The Last Word He Spoke to Me Was "LOVE"!

The year is 1945 and this is the pastor's family on a Sunday morning just before or just after Church service. The pastor was such a good preacher and he had a great singing voice. The pastor's wife was great in children's ministry but one thing always made her sad. She couldn't carry a tune. So many times throughout her long life she said she could hardly wait to get to Heaven so she could SING! In case you didn't guess already, this is Grandma and Grandpa Buza with their three sons: Carlin, Joel (being held), and the sweet little guy with his hands on his knees is Wayne. I was always amazed that Wayne was so blonde when he was little and had such dark hair when he was a man. I saw a little clipping of his light and fine hair that Grandma kept in an envelope. Of course, I think he was the sweetest of the three but I am biased.

Right now, I want to talk about Pastor Robert Buza. He was my father-in-law and YOUR great grandfather. Some of you remember him and some of you do not. May I share some things about his life? It is my hope that you will learn a little lesson about what is most important in life. And I hope that hearing more about your great grandfather will motivate all of you to live this life for Jesus first of all.

Robert Frank Buza was born on March 7, 1911 in Bradley, Illinois. He died at the age of 80 in Machias, Maine. He had three brothers: Wayne (Abe), Frederick (Fritz), and William (who died in childhood). He had one sister, Beulah. His mother (Eva) had a reputation for being a godly woman but we never heard that Albert, his father, was a Christian. Grandpa did not become a Christian until he was in his late 20s. He told of how he went to Church services one night to cause a ruckus and to make fun of the evangelist who was speaking. But God had other plans and he melted Grandpa’s rebellious heart and He trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Within a year or so he had made a serious commitment to serve the Lord in the ministry of the gospel and became a student at Practical Bible Training School in Johnson City, New York. After his graduation from Bible school, he and grandma were married. He served briefly as a missionary in Guatemala and pastored a number of Churches in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Maine.

Question: How did this rebellious young man become transformed into a preacher ot the gospel and a missionary? Answer: Through the unconditional love and grace of God. In answer to the prayers of a godly mother.

Here is part of a letter that his mother, Eva Chaney Buza wrote from Illinois to her son in New York:

Well, Robt, my prayers for you night and day are that you may be deeper and deeper steeped in the riches of God’s truths. That Jesus will use you mightily in His services. That as you yield your will to the spirit’s your joy will be multiplied
Well Robert, I sent your money and blanket. Did your blanket and money arrive o.k.?
We all miss you greatly. But rejoice that you are doing God’s will. Many friends ask for you. Hubert Frost visited Fred one a.m. and when I told him his mouth dropt open 2 inches and then he said Good for him! That’s fine! But Hubert has linked himself with the Catholics and is to be married Oct. 1st Sat to Jessie Vienna.Let me know about your trip, hardships and all; they are to be counted as tested blessings. Those whom God loves he chassens. Please write me all your news and we always pray for you and Merle at home and at Church. The Church loves Merle and prays for his advancement in Christ’s plan for him. May God richly bless you in your present place of experience with all Love, Mother and all..

This is what Grandma Dallas, his wife, had to say about him: "from the first time that I knew him, he was a very special person. He had a great love for his Lord and a great love for people. He was so caring and thoughtful and always willing to go the second mile to please everyone or help them in any way he could. He was a hard worker and had a marvelous memory. He also had a good sense of humor -- always had a pleasant attitude. He was a wonderful husband and father and the people of the Churches he pastored liked him. The nicest thing he ever did for me is when he put that wedding ring on my finger on June 4, 1941."

I was his daughter-in-law, but he treated me as a daughter. Never once did I doubt his love for me and his acceptance of me. A few hours before he died, I stood by his bedside. He had suffered strokes and speech was very difficult. His eyes sparkled and his face radiated as he struggled to utter one, last word to me, "love".

The Bible says there are three things that last: faith, hope, and love. But "the greatest of these is love." You, dear grandchildren, are LOVED! Your family loves you dearly, but GOD loves you most of all!