Greetings, SSD leaders and office staff. It is with heaviness of heart that I write this note of encouragement and sympathy for Helen and each of you. We are so sorry that Pastor Gulfan has passed away. He was a wonderful champion of God’s truth and evangelistic proclamation. It was a great privilege to associate with him in church leadership. We wish the Gulfan family and each of you God’s special blessings of encouragement at this time as we look forward to Christ’s soon coming. What a day that will be! May the Comforter come especially close to you at this very difficult time as we anticipate the Blessed Hope!

So sad to learn of the passing of Pastor Gulfan. He was such a dedicated man of God. Our deepest condolences to Helen and the family. We will have special prayers for the family this morning in our worship. Come, Lord Jesus!

I wish to offer all of you and to the Gulfan family my sincere condolence on the passing of Alberto. His loss is deeply felt, not just in SSD, but around the circle of global leaders of our Church. Kindly convey our deep sadness to his wife Helen and to the rest of his family on our behalf.

See you on that blessed morning

Dear Leaders of SDA Church, Fellow Workers, Beloved Church Members, Friends and Family,

Allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your earnest prayers, your comforting and encouraging words, your financial and moral support, the fresh flowers, your emails, cards and letters, text messages and calls, your visits and presence of those who are able, your sponsored services (nightly) including the wake with food, and meals served, your recorded messages and through face time and skypes, and tributes through this section afforded by the SSD communication Department. Oh, thank you for every thing you have done in anyway to express your sympathy, condolences and kindness to ease the heaviness of heart; a way of comforting me and my family. Thank you.

Today, as I read your tributes and look back - I just want to assure you that I am praising God for the opportunity He gave me and Albert as team in His ministry for 38 rich and satisfying years, by God's grace.

Please accept our appreciation for everything you did and are still doing even at this time when there are no more services and everyone goes back to routine work, but the loneliness and the emptiness is greatly felt. The adjustment and the coping of the circumstances around this situation is often times overwhelming. But it is also at this time when God is close and ready to carry me/us through. Praise be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Thank you so much, everyone! We still need your prayers.

Yes, our great comfort is to meet Albert when Jesus comes again! May God help us to be faithful till the end.

Sincerely yours,

Helen (Neneng) & family

A friend to Adventist Mission has laid down his mantle. I can think of no greater tribute to Pastor Gulfan than to renew our passion for creative, comprehensive, and commitment to the work of proclaiming the everlasting Gospel in these last days. By God's grace we will see our Pastor in the clouds very soon.

A REALLY GOOD PASTOR: A TRIBUTE TO PASTOR ALBERT GULFAN, JR.

One of the leaders that we had the privilege of working with and observing was the amiable Pastor Gulfan. From 1990 to year 2000, I served Central Philippine Union Mission as Church Ministries director and he was then our Executive Secretary. When CPUC was organized as a Conference, he became its first President.
Passionate, firm, methodical, conservative, articulate -- yet approachable, and willing to listen. That was how Pastor Gulfan steered CPUC. His spirituality, faithfulness to the gospel, and integrity as pastor and leader, is nothing short of admirable. Under his presidency, I (Rudy) think we made a great team. Our ADCOM meetings were usually productive; serious, but jovial – we were never limited by the Chairperson, who has much to do to establish this spirit. At times he would himself, crack jokes to ease heated discussions.
He is also very genuinely appreciative. When I (Rudy) was elected as Youth and Family Ministries director and he affirmed me as “being in the right post.” He thinks his articles in Mizpa magazine are enhanced by my wife’s editing and readily expresses it. Actually editing Pastor Gulfan’s article is a breeze. His is elegant writing, in fact, and appropriately accompanied by Scriptures and Spirit of Prophecy quotations.
In May 2000, Negros Occidental Conference elected me as Executive Secretary. Reluctantly I accepted the challenge, with the gentle prodding of Pastor Gulfan. But the saddest day was the Farewell Program. My wife and I were tearful throughout the “party” but what meant a lot to us was when Pastor Gulfan, also cried unashamedly while giving his remarks. Not only that, he wrote us a long letter of gratitude and exhortation. That letter we still keep to this day, a long-lasting inspiration. It’s amazing that somebody so busy would still take time to express his sentiments.
Pastor Gulfan finds ways to develops leaders, making them reach their fu

my condolence to pastor gulfan family.
pastor Gulfan is a man of God, he is really a great leader,and a good friend. He inspired me many lessons. He taught me how to be a good pastor and a good leader. when i was working as a missionary in East Timor 2004, that is the first time we met,He shared to me how to evangelized east Timor through books,crusade and etc. and the things i have learned from him is his spirit to shared the gospel, and also his humble heart. pastor gulfan is a kind of person that never forget his old friend,when he visited Timika papua indonesia, even though we haven't met for years but when he saw me, he immediately called my name, finally we talked together about the work at east Timor. and i also remembered his last words to me. he said that never looking for a position but enhance the work of God is your aim. i will never forget all the counsel he gave to me. may God bless His family always and give a solace in their heart.

He will be missed, but in Gods site he will be rememberd.
May the Good Lord spread His arms over the family.

We will seen him again; very soon.

"Mrs. Gulfan,
We would like to express our deep condolences at your loss. We're confident God's Spirit is drawing very close to you and your family at this time. May you be encouraged by the following thoughts from God's Word and the Pen of Inspiration:
""Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."" Rev. 14:13
""You will feel the death of your (husband) very keenly; ...you (will lay) your (precious husband) in the tomb in the full hope that he will come forth when the trump of God shall sound."" Letter 98, 1903 {2SM 261.3}
""We sympathize with you. We pray that the Lord will comfort you, and impart to you His grace, so that you will not be prostrated by overmuch grief. Let us thank God that our faces are set toward the promised inheritance. Let us thank Him that His salvation is nigh, and not far off."" {2SM 262.2}
"" (Sis. Helen Gulfan) (We) know you will feel sad because you have had to bury one (soon) who was dear to your heart. But what saith the Scriptures?"" {2SM 262.5}
""Here is the patience of the saints: here are they which keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."" Rev. 14:12, 13 {2SM 262.6}
Our words are feeble and finite. But praise God for His unending love for you and your family and His promise to comfort you all as you go through this trying time. We've been blessed to have met Pr. Gulfan: both there in the Philippines and here in Guam where our family now resides (you may recall one of the times you and Pastor came to visit Guam and we met at Agana Hts. SDA Church). His love for Jesus and passion to reach out to the lost and dying, as well as to encourage the faltering ones in the church, have been evident each time we hear him preach. Now his work is done and the Lord has laid him to rest. Our condolences, Melvin & Johanna

"My heart tend to be spiritually blurred when witnessing heroes like Pr. Alberto passing away. But this reminds us of our God's faithfulness when He was declaring the consequences of of sin to mankind. Remember we will never last long on this earth. We shall go everyone at his/her own rightly determined time. Help us Jesus to prepare for your soon coming to harvest the world. My condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family and Division.
Sadock Busee Bwire-Church member,
Temeke SDA Church,
South East Tanzania Conference,
Dar es salaam, Tanzania."

"May God rest his soul in eternal peace.
My condolences to the family. Take heart and hold into your faith."

"Anyone can say that the prayer in this song was answered in the life of Pastor Gulfan

My Prayer

1. Lift me O lord to heights above, far from the world below
Take from my life the things of time help me Thy mind to know.

Chorus:

This is my pray my souls desire; from every evil save.
Thine, only Thine, forever more, nothing on earth I crave.

2. Wean me from all the things of earth ‘til I am Thine alone
Empty me now of self I pray, make me Thy very own.

3. Teach me the way of sacrifice, let me grow rich in Thee
Take from my heart the greed for gain; ‘till only Thee I see.

4. Let me not seek the things of earth so soon to pass away
But let me set my love on Thee, For this dear Lord I pray.

May the song be also seen in each of us!

We will see Pastor Albert Gulfan in the resurrection morning."

"FRIEND:
Before Pastor Gulfan became president of SSD he had a call for him to go to Kuwait. He was still working in CPUC at that time. Every time we see each other I would greet him with a joke that he will not be able to get a visa to Kuwait because he will move to Silang, Cavite to work for the Division. And lo and behold he became President of SSD.

LEADER:
It was already an honor and a pleasure to work with a humble leader such as Pastor Albert Gulfan. But the inspiration is even greater when he and Ate Helen chose to transfer their membership to Tubuan SDA Church were I was the head elder at that time. Shortly after they transferred to Tubuan Church we were called to work in Africa for 7 years. However, in those times we were out of the country, we never lost contact. He even invited us to stay in their house for several days during our first annual leave from mission service.

HUSBAND:
While we stayed in their house we noticed that each morning we see him helping in the kitchen and doing the laundry by hand wash. It was such an inspiration to see a caring husband to Ate Helen and a loving father to his children.

MEMBER:
With him as member of Tubuan SDA church the church and school building projects were completed sooner than expected because a lot of people donated to the project with him as number one contributor.

HUMBLE:
After 7 years in Africa I had another chance to be part of his team when SSD called me back in 2011. One time when I was traveling with him from Upper Myanmar going down to Yangon he did not complain during the 18-hour land trip passing through the roughest, most rugged and 4 inch thick of dust road.

DEDICATED:
In January 2013 SSD had its first Administrator’s retreat in Thailand. I was tasked to find a theme song. I shared with him one of my favorite prayer songs and right there he fell in love with the song. (see the song in my next post)"

"Pastor Gulfan is always a part of our family. My father (Trofimo) often mentions his name when he would tell us about his high school years at East Visayan Academy. “Albert is like a little brother to me. He would come and cried on my shoulders whenever he has a personal problem. But despite of all, he remained patient, determines, and enjoyed our company though our lives during those times were a bit harder."

When Pastor Albert became an Executive Secretary of CPUC, he came to Bacolod-Adventist Medical Center and met my father again after many years. The people around were a witnessed how they missed each other, the hugs and tears showed the real essence of their friendship. It was a great joy and pride to my father when Pastor Albert became a President of Southern Asia Pacific Division. "Albert deserves it; he's blessed because he is such a very good man, with a great faith in God. I knew him well." Each time Pastor Albert would visit Bacolod City, he would find a time to see my father even for a short time. A hug and a little talk is enough for both of them to fill in the years of missing each other.

His children Lloyd and Honey became my school mates and friends at Central Philippine Adventist College. I learned more of Pastor Albert when my eldest brother and I lived in Silang, Cavite where Pastor and his wife auntie Helen were attending in the same church at Tubuan Adventist Church (formerly AIIAS Filipino Church) He's always there to stand as my counselor & character reference when I started to work in the mission field of Guam Micronesia. I'm always thankful to him.

Such a pain to us, especially to my father that his beloved friend and like a little brother is gone. But the coming glorious day is a comfort. For now, good night to Pastor Albert.
To Auntie Helen and children, our deepest sympathy to all of you. Sorry that my father can't be there, we know how he wishes to see his friend, due to sickness he can't come. Our prayers and love to al

may soul rest in peace pastor.

the LORD GOD JEHOVAH JIREH was convincingly honored and lifted up In Reminiscing the years spent with the newly wed couple kuya Albet and Maam Helen at 3-Stones Tagbilaran SDA Church in the year 1974-75., I was then 18 that time tasked as church caretaker when separated from LE group under sir Modesto Bardaje of samar .In deepest sympathy, Myself and family grieves. the unexpected parting yet rejoice on the other hand for he is an accomplished servant leader in the SAVIOURS vineyard no doubt Ate/Maam Helen. Cheer up, HE will never leave you wanting,never! GODBLESS....

"Kita sangat merasa kehilangan sosok Hamba Tuhan yang rendah hati namun tegas dalam mengambil keputusan

Semoga seluruh keluarga yang ditinggalkan diberikan ketabahan dan penghiburan dari surga.

Tuhan memberkati kita,
Loran Napitupulu"

HE MADE ME FEEL SPECIAL.

Pastor Albert Gulfan Jr. surprised the CLC & NPUC leaders when he came on our ordination day (December 2004). Pastor Carmelito Galang Jr. (CLC president back then) told me before the program started that they invited Pastor Gulfan ahead of time but he said he had appointment in Myanmar. So, Pastor Galang himself served as our speaker. Since his presence as my sponsor is there, he was still given part to welcome us to the gospel ministry. Humble as it is, it lifted me up. Up to this time, I had no idea that he's my secret sponsor in CPAC from S.Y. 1992-1995. It was only in 2011 that I learned through Pastor Moises Jereos (the first NPUC Filipino president & first cousin of my mother's dad) that Pastor Gulfan opened it when they talked about me in Cavite. Watch https://youtu.be/2o698oWgQ7o

Dear Mrs. Helen Gulfan with the family and SSD family member.

On behalf of Pastor Joseph Syukur Peranginangin, i would like to express condolences for the death of the pastor A. Gulfan. Since Yesterday and today (Sabbath) in Siantar during the Festival Of Faith, 3000 people have been praying for [your family]....
Revelation 14:13 Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from now on: Yes, said the Spirit, that they may rest from their labor; and their works do follow them.

We know and remember Pastor A. Gulfan, we love him so much...we remember all the good advice of Pastor A. Gulfan derived from God's Word. Through his leadership we are prepared to inherit the kingdom of heaven.

God bless Mrs Helen Gulfan and the family.

West Indonesia Union Mission Family

Pastor has touched lots of lives and inspired many that includes our family. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, specially to ma'am Helen and the children...May God be with you continually specially in this time of crisis. We are praying for you..

It was Feb 2005 when I saw Pr. Albert Gulfan a great leader at SSD.
When I applied to work at Bangladesh Adventist Seminary and College, he willingly accepted me and trusted in me even though was unworthy person.
From that time on upto last Sep 26 we were together. He loved Bangladesh
very much and he was a great evangelist as well.
Now we have lost our spiritual leader so sadly.
How can we comfort his family? Only Jesus' coming will be our comfort for bereaved family.
Dear respected Pastor Gulfan, we hope to see you soon when Jesus comes.
Good by and I love and respect you so much.

Oct 04, 2015

I knew Pastor Gulfan as far back to 1972 when I studied at Mountain View College., Philippines. He was my prayer partner. There was a small cubicle at the worship room in the men's dormitory and we frequent spent time praying for each other. I knew that prayer was his secret of success in ministry. My family have him in our prayer list from the time he was sick till the time he passed away. God in His providence decided to give him rest only to wake him up at the resurrection morning. To Hellen and family, may the Lord comfort you as you mourn the loss.

Pastor Gulfan molded me in our 7th day Adventist faith. He exposed and trained me in different chruch responsibilities with the support of Mrs. Gulfan. This was during our Capitol Center Church days when he was our church pastor. My mother was very happy and thankul that I became close to Pastor & Mrs. Gulfan because they had their concern for me being a young adventist living in the outside world of the seventh day adventists. Pastor Gulfan did the necrological services for my mother when she passed away. However, I did not get to see and meet them again when Pastor was promoted and transferred to another assignment. My family was saddened to hear of Pastor Gulfan's passing away. Mam Helen, we know it is painful but we also know that our God knows everything for us. We will miss Pastor Gulfan but my memories of him will always be treasured. Remember? - the floating seminar of Pastor Teves to Silang? Pastor Gulfan send us both, that was even Christmas season but he said she will let you go. To you Mam Helen, Honey, Lloyd and JP, our heartfelt CONDOLENCE. You are in our prayers .

Our dearest pastor Albert Gulfan has finished the race with victory in Jesus and there's a crown waiting for him on that blessed glorious morning when our Savour Jesus comes to take us home. I consider pastor Albert as my second father. His words of encouragement, advices, prayers and financial support has a huge impact in my life. My deepest sympathy for the Gulfan ' s family specially with ma'am Helen. Take hold of His rich promises on His words.

Pastor Albert Gulfan, Jr. was a colleague and a friend. We were together in Mountain View College as students; and were together at the School of Health/International Institute of Health at Philippine Union College as graduate students. Even when we went our own ways professionally, we still kept in touch. The last time I saw him was when I paid him a visit in is office at SSD. He got up from his chair, came to meet and embrace me, and called me Bentot (only close friends call me by that nickname), and I called him Berto (no one called him Berto except those who have a special bonding with him). At that time I felt that he had never changed. He never let his position get to his head -- he was still the same servant leader that I had known through the years. He will be missed, but he is now resting, waiting for the call from his Master. To Inday Helen, be strong in the Lord. We will all see Berto again in that great resurrection morning.

Be sure it was big sad news of the year 2015 for me that a lion of Jesus ,a man who loved me is not in this world now. My heart does not accept that Our leader slept who fought a good fight against devil in shape of his disease and won. I met him in year end meeting 2014. He was very happy over victory of his disease. But I hope we will see and meet with our Leader when Jesus will come to take us . my great condolences are with sister Helen Gulfan and her family.

Though I haven't known Ptr. Gulfan personally but frankly speaking I was affected emotionally when I heard the sad news that he passed away. Undeniably he inspired and motivated me in my ministry for the very reason that whenever I have the chance to hear him every time he was invited as speaker in central Luzon conference's gatherings. I listen to him attentively. His real life encounter testimonies were indeed valuable to my pastoral duties. I feel and see in him the sincerity, honesty and a godly life of a true servant leader. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Gulfan family.

Though I haven't known Ptr. Gulfan personally but frankly speaking I was affected emotionally when I heard the sad news that he passed away. Undeniably he inspired and motivated me in my ministry for the very reason that whenever I have the chance to hear him every time he was invited as speaker in central Luzon conference's gatherings. I listen to him attentively. His real life encounter testimonies were indeed valuable to my pastoral duties. I feel and see in him the sincerity, honesty and a godly life of a true servant leader. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Gulfan family.

Late Pr. Gulfan is a great leader and evengalist. He is also a friendly and approachable person. Truly we will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to sis. Helen and loved ones. May God's promise of resurrection on the day of Jesus' second coming comfort us.

As GCAS team for some years, we have come across audit engagement in many institutions including SSD administration few years back. For me Pastor Gulfan is one of the example to all church leaders under SSD area how the integrity is being applied in words and deeds, an example of how dedication and the love of God's work is far more important than personal interest. We wan't to thank God that Pastor Gulfan has been such an inspiration to church leaders. It is true that Jesus said: he that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.

When I first heard the news about his death, I was shocked and stunned. He was like a father figure to me. I still remember when Pastor Gulfan was admitted in the Hospital in Subic and they stayed in our house for a couple of weeks before going back in Silang. During one of my visits (every day usually because I was tasked to bring some food for them), he talked to me personally as in just the two of us. He knew that I was out applying for a teaching job in a public school. So he gave me an advice I will never forget. He told me, Son, you are applying in a non denominational territory. As an Adventist, you should provide the light and even though you can't spread the gospel, at least set an example of being a good Christian. Be with the Gentiles as the Bible say. I took his advice and that I will treasure it.

Without the people who served as God’s helping hands na di bumitaw, hindi ako makakatapos. Bago pumanaw si Pastor Moises Jereos nasabi niyang si PASTOR ALBERT GULFAN JR. pala mismo ang secret sponsor ko sa CPAC hanggang makapagtapos ako. Nakwento raw ni PASTOR GULFAN sa kanya. Sumagot ako, “No wonder, Pastor Carmelito Galang Jr. (then CLC President) said he (PASTOR GULFAN) cancelled his appointment abroad to be my sponsor during my ordination in 2004.” Twice akong nadestino sa East Visayan Mission during externship noong presidente pa siya roon. Interest Coordinator ako sa Major Evangelistic Campaign nila ng dating FED President na si Pastor Violeto Bocala at kasama sa bahay sa church planting site sa Leyte.” On April 6, 2011 I went to the president’s office in SSD; I embraced and thanked him personally.

Quoted from:
KUMBINSIDO AT KONBERTIDO
Panayam ni Johnson Amican kay Pastor Sherwin G.Villarica
CENTRAL LIGHT, The Official Publication of the CLC of the SDA Church, Volume 8, Number 3, Sep-Dec.2014, pp.44-46
(Fourth paragraph of my answer to number 8 question: "Ano ang karanasan na hindi malilimutan na masasabi mong hindi ka iniwanan ng Panginoon?")

I can remember that my late Father in-law, Pr. Illuminado T. Balacy and their family are good friends for a long time. Through them, I met Pastor Gulfan. He is one of my favorite everytime he delivers a sermon. He made it to a point, that its unbiased, very objective, and spiritually fulfilling. I always look forward to listen to his soft and well modulated voice in the pulpit. He is a good servant of the Lord and will always will be...a good friend to everybody...a good person inside out. Our sympathy ang prayers to the bereaved family. Prayers for endurance and strength in his time of loss.

Growing up I always told myself, that when I get married someday, I want Lolo to be the one to officiate it. But I never got to tell him this..
I can still remember when I was a little girl and my family were neighbors with the Gulfans, me and my siblings would come to their house to join evening worships with them -- before playing with kuya jp and the rest of the "miller kids".
Although I could not recall the times we (me and my sibs) were with Lolo, all I know is that he is a great man. And he trully lived up to what he was known for.
We will miss you Lolo. See you in that resurrection day, soon.

I can never forget this man of God, Elder Albert Gulfan Jr. who conducted a bible study and appealed for my decision for baptism. I was between 9-10 of my age that time . He was the same man of God when I was at my age of 12 - 13 who inspired and invited me to work with him as his assistant lay worker in his district field in Cebu City where he was assigned. In my college years in Cebu City when he found me active in some parliaments on the streets activities against the regiment of late President F. Marcos , it was my darkest years of my youth life when he met me and called my attention, inspiring me again his dream for me to be a pastor , His words are still fresh in to my mind when he said " Aye , I know you took political science because you want to be a lawyer and someday would be a politician, yes I'm sure you will have a lot of money ,or any fame or prestige, but you wont experience the joy I have as a pastor, but if you will be a pastor you may not have lots of money or any fame but I'm very sure you will have the joy and that is the joy of heaven " then he offered a prayer to me .His words were not wasted for the joy that I am enjoying now is the reality of what he told me way back early of 1980's. To ma'am Helen the wife and to the family , may the heaven's comfort of the Holy Spirit be upon you as we go through in faith til the coming of Jesus Christ when we shall see Elder Albert Gulfan raised back to life for eternity.

we will meet again my Beloved Pastor Gulfan.

we will meet again my Beloved Pastor Gulfan.

A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MAN OF GOD

“I seldom cry over patients but he was an exception – how could I hold back tears for a person who made an impact in my life.”

For a short time I’ve come to know him, he made a lasting impression. He is a humble and meek person. A quiet man of few words, his smile alone brings encouragement and cheer especially for gloomy days. He was more than a patient. He was more than a pastor. He was a part of the hospital family.

Even in his sickbed, he continued doing what he loved the most – to share God and minister to others. He ministered not with words, but through the testimony of his life. He showed a Christ like and spirit-filled character despite the challenges he and his family faced. I know other patients felt his presence during his hospital stay. They too can testify. Who could not bring such radiance to others?

In this world, he may never hear what good things we can say about him. But I am sure we all have the same lament for this great servant of God. The candle might have burned out – the wick and wax consumed – but rest assured, the light he left will continue to illuminate others. He left us an encounter; He left us an experience; and definitely, he left a legacy – to live a life just like Christ in service for others and for God.

“You have fought a good fight, you have finished the course, you have kept the faith…” – 2 Timothy 4:7, rephrased

He has cared deeply for the church, we are happy to have taken care of him as well… He will never be forgotten… Condolence for Mrs. Helen and the bereaved family… You are all in our prayers… May the Lord bless you and fill you with comfort and assurance…

I am sad to learn of the news of Elder Gulfan's passing. Elder Gulfan was a very humble and approachable servant, a powerful preacher and Godly leader who loved to served God and man. I had the privilege to meet him back in 2009 during our Europe4Jesus evangelistic meeting in Palawan. He readily helped and interacted with our team without request. This humble soldier was in the water for several hours to help the local Pastors baptize 1000+ souls from the 21 meeting harvest. Indeed, the good Elder was a faithful servant who served his Master well and finished his race on high note. He will be missed by those who love him and served with him at HQ and in the frontline. We, his fellow combatant in Christ, pray for his family and the people of SSD territories and church family. We hold on to the promise of our commander-in-chief, Christ Jesus. May we all stand before Him faithful to receive that promise as this resting soldier was faithful.

To the Christian, death is but a sleep, a moment of silence and darkness. The life is hid with Christ in God, and “when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” John 8:51, 52; Colossians 3:4. [68] – {CSA 44.4}

Dear Auntie Helen, I am really sad hearing that Uncle Albert died as I called Lola Thelma yesterday. He always inspired me when I was a working student in MVC before. You are in our prayers. I hope I can visit you this weekend. I reallly missed my understanding Uncle Albert. God bless you Auntie Helen.

I was blessed to have listened nightly to Pastor Alberto C. Gulfan, Jr. messages in an evangelistic revival seminar here at Santiago City, Isabela, Philippines back in 2013. God used him mightily in calling me back to church and be a faithful believer. Pastor Gulfan rebaptized me in faith through the waters of baptism.

Thank you so much Pastor Gulfan to your ministry as an effective evangelist. Your messages and advices will continue to guide my life as I serve and wait for Jesus Christ. Sleep tight in the Lord and see you again in that blessed morning.

I remember meeting and talking with Pastor Gulfan years before he became SSD president. He was an unassuming and dedicated worker. What impressed me was that when he became president, he remained humble and committed to the Lord's work. Always gracious and courteous, he made ordinary and lowly people comfortable in his company. May his faithful ministry and example inspire us to keep going in our ministry. My prayers and condolences to his wife, Mrs. Gulfan and family.

In the passing away of Elder Gulfan, the world church and more importantly the church in the Philippines has lost a great leader who exemplified humility, modeled servant leadership, lived and breathed evangelism, and to his last moment remained a friend of Adventists in SSD from the ordinary church member to the most advanced professional. In my 25 years of association with him, I saw in him one who loved this church dearly and gave every ounce of his strength for the expansion of God's kingdom. Be it in Cebu, Manila, Jakarta, Minado, Penang, Singapore, Washington, or wherever God's bidding took him, he stood tall as an Adventist leader. He was a reconciler in the midst of conflicts, a bridge builder where there was a gulf, a personification of humility when at times church leaders were seen as pressing for what they thought or preferred. Christ was his first love; the church was his passion; the soon coming of Jesus was his ardent hope, even as he in his wisdom learnt to number his days and rely on his Savior during the most trying hours of his recent illness. I will miss him as a friend, and may the Lord be close to his wife and family.

It was my privilege to know and work with Pastor Alberto Gulfan during my 11 years of service at the General Conference (world headquarters). He was always — always — a gracious and helpful gentleman, someone who was concerned for the needs of others, and who wanted the world to know Jesus. His devotion to evangelism will be long remembered. May his family and friends find comfort in happy memories and God's unfailing promise of resurrection and life eternal.

I met Pastor Gulfan during Annual Council. He indeed was a gracious and humble man, with a passion for the message and mission of the Adventist Movement. To my brothers and sisters who greatly feel this loss, I am praying for you today--grateful for our Blessed Hope.

Esther R. Knott
Associate Director, NAD Ministerial

If I may describe my BigBro (as we often call him when conversing one another) in one or two words, he is the most HUMBLE and MEEK person I knew. Despite of the successes he achieved in life and in the ministry, standing as the eldest [2nd], he always remain calm, gentle, and very apologetic in speech when being confronted by his siblings on whatever issues arises in the family. I will miss him more than we spent little times together when he's with me.

You might not know me Pastor, I miss you too much, what a sad news i have heard.
See you in the morning!
Come Lord Jesus!

For the past 7 years, I have been so blessed by Pr Gulfan's servant-leadership, here in SSD. He was one of the most dedicated and most loving pastor-leaders that I have been privileged to work with.

One of my memories with him was of a time when he and I had to be discretely taken out of Bangladesh, due to rioting that had cropped up in Dhaka at the time. An ambulance was called and both of us stayed low in the back as we went with sirens blazing, through car-less streets which were lined with police and soldiers, all in full riot gear, with machine guns at the ready. Even though it was a tough situation, he was hardly phased!

Pastor Gulfan was a personal and mentor and a spiritual giant in my life. I will miss the times we traveled and the times we prayed together. I can't wait to see him again! Even so, please come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Uncle Titing, as what we usually call him, is a very dedicated servant of God and had touched so many lives by his selfless and countless acts of kindness, always giving and never expecting any favors in return. The benefits of his hard work is a living testimony for many people he took under his wings at a personal and professional level. I still can't believe I am writing a tribute because of his passing. It is really with heavy heart, specially that he has been more than an Uncle to me.....he's also been a Dad not just to me but to all his nieces and nephews. The day I heard he already took his last breath made me mourn all day. I know his passing is just temporary and that we are now to make sure of our standing before God because Uncle Titing will surely be there waiting for us and be reunited again in that resurrection morning.

I felt very sad when I heard the news that Elder Gulfan has passed away. He exemplified a dedicated and committed life of service for God. His love for preaching the gospel has inspired me to hold my first public evangelistic meeting in his union when he was serving as president of Central Philippines Union Conference. We will miss him, but we look forward to the resurrection morn when we will meet Elder Gulfan again. Our prayers are with the Gulfan family at this time.

Pastor Gulfan was so kind to me and my family during our service in Sri Lanka and SSD. When I came into his office he would always tell me stories of those who had chosen to follow Christ at the meetings he had preached recently. Ever caring about the families, he paid special attention to our children. Pastor Gulfan treated me like a son, and always provided plenty of Grace for me as a young leader. I will never forget the beautiful way he led our division, always showing care. He also had a knack of knowing how to bring consensus out of difficult discussions at meetings, I watched him in amazement when he was able to provide a sense of peace, even when things were not easy to talk about. I will greatly miss the humble, godly leader, who treated us so well. I look forward to seeing him again when Jesus returns.

It was with a heavy heart that I received the sad news of Pastor Gulfan's death. He was a humble man whose love for others made him passionate about sharing the gospel with others. He was an inspiration to me to make public evangelism a regular part of my ministry. Let us pick up where he left off in spreading the Good News that Jesus is coming soon and let that hope of being reunited with our friends and loved ones bring us comfort during this time of loss.

I first met Pastor Gulfan when I was attending a health convention at CPUC in 1995. He was the Union President then. A powerful and dynamic preacher and a capable leader. Yet I saw the humble side of him in many ways.. He will be greatly missed by me. Condolences to Mrs. Gulfan. May the Lord comfort you with the hope of the 2nd coming of our Lord Jesus Christ..

I salute Pastor Gulfan for his unquestionable integrity, sincerity and commitment to the Lord's work. I am deeply grateful to him for the support he has given to Central Philippine Adventist College when he was the chairman of the college board.

What a privilege to have worked with Pastor Gulfan for the last ten years in SSD. A great man of God. A humble and faithful servant whose passion for the preaching of the good news was always his priority. Praying for Helen, Honey, Lloyd, Jaypee and the rest of the family.