chapman families on the loss of their loved one:  Brother Vincent F. Cimera.  Vincent was the loving husband of JoAnne, father of Sr Deborah Chapman, Michelle Vejby and Karen Cimera; and he was Opa to Jordan, Jared, Melissa, Wally and Ryan. Vincent passed away on Tuesday, 8th August 2017. A memorial service was held at Moriah Heights, California, USA, on Sunday 20th of August, where family and friends paid their last respects.

Brother Cimera, or “Brother Vince” to many, was a Christian gentleman and inspirational church member. He loved the Lord and gave many hours in voluntary service to His cause. He served as Field Leader of the North-West United States Field for 12 years, from 1988-2000. He also had a special burden for the Moriah Heights church property situated east of Sacramento, California. It had become neglected and the buildings very run down. Brother Cimera, a Construction Contractor and builder by trade, spent many a Sunday working at Moriah Heights, leaving home at 4:30 am with two of his workers and driving the 2 ½ hours there, working all day, and then driving back home, only to get up early on Monday morning for work at his regular job. His efforts were an inspiration to others. With their help the property became transformed. From dirt roads, weeds and run-down trailer homes, it has become a beautiful property with more modern prefabricated homes, paved roads, and beautiful gardens. His efforts also included the founding of Whispering Pines Christian School, our first church elementary (primary) school in North America. The school was established on the property in 1990 and today has more than 100 students. Brother Cimera was also a delegate to the General Conference Session twice, 1987 and 1991, and served on the General Conference Finance Committee for one term. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His legacy will not be forgotten.

A poem written especially for the occasion by Jared Chapman and dedicated to his grandfather, was read at the memorial service.  After the service, all proceeded to the grave side at the Moriah Heights Cemetery where Br Vincent was laid to rest.

See You Again

By Jared Chapman

 

The memories, time pauses, freezes, suddenly accelerates then time flies

Sometimes it seems like I’ve been left behind

Frantically trying to catch up with the continuum, time

The last time, I turned to look back to see tears flooding from the corners of your eyes

Even though I promised I’d see you again, maybe it was then you knew you were saying your last goodbyes

Maybe it was then you knew you wouldn’t see us until that day when you will arise

To meet your family, your friends, your loved ones within the skies

And there ultimately find your Saviour

My Maker, the One who set the stars and galaxies in motion,

Who controls the currents beneath the ocean, our world’s Creator.

 

The One who lays each soul to rest, puts each body to sleep

The One who asked the question, “Why do you weep?”

So why do you weep?

When your loved ones are just asleep,

Resting in the hope of rising to a better world

 

A world free from sin, our deadly disease

No more separation, no time-zones, no more family overseas

No more pain, no stiff joints, no more sore knees

No more suffering, no struggle, no more disease

Where lambs lie down with the wildest of beasts

Where nature meets humanity in perfect peace

Where life goes on, never having to cease

Where the saved and the Saviour finally meet.

 

You see every time I hear about this world, our heavenly home

Like magnets that roam too far away, this world I’m living in loses its attraction

Like a father waiting patiently to see his son, each day I’m waiting for a reunion that is soon to come

For I long to be part of the faithful few

To dwell forever with my Saviour in this earth made new

And live together in heaven with all of you

My question is, do you?

 

You see you never know when you’ll come to the end of your line

And if you were to die today, would it all be fine?

Jesus longs to reflect his image within you and shine

Start talking to him today, reconnect with the vine

Seek that which was lost and then you will find

That you now you can see, you’re no longer blind

And if you died today, it would all be fine.

 

This is the promise you held, the promise you shared with family and friends undecided

Your happiness in giving, their joy in receiving, the things in which you delighted

And most of all to see them decided, saved

In the hope to at last meet in the clouds on that day as families undivided

This was the hope you held on to, your unwavering faith, your unrelenting belief

So until that day arrives, I pray you’ll rest in peace….

We look forward to the time of Jesus’ second coming when we will see our loved ones again, never more to part!  “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”  John 14:1-4.

~ By Lidia Voncina