Remembering Rosalva Nuñez

What a joy we have in the Lord resting in the hope that when we pass on from this life, our eternity is spent with our Savior in heaven. There is no greater comfort, for we do not mourn like those who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13). Praise the Lord for brothers and sisters around the world, laboring for that hope we hold onto. Today, we honor and rejoice in the life of our dear sister Rosalva Nuñez, wife of a faithful IC partner and former IC Vice-president Fransisco Nuñez, and the work she and her husband have done in Latinoamérica.

Rosalva went to be with the Lord early Sunday morning, March 6th. While she is no longer here on earth with us, the work and faithfulness of this woman to the Lord will be remembered and cherished for years to come.
“Rosalva Nuñez was the kindest lady I have ever known,” writes Debra Cavett. “Rosalva was a gracious host and worked so hard to help with the finances for her family. She never complained. She had a beautiful smile all the time…”

Rosalva mothered two boys, Cakine and Job. Incredible love and sacrifice were evident in her life toward her sons. “When Cakine was 21, [he] had an aneurism…she cared for him for the next 30 plus years…24 hours a day. Every physical need he had she took care of him. She would sing to him, rub his arms and legs, talk to him even though he could not respond…She would always be telling him, “que lindo.” It’s a phrase that means ‘it’s ok’ or ‘you’re beautiful.'” (Cavett).

Rosalva lived with her husband and two boys in Chihuahua, Mexico where she managed a small potato chip business and had a small in-house restaurant. “She took care of the boys by herself while Francisco was gone to enlist people and churches for IC projects,” writes IC founder Ben Mieth, “She had told Francisco if he would serve the Lord she would make the living.” What a testimony of a woman who encouraged her husband to do what he was called to do, while she entrusted his life and her family’s life unto the Lord.

IC laborer Laura Meloti reminisces on how “Hermana Rosalva was a great woman of God. For decades, she sacrificed a lot, while also taking care of their home and kids so that Francisco could travel and fulfill all his commitments for the ministry of IC. It was always a blessing when I got to spend time with her. She was always so kind and thoughtful. I praise God for crossing our paths in life.”

While some did not personally know Rosalva, her legacy and devotion to the Lord’s work was known through the work of her husband, Francisco. Long-time laborers of International Commission, Jeff and Jodie Chetwood write, “We know they were a team…. and Francisco would not have been able to serve Jesus freely and completely…without the love and sacrifice of his bride, Rosalva.” We know in scripture, when two people marry they become one flesh (Gen 2:24). They move and work and live as one. As he gave his life to the ministry work, so did she – not just allowing him to go, but encouraging him to go. What a beautiful example of a Proverbs 31 wife and mother. Her life was given to the Lord, and now she is with her Savior in paradise.

Let these days be full of hope as we imagine the glorious day we are reunited with our loved ones in heaven, and may our hearts look forward to the day we get to meet Jesus face to face. What a day of rejoicing that will be!

A memorial service for Rosalva will be Saturday, March 19th at 10:00 am at the Chapel of Nueva Vida, 2626 Gus Thomasson Rd., Dallas, TX 75228.