By Judy W. Copeland
Brother Romulo B. Agduma, Kidapawan, Philippines, passed this life November 25, 1979 in his home. From a letter I received from his son, Reuben, the only mention as to the cause of his death Was that “he rested from his lingering illness of Hypertension, but he had never been bedridden until the last moment of his breath.” He was 51 years of age at his death. Survivors include his wife, Romona, a son, Reuben and three daughters Rachel, Ruth and Rhoda. Reuben attended Florida College a year or more in the early 70’s, and is now preaching there in the same area where he has lived for many years. Funeral services were conducted by Virgilio Villanueva, of Lambayong, and Brother Ramon Carino read scriptures at the grave side service.
While with the Calmopt Avenue church in 1958, I began correspondence with Rpmulo Agduma since the church there was supporting him. At that time, the institutional issues were being discussed and I subscribed to the Gospel Guardian for Brother Agduma and asked him to study the issues. Soon he learned the truth and took a stand against the innovations of the time, which position was instrumental in getting his support cut off from the Harlengen, Texas church. Since that time I have corresponded with Brother Agduma and, on a preaching trip to the Philippines in 1973 and 1976, 1 became personally acquainted with him. In all the years (while far removed from him in person) of his work, I have always found him to be true to his family, his God and himself. He was instrumental in helping (through his paper among other ways) many to understand the true nature of the church and its work. Many faithful churches in the Philippines are there because of his teaching and work. It is impossible for one who has not been to the Philippines to know the hardships, work, and the sacrifices that some make to work and preach in that land. Brother Agduma lived in the midst of the Muslem territory where those rebels gave the government so much trouble through the years, and finally moved his family from M’lang to Kidapawan where he thought it would be safer. He bought a home there and lived there until his death.
Brother Agduma was not always in agreement even with brethren about many things. This is a tribute to his honesty and faithfulness to what he believed to be right. He was not willing to sacrifice principle for friendship. Even with some of the more influential men in the Philippines as well as America, he was not in agreement with matters pertaining to morals and issues, but always stood by his convictions. I had the utmost respect for his sincerity, integrity, knowledge of the word of God and his willingness and ability to proclaim it. You could not desire a more hospitable home than the Agdumas’. On the last trip (1976) to the Philippines I spent several days and nights there, and truly was treated like a king. Brother Agduma and I felt particularly close, since we had been corresponding so long, and since I discussed with him by letter the issues that were raging in the 1950’s. The Philippines truly have lost a great soldier and the Agduma family a wonderful father and husband. May they find comfort in his word and promises, and may those he taught take up the “sword of the spirit” and wield it as faithfully as he did. May God grant strength and hope to the family.
Truth Magazine XXIV: 6, p. 108
February 7, 1980