NHCLC National Latino Evangelical Leader Leaves behind Legacy of Multi-Generational Leadership

There is a beautiful scripture that is found in 2 Samuel 1:17-27. David laments the death of the King of Israel, Saul and his very dear friend Jonathan. In his eulogy David cries out; "how the mighty have fallen." It gathers up all of the loss that Israel suffered on one day into one haunting phrase. I was reminded of my visit to Hawaii last year, when I stood at the national cemetery where those who died at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 are buried. My heart was heavy with the awareness of the loss that was represented there. I watched an older couple from the Midwest stand for the first time at the grave of their son and their tears could not be held back. They would have understood the theme of David's lament, " how the mighty have fallen".

It is my sad duty to inform the members of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference that one of our members and a very dear friend, Rev. Dr. Richard Tanon has "finished the battle." Dr. Tanon went to be with the Lord on the 7th of February at 7:00 p.m. He was a Pastor with an Evangelist heart, an educator that had huge dreams for young people. He served as a Chaplain with a compassionate heart for the lost and forsaken. He was a friend that had no problem traveling the second mile to help those in need. He was a Leader with an indelible vision. He will be missed by the body of Christ.

Dr. Tanon had big shoes to fill being the son of the first Hispanic Pastor that had a mega-church at a time that churches were not recognized by their size. The New York John 3:16 Hispanic church became known through-out the nation as the largest church. Richard Tanon carried his parents name with dignity and respect and became a chaplain in the New York Sing-Sing Prison. There he witnessed the transforming power of the Gospel as men gave their heart to Christ and began a new life serving Jesus. Reverend Tanon went on to become the Senior Pastor of "Templo De La Cruz" in Hayward, CA. serving God and the church for well over 20 years. During his pastorate he bought land for the church and remodeled the church to its original state. He had just begun his work as the Assistant Superintendent of the Northern Pacific Latin American District Council of the Assemblies of God. He will be missed by all the ministers of our District as well as the constituency of The NHCLC . May our Dear Brother Dr. Richard Tanon rest with God!