Tributes:
What a legacy! We shall lift up to our Father your whole family and ministry at this time of saying, "See you later, George." His work will not be forgotten and shall grow to completion as the Lord continues what was started. With tears for this temporary "moment of separation,"
Cindy and Steve Oulighan,
Concord, Massachusetts
My freind, my friend. Through the Lord you have changed my life more than 30 years ago. You intorduced me and my family to the greatest gift in the universe. You and Jeanne will always be in our minds,hearts and lives. You are our Friends and for that we thank the Lord.
Frank & Gayle Beshai,
Worcester, MA
To Jeanne DeTellis and the DeTellis Family: On behalf of the Pastoral Staff, Leadership and Congregation of Emmanuel Pentecostal Christian Church, I express my deepest condolences for the loss of brother George DeTellis. His life and ministry have had a great impact for the Kingdom of God particularly in the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Brother DeTellis' love for the children and families of these countries was very evident through the ministry entrusted to him. May you find comfort in knowing that we mourn with you and pray for you but also in knowing that brother DeTellis is now in the presence of our Saviour, the God he served and loved. May the Lord be with you.
Pastor Mario Catalano
Senior Pastor,
Montreal, Canada
I still have a vivid picture in my mind of Pastor George when I you came to Bari, Italy. I keep good memories of the time spent together at Gianni Caito's house. Praying that the Lord will surround you with His love and that His presence will fill you with peace. With deepest sympathy
Michela Di Benedetto,
Forli, Italy
We have been deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our dear brother George De Tellis. What a wonderful person he was and what an amazing man of God he remained until the end. Without a doubt in our mind, he will be remembered as an example to follow. My wife Tonie and I are honored to have had our paths cross and to have met him and his wonderful wife Jeanne and children. I remember the fantastic trip I made with him to Italy, as he went looking for his family ancestors. As I saw him minister in different churches, sharing his strong love and passion for Christ and love for his fellow man and especially the poor, I could only wish I would one day become like him. I had the opportunity to visit New Missions in Haiti twice, and I was blessed to see what an impressive work was accomplished from something that was just a dream and a vision. All of what George has accomplished in his life is little compared to who he was. One of the many gifts that colored his life was humility, placing others above himself all the time. He was a true example of Christ. We already miss him tremendously. His wonderful wife and amazing children have already carried his legacy for a long while already. Since the beginning, they worked tirelessly sacrificing so much for the cause of Christ. We have all witnessed it with our own eyes. They are so amazing and will they will keep on writing chapter after chapter in this amazing book of life changing experiences and endeavors. Many tears are being shed right now, but our consolation is that he is in the arms of His Lord and Savior being rewarded for what he has accomplished for the Kingdom of God here on earth. May we shine as he did! With our most heartfelt sympathy and profound love.
Joseph and Tonie Loria
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Jeanne, We are deeply saddened to hear of Pastor George's passing. Even though we only knew him for a short time, we knew what a wonderful and loving person he was. Thank you Pastor George for blessing our baby girl, Mila Grace and for welcoming my mother and father into your family. Jeanne, Christian and I send you a big hug across the miles and please know that you and Pastor George will always have a place in our hearts and prayers.
With love,
Nicole, Christian and Mila Grace McLean,
Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts
What a precious joy to have known George DeTellis. Great man in a humble vessel, who wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. We will always remember the lessons learned under the Mango Tree and on the beach in the DR. Give Jesus a hug for us and may your legacy live on!
Love the Beauvais Family
Dave, Karen, Sarah, Jake, Josh and Tiffany
Acworth, Georgia
Jeanne, George Jr., Timothy, Charlie,& MaryAnn..........Our love and prayers are with you at this time. Although just as with David, God gives us a time to grieve, we know that this good soldier is in the presence of the Lord he loved and cherished so much. You all will be in our prayers. We haven't seen George or you for about 10 years, although we have followed the ministry through your news letters.......God has blessed and will continue to bless through the loved ones George and the family have raised up. Today God has gathered to himself one of his jewels....but he has left a legacy all of us can follow. He is now receiving his crown of rejoicing.......God bless You all......Regards
Pastor Nick & Jean Romano......
(Pastor Dennis & Connie Karaman's Friends)
Niskayuna, New York
We rejoice with you in knowing that George is in the presence of our Lord and Savior and we cry with you as you mourn the loss of him by your side here on Earth. We especially understand these emotions as we, also, said goodbye to our father and grandfather on this very same day of June 26, 2008. We will continue to keep you in our prayers as we walk through this process of letting go and looking forward to the day we all join together in paradise. We pray the Lord would comfort and surround each of you at this time. God bless you,
The Larsons
Jim, Renee, Jordan and Logan,
Sosua, Dominican Republic
We love you and your family. Thank you for your prayers for us and our youth group. We will keep you in our prayers at this time. May God comfort you with his Spirit and give you all you need. You and your husband are such an encouragement to us in Christ. We can't wait to meet your husband in heaven. We love you in Christ,
Jeremy and Raegan Vanderput,
Phoenix, Arizona
We are sad to hear the news of George passing. Charlie, Rachael and the children were with us here in Cayes last weekend. We were reminiscing about old times and all the wonderful memories we have. George touched our lives greatly. He gave us a vision to serve the Lord when we were young and God has been good. May God be with you in a special way as you trust the Lord at this time. We would like to come to the funeral but we are still in Haiti. With our love and prayers to you and your family! Love
John and Diane Vrooman,
Venice, Florida
I am saddened at your loss and the loss to your wonderful family. Just last year I had the privelege to visit Haiti and spend time with Charlie. Since then, I've read your book and practically immersed myself in all things Haiti. I'm driven to make a difference. Both yours and George's passion and determination to share the love of Jesus with the people of Hispaniola is contagious. The thought that the children you touch today may be tomorrow's leaders is so very exciting. Just think, there's some 8,000 children in 20 schools learning about the saving love of Jesus because of your efforts. The potential for that is exponential! The DeTellis Family has and will change the country of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. What a fantastic legacy! The inroads that have started as a result of you and George are just the beginning. Your love for the Lord is shining even now in your messages and I wish that my family could be there to grieve and celebrate this incredible life. Another missionary once shared these comments at the passing of a team member - Enter in to your eternal reward my partner in the ministry. May thousands line up to take your place on the mission field, may your testimony in Jesus Christ spread across the world and may the peace that passes all understanding be upon your family.
With Love and Appreciation,
David Kless and Family,
Glendale, Arizona
Dear Jeanne & family, warmest greetings in Jesus: Our heart and prayers go out to you during this unique time in your lives. You have impacted the future of countless thousands with the Gospel of Christ. Your husband/father was an example of singlemindedness in fulfilling the heavenly vision the Lord gave him. Please know that you are all in our prayers. I look forward to continued cooperation with New Missions in Canada and the world. Jeanne, lena sends her love. George jr. thanks for being a great friend. The lord willing we will see you in Lexington. Because of Him.
David & Lena Distaulo,
Woodbridge Ontario, Canada
Hi from New Delhi--We have been inspired by your husband's love for people and his committment to serving the Lord--Enthusiastically! We have heard much about you all from our neice, Heather, and from Dan's sister, Rachel DeTellis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura Gillette for us all,
Delhi, India
Dear Jeanne, and family, Our love and prayers are with you, We are saddened by your loss, But, are comforted to know he is with our Lord Jesus Christ now and forever. We are blessed and feel very priviledged to have known this soldier of the cross, and rejoice in the fruitful ministry He had in the kingdom of God. God bless you Jeanne, Our hearts are with you and will continue to be. Love,
Pastor Dan and Marcia Curtis,
Madison, Maine
I would like to offer my condolences to you, and your family for your loss. George left a legacy and changed an Island. Thousands of Haitians have a better life on earth and eternally because Mr. George was willing to listen to God's voice. Until we meet Him, and meet George, Be Strengthened.
Nazareth Rizkallah
Corona, CA
I will be praying for you and your family at this time. I got thinking, what an amazing example of a fully devoted follower and servant of our saviour that your father was. Most of us can only dream of having that kind of faith and courage, I consider myself blessed to have met him.
Leland Klassen
Vancouver, Canada
Pastor George DeTellis' life was such a healer to so many lives and families in Haiti. His work of 25 years will go on for 100's of years, thru generations to come. What a glories life.
Bob Scott
Orlando, Florida
When I brought my daughter to the Dominican Republic last year you and your husband shared your vision, your love for Jesus, the people, and for each other.. and now we share your grief. I recently read A LEAF IN THE WIND.....what a great reminder of God's goodness and control... the way He has led you both has inspired me. When we were with you.. what moved me the most- wasn't seeing and hearing all that the Lord had already done...as impressive as that is... but the excitement George had, the fire in his eyes as he shared a plan for a bigger tent, more services, reaching more people... the passion was so strong. What a joy now for George... but what a void is left...
Gordon Douglas
Glen Mills, Pennsylvania
Long before Bono's "Red" thing, "We Are the World," and "Live Aid" George Detellis saw what many of us are just now realizing, that we must hear the call of God and the cry of hurting people. Starting with little more than what his family could carry, George Detellis led them to a place most would fear to tread. The epicenter of voodoo and poverty. In Haiti thousands have come to know Jesus Christ because of him and his family's faithfulness to Gods call. Miracle upon miracle have been the hallmark of his life. Planting over twenty churches and schools now 8000 students today learn to read and write as well as learn about the Love of Jesus Christ. A hot meal and a clean school uniform have brought the love of Christ into homes that are little more than shacks or huts. Medical care and regular food distribution mean that many who were destined to perish are now healthy and praising God. Only a 9 year struggle with cancer and the Lord's call home would have stopped this remarkable man.
Today his legacy continues through his remarkable children who are committed to carrying the torch through one of the most impressive mission ministries in the world. New Missions is a ministry that will continue to touch tens of thousands. While we will miss our friend and pastor, his word to us is clear, continue to show the world what we believe and not merely tell them. He did this by ministering to the poorest of poor and remembering that Haiti and the islands are too close for us to ignore. I believe all of Heaven will hear the Lord's welcoming words to George, "well done, my good and faithful servant."
Dr. Jay Strack
President and Founder of Studentleadership.net
Rudyard Kipling wrote: “If you can face triumph and tragedy and treat these two imposters just the same, if you can bare to hear the words you’ve spoken, twisted by knaves to set a trap for fools or see the things you gave your life for, broken, and build them up again with worn out tools…then yours is the earth and all that’s in it and what is more you’ll be a man my son.” It’s with ease that I consider the sentiments in these remarks and at the same time I think of my friend, George DeTellis; for he is able to stare both tragedy and triumph in the eye and treat it as if it’s an imposter; for it is an imposter to the man of faith. Our friendship soon spans three decades and what some might consider stubbornness, I’ve observed in George DeTellis, a chin set like a flint toward the achievement of the calling that God has placed upon his life. He is inalterable and unyielding in his commitment to fulfill heaven’s goal for him, project by project.
Would to God we all lived our lives with such resolve as this man whom it is my honor to call my friend. Most of us are too indifferent to consider what others might say of us after our demise, but because of my calling in life, I’ve had many occasions to consider such matters; in George’s case, the words of Longfellow prevail. “The lives of great men all remind us we can make our own sublime and in departing leave behind us footsteps on the sands of time.”
Pastor Ernest W. Frye
Metro West Ministries
Ashland, MA
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