December, 2004 Newsletter

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In Remembrance of Reverend James Toda

Upon his retirement from the OMS Holiness Conference of North America after faithfully serving for some forty-plus years at Campbell, Honolulu, San Diego and San Lorenzo, Rev. Jim and Alice returned to the Santa Clara Valley and lived at Lincoln Glen, a retirement complex. After the Homecoming of his beloved Alice, Rev. Jim graciously consented to serve as our SCVJCC Go-Go+ Fellowship Group advisor and spiritual leader. For us seniors who had attended the then Campbell Holiness Church where Rev. Jim was its first pastor in 1955, his return to mentor and guide us, again brought back many memories.

Memories of a young pastor and his wife sent by the Conference to serve and establish a church in the Santa Clara Valley, still dotted with orchards and farmlands and meeting in a rented church where Bible School and Evening Worship Service were held on Saturdays. Blessed with bi-lingual skills, Rev. Jim ministered to a very small congregation. Some of the attendees were often too exhausted from a hard day in the fields, but yet came seeking comfort and encouragement through the Scriptures and Rev. Jim’s sermons. As one of the Saturday Bible School teachers, it was a privilege and a challenging experience to work with and under Rev. Jim and Alice’s leadership.

Unlike the current pastoral care and benefits available, Rev. Jim and Alice’s living arrangements were, indeed, humble and unbelievable. Their dedication to their Calling, despite the inconvenience and setbacks was touching. Rev. Jim and Alice’s dedication and sacrifices reminded us of our Holiness Conference’s founders’ faith and trust in God. A legacy that should never be forgotten.

We will miss Rev. Jim, but he will always be remembered as mentor, spiritual leader and friend to many, for he had touched and changed many lives through the years. We are all comforted knowing and believing that Rev. Jim is now with his Lord and reunited with his beloved Alice.

— Annie Sueda

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