New Life – The Legacy of Hyla Gonzalez

In May of 2004, our Senior Pastor, Jim Hayford, was in Manila for the annual Church Planters’ Institute which is for training new pastors who are committed to establishing churches in the poorest communities in Manila. It was during that time that Hyla was born to one of newest church planters, Jun and Salve Gonzalez.

What normally would have been a joyous occasion became one of great alarm and concern when they saw what appeared to be Hyla’s heart protruding from her chest cavity, protected only by a thin membrane. She was rushed to critical care as pediatricians and cardiologists began scrambling to try to figure out what could be done to preserve Hyla’s life. It didn’t take them long to come to the anguished conclusion that Hyla couldn’t be helped and she only had days to live.

While still in the hospital Pastor Jim was able to visit Jun and Salve to pray with them as they faced a situation that appeared to be impossible medically, financially and emotionally. Through prayer, Jun and Salve found strength and hope in God. When Pastor Jim returned to Eastside he shared the plight of “Baby Hyla” with the congregation. Immediately hundreds of people rallied by pledging their prayers and financial assistance on her behalf. A fund was established that would be used to make sure she had access to the best medical care.

Doctors were consulted here in Seattle (and around the world) and they all agreed that her condition was inoperable.

Well, Hyla beat all the odds and quickly became known as a living miracle. Days of life turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months. Soon Hyla was released from the hospital and went home under the care of Jun and Salve. During the coming months visiting “Baby Hyla” became a beloved stopping point for teams from Eastside Foursquare Church. To everyone’s amazement, Hyla began to crawl, then to walk, laugh, and even to talk. Doctors were astounded by her progress.

Furthermore, she became known as a living miracle throughout her community.
Many turned to Jesus Christ and began attending Living Sanctuary Foursquare Church under the leadership of Pastor Jun. Every day of her life was considered a miracle due to the severity of the defects afflicted her heart.

On August 7, 2006, Hyla Gonzalez went on to be with the Lord. Hundreds of people attended her funeral. Neighbors flocked to her wake and children were seen bringing as much money as they could and leaving it by Hyla’s side.

For many people, Hyla brought a face to the Urban Church Planting Project. She represented the plight of the urban poor as well as the power and hope of a partnership forged by a common faith in Jesus Christ. Our church became more passionate about this project when her story was told. This is what the UCPP is all about. Hyla was a familiar face to all of us, but she represents hundreds and hundreds of children and adults who are being helped through your generosity as you find ways of becoming involved in the UCPP.

Today, Pastor Jun, Salve and their daughter Hannah are doing well. They are expecting another baby in March of 2007. Please keep them in your prayers as they anticipate another miraculous life born into a world of challenges and hope.