Good Bye My Friend - Max Torres 11*18*2008 | Thomist Tacos for the Soul

Good Bye My Friend – Max Torres

Posted by David Mendez in Uncategorized on 19 Nov 2008 | 14 Comments

Max Torres

I lost a friend. When I came to Tabernaculo in 2002 he was one of the first to receive me into Tab (Tabernaculo). He had that nack for approaching those who were new and somehow bring them in. I remember the many nights we went out for coffee and agreed and disagreed on topics and or events. He spoke his mind and wasn’t afraid to telling it like it is. His friendship was very valuable to me. The little that we worked together with the young adults and the theologizing we were set out to do was a phenomenal experience.

Even when I left to Dallas we stayed in touch and it was just a blessing every time we connected. At one point during a Denny’s late night coffee discussion, I remember us talking about what the Medievals call the beatific vision. I remember telling him of how when we are to be with the Lord, his contemplative beauty is so powerful that we cannot glance away from his presence. I continued, “He is so beautiful that we will be in the contemplative stare forever in eternity.”

I know that Max is forever contemplating the Lord, forever and ever in eternity. God in his goodness determined to call his son in. Max had done so much for so many generations that his imprint will be seen for many more generations to come. My prayers go out for the Torres family. May god in his infinite wisdom guide them to comfort through this difficult time.

http://rmaxt.blogspot.com/

“Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.” Unknown

14 Comments

[...] Good Bye My Friend - Max Torres 1 hour [...]

One Man's Dream: EPA Quinceañera Practice / 19 Nov 2008 / 4:43 pm / Reply
From what I found out through the church, the funeral will be Saturday morning. They are going to mourn him on Friday. They were not sure (at the time of my calling) what time it was going to be on Saturday.

David Mendez / 19 Nov 2008 / 6:41 pm / Reply
We will miss Max... I remember Max and his wife when i was a young boy back in 1989. He is a great man of God. My sister Maribel a.k.a(Bel)and I will keep everyone in our prayers... May God Bless you. Ernest Lopez.

Ernest Lopez / 19 Nov 2008 / 8:43 pm / Reply
I share your grief...I have worked with Max on many projects here in Houston and stumbled on your blog in his blog roll...They say the good die young, but memories last forever!!!

Sam / 19 Nov 2008 / 11:28 pm / Reply
What a tragic loss, but an eternal blessing!!! Max, AKA Bro Max, will always be remembered as the soul winning, Maximum Max, loving and generous friend. My wife and I cherish the fond memories of a man commited to God, destined to impact the lives of youth, and anyone ready to recieve his heartfelt wisdom, for that matter. Personally, I remember when Max took the LABI choir into his home, fed us, housed us, and challenged us to do great things for the Kingdom. His testimony of Godly living will always be remembered and still serves as an insperation to us, today. To Daliah, his sons and family, we send heartfelt prayers of peace and God's comfort. We Love You - Mike and Melissa Gaitan Duncanville, TX.

Mike and Melissa Gaitan / 19 Nov 2008 / 11:18 pm / Reply
Well, to those who have written, indeed Max was a good friend and I am honored to have a small space for you to share your memories, thoughts, laughs and mourning here. However, somehow I still can't process this and wish life could go on as normal. I told my wife, "its not like we could say, 'oh, he just got in a minor accident; but instead, we actually lost a friend!'" Indeed it has been hard to deal with. I can't even imagine what the family is going through. I remember when Daliah and Max lent us their camera for our honeymoon pictures...it seemed like yesterday.

David Mendez / 20 Nov 2008 / 12:28 am / Reply
Hello David- Thank you for the opportunity to extend my condolences to all who knew, honoreed, respected and love the precious spirit known to us as Max Torres. I remember hearing Max speak fondly of you. Perhaps we'll meet some day. Max knew so many wonderful people all around the world! I've known him and Dahilia for the past 12 years through my work at KSBJ Radio here in Houston. I'm like you, I keep wanting to think this couldn't be true. One things for certain, God's grace is sure to pull us all through. As an African-American woman, I was so proud to have Max as my brother, in the truest sense of the word! May God's peace and comfort rest abundantly upon his precious family.

kimk. / 20 Nov 2008 / 3:21 am / Reply
Thank you for remembering with us Kim. God bless.

David Mendez / 20 Nov 2008 / 8:59 am / Reply
I don't believe I knew Max as well as many others did. But what I did know is that he belived in people. I was a better youth pastor, husband and person because of the contact I had with him. Thank you for your inspiration and advice. I am more challenged today by him than ever before.

Tito Rosado / 20 Nov 2008 / 4:25 pm / Reply
I didnt know Max very well but his impact on my family Contreras & LittleMan and jessica will always mean alot to me. I know he has impacted many lives it is evident with my family & many others. He took the time to reach out!!! God Bless and comfort your family and until we are all reunited again. What a reunion we will all have in the New Jerusalem.

martha alvarez / 21 Nov 2008 / 5:39 pm / Reply
[...] Tacos for the Soul: Goodbye, My Friend and A Small Tribute to Max [...]

Max Torres: A friend is no longer with us | Urban Onramps / 22 Nov 2008 / 11:04 am / Reply
I can honestly say I attended the homegoing services of a spiritual giant this weekend! As a Pastor's daughter, I have attended many funerals, but none could compare to the glorious celebration in honor of Max Torres. We laughed, we cried, we remembered....One of the many highlights for me was in hearing that Max' youngest son accepted his call to the ministry two days before Max passed, so the mantle has been passed on and the legacy continues through his wonderful sons and amazing companion of over 31 years, Dahlia. There were thousands in attendance for his services this weekend and many had to be turned away because there was simply no more room. The diversity of the crowd was amazing and crossed every conceivable barrier. It was apparent that Max had preached his own eulogy through the life he lived. May we all be so fortunate. My life was challenged to soar to new heights after witnessing first-hand the impact of a man who lived his life to the maximum for Christ until he ultimatey Maxed out! Looking forward to that great reunion with my brother and friend.

kimk. / 24 Nov 2008 / 2:40 am / Reply
Max, words wont explain the greatest man of God and youth pastor you were to me. I am greatly thankful and honored to say that you were my youth pastor as I grew up. I never will forget the days I would see you at Sam Houston HS and you would walk up to me and ask me to tell my friends to come to church and TNT . I will never forget that time you cheered for me as I performed in my competetion ROTC and you cheered for me as If i was your daughter (everyone thought that ) . Really Max I love you very much, my heart hurts to say these things tears race down my face , but I know you desereved your honors in heaven. You are my inspiration! Thank you for all the TNT nights, for seeing you every day in HS, for understanding what its like to be young, for always showing a smile, for being the greatest youth pastor . God Bless you. Rejoice . You impactted my life powerfully! I love you and I will miss you!

Delia Rivas Becerra / 28 Nov 2008 / 2:11 am / Reply
As the parents of Max, we wish to thank each one of you for all the lovely words and prayers in our favor. We will miss Max, But we also know His work is now done here on earth. God has been so Great to us during this time of such Great Pain and Loss. Words can not tell how we both feel. But please know The Lord has prepared someone to carry on. LET IT BE YOU! WE WILL PRAY FOR ALL THE YOUTH THAT WERE LEFT HURTING. Remember we will see him again soon. It is up to us to carry on The Lords work for now.Be strong and pray for your Youth Pastors, be of help in your church groups. And keep Dahlia and D-Boys in prayer. We Love You

Mom & Dad Torres / 18 Dec 2008 / 12:39 pm / Reply