We all know him very well, Bishop Ken Speranza has been through it all with us Youth, and to loose someone so special and dear to our hearts, even words can't express how he has touched us over the years...but here we can try anyways, and from the bottom of our hearts, from our home to the Speranza's family homes...we are truly at lost with you...and our prayers will be with you through this difficult time. It only goes to show Our Heavenly Father has a much bigger plan for each and every one of us, we cannot question it or ask why, but take it as a blessing that we were able to experience sharing the laughters, conversations, fellowship, love and friendship with our dear Bishop Speranza.
~~~London
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This is so hard because we just saw him a week ago :( I don't wanna say he's gone. I don't wanna say he left us. We all love him and respect him. This was and still is A WONDERFUL MAN OF GOD! He will work and keep working to help the souls in eternity and will continue to do the LORD'S work forever. I will wrestle with my prayers for the family and all the loved ones that will mourn for this unique soul. This is not the END of his work, but another chapter of his life!
Once awhile we all once said, "When it rain it pours", but yesterday it really pours for a lot of NAC Youth. Its the day that change a lot of the NAC Youth life. When we all received the news of our dear Bishop Speranza passes away in to eternity.
I bet that our dear Bishop want all of us to remember the wonderful time we all had with him, not the sad time. Our Lord's have a lot of work for him in the eternity. It's great to see that all Youth from everywhere come together and share our feeling. Lets remember him and his families that he leaves behind in all of our prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Speranza Family. Our Bishop had a lot of life in him that I'm sure he will carry with him into eternity. I am happy to have been able to see him a week ago, and thankful for your sacrifice in allowing him to serve us over these past years. If you ever need anything, please know that you have a huge family to call upon within the youth and our congregations that he loved and cared for. You remain in our prayers. Wishing you all the strength and comfort that the Holy Spirit can provide, With Love, John Haettich
Through his work in our faith and as an all around good person Ken touched many of us and his passing is a great loss for all who know him. It's hard to believe that such a sudden event would take him away from us so tragically, but he would certainly want us to continue his work in our faith and to remember him fondly for the vibrant and fun loving individual he is that caused us all to be drawn to him. When i look by he was almost like a family member. Always giving me advice on life when i saw him and checking up on my family through good times and bad - always having a way to put a smile on our faces and make us feel like everything would just work out.
Ken will be missed dearly, but he will never be forgotten. He will live on in his influence over our work and deeds and be ever present in our hearts.
I will always keep in my heart the words he spoke at the Day Of The Youth in Marianna, FL. 2006.
While speaking to us, he touched on a few of his experiences of faith. He said "My very dear young people, I encourage you -- never underestimate the power of angels protection." This is how much love he had in his hearts for us. He is now our angel, still watching out for us as he always watched out for our NAC youth. I will never forget his words to us. He was such a wonderful servant of God, and I know in my heart that he continues to work in eternity with our loved ones who have gone before us... my mother included. "The home of my soul is on high"
He will never be forgotten.
Our heavenly father needs workers in heaven also,and he choose one of our best.
Kristen and Tina Racha
You and the family are in our hearts and prayers. It feels like just yesterday he was in New Smyrna Beach holding a 50th anniversary. He was an awesome servant of God.
Madilynn Cottrell
Bishop Speranza was respected and loved by all who was blessed to know him. He was in Tampa just a week ago inspiring us from behind the altar. I can still hear his last “Amen”… I can see him playing basketball or football with the youth… and sharing his work in Africa with the youth… he is not gone… he has merely walked from one room into another. He has devoted his life, on this earth, to the youth and our faith. Our Heavenly Father, in His wisdom, needs His faithful servant, in eternity realms, to prepare those souls for His Son’s return. There is much work that still needs to be done not only here on earth but with the many more lost souls. My prayers are with his family, friends and each other for strength and comfort to carry on the great example of Bishop Speranza’s love and sacrifice for our Heavenly Father’s will.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Psalms 91:2
All my prayers and love to the Speranza Family and friends,
Garry
What can I say. When I first heard the news I was in a state of shock. I couldn't believe that it happened. For years the Bishop has watched over the youth through the thick and thin of things. He was such an important person in the upraising of the youth. He will be truly be missed. I know our heavenly father has a bigger plan than we can imagine. The most important thing we can do is look at our selves and make sure that we are a part of it. We will always remember you and the family and we hope that we can all be together again one day.
With Love,
Luke Ronkowski
Even though the Body has passed away, the Bishop Speranza will always live on as long as we continue to live the way he taught us, to truly live our life of faith. He shared with us so many blessed examples and stories to strengthen and encourage us. There is no way I could put into words everything.....I know he is in the care of our Heavenly Father. He has helped me in so many ways. His family and friends will be in my prayers -
Dear Kathy, K.C., Michael, and family,
From the moment I first found out what had happened, my heart and prayers have been with you constantly. I keep replaying last weekend (Feb 10-11) in my head. We had the Bishop in a youth service on Saturday, then in service in our congregation the following Sunday morning. One of the youth reminded me that he said on the altar: "I am ready to go home right now. If the Lord were to come now, I would be ready." That was such a great comfort to me. I cannot begin to imagine what would be a comfort to you in these difficult moments, but I hope you know how many souls are holding hands and sending you their love and prayers all over the world. The Bishop also told us a Speranza family story in that service when he was with us: he said that he came home late from a trip and went to bed exhausted. In the morning, Kathy, you woke him up more than an hour earlier than usual and told him you were going to do things differently from then on. You were going to wake up with plenty of time to eat breakfast together, read a Bible story, and pray calmly, not rushed as had been the usual case (we can all identify with that). He said what a nice way that was to start the day - relaxed, in intimate prayer with his family, whom he still loves so much. I was so touched by this experience he shared with all of us. I thought to myself, "I want to begin this beautiful tradition with my family. If we are to remain faithful until the end, we must do it together!" Of course we cannot understand the will of the Lord, nor would we try. I can only say thank you for sharing the Bishop with all of us, and we love you dearly and will be praying unceasingly for you.
With all my love,
Melissa Lenz
We too can still remember his last POWERFUL Amen from the youth service one week ago... We remember when he said he felt he was ready now... What we are really praying for is the family - there is no words we can say to express our sorrow for their loss nor to alleviate their grief, only IT IS HIS WILL... You will be greatly missed Bishop, but know that our Heavenly Father is already using you...
Bishop Speranza was a very loving and caring servant of God. You could feel the love radiating through the congregation whenever he served. He was an inspiration for the Youth, parents of the Youth and for everyone under his care and now he will be for the souls in eternity. He will be greatly missed but I know he wouldn't want us to dwell on the sadness but only to look forward and be prepared for when the Lord comes...and till we meet again! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family...
With Special Love,
The Sarsony's
I have not been part of the Florida youth family for too long, but one thing I have seen is that Bishop Speranza made a positive impact on each and every soul in this group. I know his earthly presence will be missed, but he will always be with us through the memories we have and the life lessons he taught us. One thing is for sure, the love he put into this youth group will always be there to support you guys. My prayers are with each of you.
-- Tim Fair
Speranza family,
Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. Bishop Speranza was by far a wonderful person with a huge heart. We will all definitly remember his contagious smile, and kind heart.
We will always keep him in our prayers and hearts.
Love,
Joseph & Stephanie Stone
We were just with him in St. Pete 2 weeks ago for service and fellowship with the Young People. This came as a shock to our family. Ken will be greatly missed by all of us. Our Heavenly Father has other plans for our Bishop, he and his efforts and devotion must live and be carried on by the all of us here while the Bishop continues the work in the eternity. Our prayers are with the entire Speranza Family
Cole, Lori, Amanda, Kristin and Kelly Vanderklok
Dear Sister Speranza and Family,
Your husband and father, our bishop and friend, left us so many wonderful memories and blessings that we hold on to. The words in the hymn "only remembered by what you have done" rings within our soul when we think of our dear Bishop. He taught us much and his love was immense. Our heart and prayers go out to you for your great loss. Thanks for sharing him.
My dear family Esperanza there is no words to express who i feel about our dear friend Bishop Esperanza. Our friend and role model has gone to the next life but his teaching will always stay in my heart. I will say that just like he was a light to us as young people he will do the same in eternity. He was always showing us how to let ourselves shine by letting the heavenly father live in our hearts. Bishope Esperanza will always be in our hearts. Bishop Esperanza wouldn't like us to be sad he would say keep on striving to be ready for lords coming we will see each other again. My prayers will be with you.
"I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you"
John 14:18
You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
With deepest symphaty
There has been a tear in our eyes since we heard on Monday that our dear Bishop has passed away. He was always so inspirational to all of the youth. I know a lot of youth in our congregation looked up to him and considered him a friend. He will be sorely missed and cannot be replaced. But he always tried to bring laughter and joy to everyone around him and I think now more than ever he would want us to be happy, because he will be with us all next Sunday when our Chief Apostle will hold Service for the Departed. How special for our Bishop to be able to be so close to us and the Chief Apostle so soon. Our prayers are with the Speranza family every day.
-The Erie Youth
God works in mysterious ways! The time we just spent with our Bishop was truly a blessing! I can still see his smile and eagerness to hear the brothers serve. He always showed a care and concern for us youth!
Thank you for letting us share so many precious moments with him! He will always remain in our hearts! We will continue to remember you and your family in our prayers!
To the entire Speranza family,
You are constantly in our prayers, and we will continue to remember you and our dear Bishop. I will always remember him pushing the youth around on the Basketball court, but that memory will always be minimal compared to the great work that he did for the Lord. Every youth has felt the effect of his work. We've all been blown away by his powerful prayers and services. I cannot say how many times I have left a service with a special word given by the Bishop and have not been able to stop thinking about it.
This past summer I was in Tanzania, and many of the brothers and sisters there wanted to talk about Bishop Speranza. His work there might not even be known by many of the youth here.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
With Love,
Matthew Bumbach
I don't know where to begin. First of all, THANK YOU for letting us all have so much time with our Bishop. He was the kind of minister that spent every moment with the young people on a trip. He brought a smile and a laugh to everyone he came across. For the past few days, I have tried to remember all of my memories with him, and I am so thankful that I have those to think of now. He was a wonderful Bishop and friend to all of us. My prayers and sympathies are with you all now.
With all of my love,
Christina D'Angeli
I sit here frustrated because words can not possibly do justice to what lives in my heart and soul. When I got the call sunday night, I sat in silence because I could not believe that something this ridiculous had happened. When it started to sink in, I began to cry hysterically not just for me but thinking of all his family and the many people in the world that he has touched. I guess tears come into play when words are most empty. I have had the honor and blessing to have known our dear Bishop my whole life, and an even bigger blessing to have him as a friend. He has helped me through so much and instilled things in me that I will gladly live up to the rest of my life.
His love for the youth is unquestionable. Every chance he got he proved his love for us, whether in word or deed. With this, I can say that my love for him also runs deep.
He always stressed the importance of prayer and praying for wisdom. Something that I have become lazy about but am energized about it now. There are so many things I could say that was instilled in me and many others, but I'm trying not to take up this entire blog! "My dear young people, you want to be happy and succesfull in life? Then serve God and others." Let us remember this.
To the Speranza family, my thoughts and prayers have been constantly with you. Know that you are loved and thought of in this difficult time.
I know that God needed him more in eternity to further His work and shorten the time.
I can see him gathering those in eternity with his enthusiasm and love, and I know eternity is filled with that glorious laugh of his!
Love,
Jennifer Barton
To the Speranza and Hoffman family, I will remember you in prayer so that our Heavenly Father may bring peace and wisdom in this difficult moments. He will always live in our memories but most of all in our hearts. Thank you for everyhing you have done Bishop Speranza, you will be missed.
from the bottom of our hearts,
Carias Family
Dear Kathy and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Ken very much but we take comfort in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father has his hand in everything. The Bishop is a zealous worker for the Lord and I am sure that will carry on into the work in eternity. Thank you for sharing your husband and father with the youth all these years. The impact he has had on the youth cannot be calculated. We have many memories of Ken that we will cherish forever. Whether it was playing sports, joking around or talking about our faith there was always a joy and excitement in his heart and soul that was contagious to all around. He will be deeply missed.
Love,
Brian and Souri Kenyon
There are not words to express the emotions that have lived in our hearts over the past few days. Although many of the youth up here did not have the opportunity to grow close to the Bishop, we all knew him...through the shared experiences of other youth, through their stories of his fun and loving personality. I can't help but think of Day of the Youth Weekend in Erie in 2005 at our beach fellowship, when the Bishop ran into the lake with all his clothes on and then took off his shirt to wring it out...wading in water to his waist, he looked like he was holding a baptism in Lake Erie! There are many other wonderful memories of our Bishop that we'll always treasure. His infectious smile and always joyful disposition will always live in our hearts. Thank you for sharing your loved one with us for all these years, he is more loved than you can know. You are all constantly in our prayers and our thoughts. I can just imagine him up in heaven gathering all the souls in one big hug to lead them to the altar for the Chief Apostle Service for Departed next week.
We love you and continue to pray that you are surrounded by the love of the many who loved him.
Emilee Kolb, Erie PA
Dear Family Speranza,
dear brothers and sisters,
We cannot see your loving dad, our Bishop and friend anymore here, but what we loved most about him, his loving and caring soal, is still here with us.
We also still have all the advices he gave us and the memories of the happy times we shared together.
I am sure, his loving care and prayers are especially with us now and will always be.
Bishop Speranza had a deep impact on my soal. I will always be thankful for all he installed in our hearts in his encouraging and caring way.
I feel that it would hurt him very much when he would have to see that we stand still now or even draw back, because he is not physical with us anymore.
Please let's walk forwards again, towards the goal he wants all of us to reach with him.
Thank you very much, dear Family Speranza for sharing him with us.
Please know that we will keep you in our prayers and love you very much.
With love,
Annett Becker
The Bishop was close to the youth, a youth at heart. He had a special gift with the youth by becoming our friend. He loved the youth, and in return, we loved him. He was a perfect role model for the youth. He touched my heart and many others. And I'll always remember his famous phrase in his tone of voice,
"Young People!"
We love you.
Phil
Dear Speranza Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. The Bishop is one of a kind! The Bishop left a message last Thursday at our office to say hello. He said "we will talk to you soon!!" I believe him! I believe God will send his son very soon! Bishop Speranza had a wonderful gift with the young people. I will never forget this! Not only was he my Bishop.... he was my friend! My prayers go to the family. Thanks for sharing a great friend!
Love, David M.
My dear family, I don't want to say much because you have a lot to read here as I can see and much more to come. You must know that our dear Bishop is loved by so many around the world, and your family is in our hearts in your time of need. It is very hard for me to write this because I grieve for two. On the same day that I found out about our dear Bishop, I learned that our child of three months in the womb has past into eternity as well. I do have one wish, and that is that our Dear Bishop Speranza has a strong hand in raising our child in the faith. And that he along with many others can lead our child to the Chief Apostle altar. It is a great comfort to us along with the words from our DE that i'm sure you have heard "We may not understand why things occur the way they do, but if we maintain faith through everything we will not be disappointed in the end".
With all our love and support, Brian and Amanda Haettich
This came as an incredible shock to me. For some reason our Heavenly father needed our Dear Bishop Speranza. We in the Spanish district owe him an amazing debt of gratitude for his relentless work in our district and with our young people. He was an amazing man, who loved us all dearly. More importantly, he was a great servant and a wonderful man of god, and his love was felt deep in all of our hearts when ever we had the pleasure to be with him. May all our prayers be with the Bishop and his family in this difficult time. We will remember him and keep him in our hearts always, and we will look forward to the day when we can all be with him again.
Bishop Speranza was a great man of God and helped us all through the good and bad times. He was always there for us if we ever needed to talk to him about personal matters, even if something came up at 2 in the morning he was there for us. He will be greatly missed and all of my prayers and going to the whole Speranza family, especially Kathy and the boys. At his last youth service held I was reminded of what the Bishop had said. He said "If the Lord Jesus were to come, I feel that me and my soul are ready". In this time of grief it has brought me great pleasure and comfort to know this and all of the things that the Bishop has done for the youth will stay with us forever and we will meet again when the Lord returns to take us home.
How blessed we all are to have known such a strong man of faith. He has truly left a huge example for us to follow. Not only was he a joy to be around with his many many jokes and loud contagious laugh, but he was an inspiration for all of us. A couple weeks ago we had a youth service with the spanish district. Over the alter he said that his motivation to go to the youth when he was younger was not just to see the girls, although he admitted that was part of it, but it was to gain the blessing. That is simply one of many examples that shows he has always put God first. He was a living example of what we hope for our own life of faith. Our prayers are with the family and all who are missing him right now. But at least for us, we feel comforted knowing that he is doing what he lived for...God's work. and although he could never remember which one was Elaine or Eileen we know he had a special place in his heart for each and every one of us. We also have a special place in our hearts for him and will always rememeber the Bishop Speranza.
All of our love,
Elaine and Eileen Ramirez
The Bishop once said that one of the greatest blessings he ever received was the oppourtunity to serve. This was not only a blessing to him, but to those he served too. Theres a few things that I will never forget about our Bishop, his pastionate love for Old Spice, the Carolina Tar Heals, the body hair that always keep him warm(and keep those playing him in basketball at a safe distance), and that annoying laugh. We loved our Bishop and will continue to love him. A part of him will always remain with us. Special love to Sister Speranza, KC, and Michael whom we will always remeber in our prayers.
Love,
Brian Morse
Bishop Speranza inspired so many. Although, I did not get to spend as much time with him as I wanted, he still had a special place in my heart. I LOVED his services and loved it when he confirmed me a few years ago. He was an amazing guy and everyone will miss him. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have you all in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
Bishop Speranza touched our hearts in soo many ways...he was always there when you needed someone to talk to, and always there when you needed a good laugh. I will always remember his contagious smile, amazing personality, competitive side :]], and of course his beautiful heart. Bishop Seranza was such a strong man of faith, and a dear friend to all of us, and made such an impact on all the young people. He will remain in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
With Love,
Michelle D'Angeli
I first met Bishop Speranza in Denver. I did not meet him often except at DOTY. What I remember most about him is that had such a great big smile, and how energetic he was with the youth. In Erie during DOTY 2005, he showed us how to have fun doing the limbo and getting tug of war going. I will miss his smile at those times.
I'm sure that he must have given up plenty of time with his family to work with the youth and now he has given up even more time to work with another group of souls. We are all surely together at Service for the Departed however, and one thing that we always have is that one day we will all be together again for the rest of eternity.
Love and prayers to the Speranza family,
Stephen Muddle
I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet the loving Bishop Speranza. Since I live on the other side of the country i did not have the oppurtunity to get to know him very well, however. In the weekend that i did spend with him i could feel the love that he not only had for the Florida youth but for all of the youth. He was a wonderful man of God. His family will remain in my prayers. I am also certain that he will be with us in Cleveland for the Chief Apostle service for the departed in March.
Love, John Northrup
Someone once told me that life will come at you fast and the only thing you will have to hold onto is your family. This brought tears to my eyes because our family is our faith and everything inside of it. I feel that family can be anyone that you are close with and share the same feelings with. This is why the heavenly father has brought us all together to remember and pray and hope that Bishop Speranza and his family know we thee children of god are here for them and are praying. One of the first times I met Bishop Speranza was in erie my first DOTY I was so excited to experience what I had only dreamed of...It was just that and more. Bishop Speranza was just one of the many faithful brothers and sisters i met that weekend but Bishop Speranza had something more in him that i will never be able to forget. He was greatful and happy the whole weekend. I hope that we continue to pray for our faith and family for this is very important to us all. My mom told me that we will finally be with the Cheif Apostle in just about 2 weeks and you have many things to pray for. I thought about that and I wish sometimes i could pray for someones life to come back and to be able to live life again like they did....Our bishop will be right next to our Cheif Apostle and i think that is just what God has wished and wanted for him to be able to have his soul with our Cheif Apostle and our Lord.
Love
Karisa Koeth Girard Pa.
love from the whole family!
Dear Speranza Family,
Please be comforted by all these expressions of heartfelt love from your brothers and sisters in faith. Our prayers are with you during this time. Uncountable prayers will be said for our dear friend and you over these next few weeks while we count down the days to the Chief Apostle Service. God Be With You Till WE Meet Again!
With all our love,
Frank & Kerry Balzer
I still remember the first time our heavenly fathered introduced me to Bishop Speranza. We were housed together during my first youth trip in Orlando and he was awesome. Bishop Speranza made me feel so comfortable with his faith and compassion.
We must remember that Bishop Speranza is now fortunate enough to be in our heavenly fathers presence. He will be missed tremendously by all that knew him. But remember, our Lord has a plan for everyone of us. Let us not see this as time to mourn but a time to rejoice that our dear Bishop Speranza is home.
God bless you all during this time, we love you and are keeping you in our prayers.
Love Always,
Nelson and Jamie
I met Bishop Speranza last in 2005 at the DOTY in Erie, PA. What a great guy that gave his all to the youth and to God's work. It is amazing how our God goes to work. Almost a week away from service for the Departed and calls home a diligent worker. Do we ever ask what is God's purpose for this and why now? Is it because God needs Bishop Speranza to testify about our faith in the beyond? I surely think that this could be one of God's reasons. Who knows, if the last soul is found in the beyond, we all can be reunited with our Heavenly Father, forever!!! My deepest condolences to the loved ones, friends and family of Bishop Speranza. You will always be remembered in my prayers. Rest assured, because God's beloved know that they will meet again and what joy won't resound at that meeting in heaven! With kind and warm regards. In Christ, Lorenzo (Cape Town, RSA)
I could not believe that the Bishop Speranza has passed into eternity on Sunday when I heard. Although, at first I was not sure who it was. Then after reading some blogs I realized why- he was always there to rally the youth together with saying "Young People". It is unbelievable to me that he has passed away!
But the last time we saw him in ERIE, he told Phil that the Erie youth could keep his legacy alive when he was gone because they copied his phrase almost EXACTLY as he said it. I thought he meant when he had finished his work with the youth-but maybe he already knew! Unbelievable.
Laurie Mincer
My love & prayers go out to the Dear Speranza family, the districts he was over, and of course all my fellow youth. We have all grown to love & respect Bishop more than words can express. He was truly a light unto us. Lets continue to Spread that light hes shown upon us, this work will grow tremendously if we use what he has taught us.
Im sure eternity is definatly hoppin now! Just think of all the work there is to be done there, they now have a special servant to help out and bring them light also.
When i heard the news, It was very hard to accept. His last services left me wanting more. His way of serving was unique and interesting. The lord has taken him up into eternity, for a greater work. A work that we do not yet understand with our earthly intellect. Reading through revelations the other night, It still boggles my mind all that will occur on the day of 1st Ressurection. Remember we will all be together again!! As kings and priests in Gods Kingdom :) I can still picture the Bishop at our youth functions, always smiling and having a good time, always willing to do gods work, we should all strive towards the goal, keeping gods work as a priority in our lives, to be worthy on that day when he comes!!
I am very saddend to hear of our bishop passing away. The Speranza family is in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time in their lives. As Khong said, he will continue to do the Lord's work in eternity. Don't think of this as the end, but the begining of something new.
My dear loved ones,
A wise man once said, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of times you take our breath away." We greet our friend and Bishop in eternity with the knowledge that he took our breath away so many times. His visit to our young people in Texas was most memorable, again, because he took our breath away. He served us out of love; he made us feel special and encouraged us to do the same to others. Now, our Heavenly Father has chosen to take away his natural breath, but his spiritual breath will remain with us and sustain until we see him again. My dear friend Kenneth; we love you and miss you and pray your new working area will be blessed with the same success you had here with us. We pray our Heavenly Father will give you, the family, and all of us, his peace and comfort in this time of loss.
Love, Bob & Pauline Mason
This past weekend we had our Evangelist Escobar for a very special spanish service in the Carolinas, as we drove to church on Sunday morning we were talking about Bishop Speranza and how he became such a great man of God. It was unbelievable to find out that night, that he had past in eternity, the great servant we had been talking about that morning so full of life and love, it was truely unbelievable. But God needs him there to work on the souls of eternity.
I will never forget all the experiences of faith he told us, all the encouragement he gaves us to continue working and praying, but most specially his smile, joy, and love for all us youth. He will never be forgotten and will always live in all of the youth's hearts. He was an extraordinary servant and we should all strive to be a little more like him.
To the Speranza family, you are all in my prayers and thoughts. If you ever need anyone for anything at all, here is your family.
With much Love,
Jennifer Ramirez, Garner NC
Who was this man who touched our lives?
The man who reconciled husbands and wives.
He was a special man who gave a lot
In everyone he spurred a thought
A thought about this world and the next
He sang wonderful songs and read us a text.
He loved our families and he loved our soul
And now that he’s gone there is a big hole
It’s hard letting go of this man that we love,
Even though he’s in that place that’s above.
We called him minister and we called him friend
And when he died it was like the end.
But, as time goes by
And we ask again why?
We’ll realize that there really isn’t an end
When your life has been touched by such a friend.
Our Bishop was so full of life
Our hearts go out to his sons and his wife
And although he is gone, there still is a part
Of this wonderful man, that remains in our heart.
With our Love and Prayers,
Kevin, Lynn, Nathan and Greg Silvernail
I was blessed to have him a part of my life, not only as my Bishop but also as my friend. He inspired all of the youth, through his devotion to our faith and love for his congregations. Bishop Speranza made us living sanctuaries, and I will never respect another man more for the impact he had on me in the short time that I knew him.
I remember the first day I met him like it was yesterday, memories of "the toe" and ice water pouring competitions keep me smiling. I'll never forget the look on his face when I walked out dressed in his clothes, glasses, and cotton balls in Mariana. The hilarious laugh we all hate to admit we love replays over and over again. Come to think of it, I don't have a bad memory of Bishop Speranza. Sadness still fills my heart, and I haven't gone a day without thinking of him. My heart hurts and tears fill my eyes, yet I know how he has a new amazing life in eternity.
Sister Speranza, K.C., and Michael, I can't express enough my thoughts and prayers going towards your family. He talked of you often when he was with us, even over here in Texas. Being such an amazing minister and friend I can only imagine how he was as a husband and father. His smile brightened up my day and his presence lit up any room. Donielle, Andrea, and Crystal, I can't thank you enough for introducing me to your uncle.
I remind myself that God has a plan for everything and everyone, and at the end of that plan we will all meet again. I pray for the Lord to come soon and take us home. I can't wait for the day to see our Bishop Speranza welcome us with his big smile and loving open arms in eternity.
All my love,
Ashley Morse
Kathy our prayers go out to you and your boys.As the Apostle Hecht said at Dist. Evg. Rossmann's funeral they are the ones that are in a beautiful place - we should be so lucky as to be with them. Soon are dear Lord will come and reunite us all!!!
Love and hugs,
Bill, Jennifer & Rachael Walke
I'm thinking back to so many years ago when I first met the Bishop (Ken) and his brother Kevin in St. Pete. Back in those days St. Pete had hardly any youth, but in no time I along with another close girlfriend got to be very good friends with Ken and Kevin, we hung out as much as we could, always laughing, cutting up and being silly. When he was old enough to drive, it became very apparent that he loved cars, booming stereo systems, (even back then) basketball, (we used to go watch him play) and boy did he have an infectious unique laugh. I'll never forget the sound of it. Then as time went on, as a young man, in youth services, whenever he was called out to serve he would always bring out something that would just touch your heart amd bring a tear to your eyes. When it came to our Heavenly Father's work, all the fun and games were left behind and he was very sincere as to what lived in his heart. Now that it's many years later, it became very evident that he grew into such a sensitive and caring man, and was a great Man of God, a wonderful friend to many in times of sorrow, including my family when we lost our Father this past year, and such a strong leader. I will never forget him, my heart is still so full of emotion at the loss of him here on earth, but to know without any doubt, he is Home and will continue to look out for us. Kathy, boys, Mom and Dad Speranza, Kevin, and all family, please know that my heart and prayers are with you all. We will without fail see each other again when we are called to go home, it is a comfort to know that this is not the end at all, but as someone else said, another chapter of his life.
With all my love,
Caryn Rossmann
Dear Friends
One of the beauties of our faith is the ability to establish friendships, realationships, and experiences that carry us through life. Not only have we lost a dear friend and Bishop but there are ties to many in his family. While we draw comfort in the omnipotence of our Heavenly Father and accept his will in taking home our Bishop, our love, thoughts, and prayers extend to those who remain behind. To his dear wife, children, parents, siblings, and extended family members...thank you for sharing your loved one with us.
Bill and Denise Blair
Newport News, VA
Dear Speranza family,
Words just do not express what we feel deep in our soul at times like this. Let it be a comfort to you that SO much outpouring of love for your husband comes your way.
I remember my father-in-law (D.Ev.Baumle)speaking of the "Speranza boys" and he said there was something special about them! That was probably thirty years ago!
I was priviledged to meet meet him when he came to Chicago a few years ago and participated in a youth service here, as well as DOTY in 2004 and again last September when he brought the Georgia youth to Tchula Miss.As everyone here alludes to, he was and will remain a great inspiration for us.
Our prayers are with you .
Peter H. Kalweit, Calumet City Illinois
Dear Speranza Family,
We wanted to express our condolences for your great loss. As others has mentioned, the Bishop Speranza was truly an amazing individual, and we all are united in our grief and disbelief. There are not many people who you meet in life who have the same effect as the Bishop had on others. Not many people can light up a room with their smile or laugh; with such a joy that radiates from the inside out. Not many individuals can inspire others and lead so many to our Heavenly Father; what a beautiful legacy. I truly believe that our lives are so much richer for having known the Bishop Speranza, and I am grateful for his words, wisdom, love, and sacrifices. Mostly, I am grateful to have had the privilege to have met the Bishop, and I look forward to the day when we can all be together again. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers always.
Rebecca Meyer Jones & Brian Jones
Dear Kathy and Family,
May god give you strength and comfort through this difficult time. The Bishop was loved by everyone he touched and what a blessing to be remembered that way.
He was such a wonderful example of how each one of us should be.
"Great is thy faithfulness"
With Love and Prayers
Anita Vienneau
The youth always held a special place within Uncle Ken's heart. He made a difference in many many lives.
Many wonderful things can be said about Uncle Ken whether it's his love for the youth, his distinct yet contagious laugh, his amazing smile, or even that he was always a joy to be around, but one thing that we should all hold on to is the wisdom he shared with each of us. With all of this we can't feel at loss. We will always have our memories and if all this stays within our hearts he'll always be with us.
As for me and my sisters, I think of all the wise words Uncle Ken has ever shared and we will continue to use them as tools in life. I feel content in knowing that in spirit he will always be with me in everything I do.
There is no doubt in my mind that Uncle Ken's passing is by the will of God. God does not take anyone he doesn't need. Think of all the youth in eternity. I'm sure Uncle Ken has been given a responsibility of caring for them.
My prayers for comfort and strength not only go out to his family but to all the youth, his friends, and people he meant alot to.
Uncle Ken,
I'm thankful to have moved on this coast and was able to get to know you better. You are an uncle that can never be replaced. We shared memorable times with eachother. And as for our Tradition, I'm just waiting to walk by your pool and out of nowhere get knocked in. :-)
I love you.
Your "2nd niece"(as you referred to me),
Andrea
Sister Kathy, KC and Michael, thank you for sharing him. Saying Goodbye is never easy. We were all blessed to be apart of his life. I met him for the first time in May 2006 for a District Youth Service in Houston, Texas. My first impression of him was “He is full of Life”. He was and still is, driven to get us to reach that goal. He has taken the next step into eternity. I can only imagine that there were many others waiting for him to arrive. Our Heavenly Father makes no mistakes. I know that it still does not make “pill” go down any easier. It is hard to swallow.
We also had the opportunity to have him in Houston on a mid week on June 7, 2006; he had me sitting on the edge of my seat. He referred to David as “Carrot Top” and a boy that was “full of energy and going somewhere”. He left his mark on us. He has a beautiful soul that left a lasting impression.
I remember when he was in Lake Belton with all of the young people in October 2006 he attempted to be the “Great Karnak”. We were all in stitches because we laughed so hard…I think he needed to keep his day job.
Dear Kathy, he is loved, will always be loved and above all, we will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. We now look forward to that day when we can all be together…
Jeff, Gina, David and Deanna Klein
Houston, Texas
Dear Kathy and family,
You didn't have to be a part of the youth to appreciate and love your husband both as a mortal man and as a Bishop. He will be sorely missed - most of all by you and your family. When we gather with the youth for the November Blue Angels weekend in Pensacola and watch the air show he so loved, we will particularly remember him during the demonstration of the lone plane leaving the group signifying lost loved ones.
His words spoken from the Altar touched young and old alike. You and your family will be in our prayers since there is nothing we can say to you to alleviate the pain and loss you feel. May our Heavenly Father comfort you as only He can at this time.
With love and prayers,
A Pensacola Member
My heartfelt condolences to the Speranza family in the loss of out dear Bishop. What can one say? There are no words. I am praying for the family. Recently a friends teenage daughter passed into eternity and with the service for the departed around the corner I am praying that she may receive testimony in the erternity realms maybe even from our Bishop because I am certain his work is continuing over there.
"Even for the dead I will not bind
My soul to grief;
death cannot divide,
For is it not as if the rose
that climbed My garden wall
hath bloomed the other side?"
Kathy and family,
I remember Ken since my FL youth days and have fond memories of his lively personality on all those LONG bus trips to Canada. His energetic personality and contagious laugh touched all of us and Ken was always looked up to as a leader. As a sub deacon, he served with a depth far beyond his years and it was easy to recognize the beginnings of a great man of God.
Clearly he touched many lives and will live on in the hearts and souls of God’s children.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Kim Ackermann
The first thing I said when I heard the heart-breaking news was "Can you please send your son, Lord?" That want and need is greater now more than ever! I so look forward to the day that we all meet again. I know Uncle Ken is watching over me, and when I'm doing something wrong and I feel a smack on the back of my head I won't wonder who it is...He loved all of my family and the youth and he never stopped thinking about ways to improve and bring us closer to the goal...he has given me and my sisters countless, "come to Jesus" meetings, and I will replay them in my head for the rest of my life! He has touched me in so many ways and made me and my sisters cry more than anyone I know! lol I have the fondest of memories (being the devil's avocate helping him push Andrea in the pool) and I know he's driving everyone in eternity crazy too! I Love him so much just like many others!
The 3rd niece
<3 Crystal
Dear Kathy, K.C., Michael and Family,
Words cannot express the sorrow that myself and many others feel. Losing someone that means so much makes it all that much harder!
I've asked myself many times why God would take such a wonderful person away from everyone they love. Years ago when my grandfather passed away, I pondered the same thing. I know there are thousands of souls that need the guidance Ken can give them.
It has been many years since I have spent time with Bishop Speranza back when I was in the youth.
How many bus trips we had where Kristine and I would wake up with all kinds of things written all over us, but we happily drew right back on him!! Good times, good times.
My favorite was the tube socks, bare chested, playing basketball, and all the guys would try their very best not to rub against the giant fur of sweat. Sounds like those days definitely were enjoyed through the years.
I'm very thankful to have been apart of both Kathy and Ken's lives when I was still living in Florida.
The laugh will live on forever!!!! And so will the Lord's work he has done and instilled in each and every one of us today.
I hope the child I have in heaven will be able to be taken under his wing like he took me under his.
With all my love,
Michelle (Walke) O'Neil
What is amazing to me as I read this, are the many generations of members and friends, and the sheer breadth of people that were touched by this man from so many different places. It is evidence of what a faithful man of God can do given his ministry.
Yes I still remember him jumping into the display in Disney's Space Mountain. Yes I remember driving his first Mustang GT 5.0. And yes, I still have a bump in my head from his elbow playing basketball.
But I also remember the conviction that this man had for his faith and the many lives and souls he touched.
Our prayers are with the Bishop's family through this difficult time.
David Lafferty and Family - Appleton, WI
Our hearts broke a little when we heard of the passing of our friend and Bishop Speranza. We thank God for the time we had together.
We pray for Kathy, KC and Michael and all the Speranza family! May God keep you in the warmth of his arms during this time.
Roy and Marsha bumbach
Bishop Speranza was first a man of GOD and secondly a Man among men. It was impossible not to look up to a person such as him. He carried himself in such a professional manor but he had a young streak that we all envied. He was a North Carolina fan and he loved to play BB. His exploits on the court are well known and he thrived on competition. They didn't break the mold after he was born, he broke it hurrying to get out. We will miss him for he is TRULY irreplaceable. Our Hearts and Prayers go out to his lovely wife and his two beautiful boys. Gods peace be with you!
Dear Speranza Family, may our Heavenly Father provide comfort to you in this difficult time.
You are in our prayers.
Erwin Michel
The first time I meet the Bishop was when he held my sons funeral in Georgia. He was a wonderful confort to me, later we moved to Florida and I meet him again.
My heart goes out to his wife and sons and especially his mother and the rest of the family as I know how this feels. I know the lord has work for him in eternity as I know my son has also. We will pray for all of you.
Dear Speranza Family,
When we heard of the passing of the Bishop, we were extremely saddened. We were advised not to ask why, but human nature asks, and in this case, the Lord answered. When I called one of our members to let her know, she replied, "with the service for the departed coming up, God needed the Bishop more in eternity than he needed him here." There was the answer. When I reflected on what she said, it made perfect sense. We only had the privilege of knowing the Bishop for a few years since we moved to Florida in 2001. When I first met him, I knew there was something special about him. He was a magnet. He drew you in with his infectious smile and happiness, with his kindness and caring, and with his love for God's work. You could not help but be attracted to him. The joy in the Lord was definitely his strength. I have no doubt that in eternity, he will continue to draw the souls in, until the last soul will be found and we will all be together again. We thank you for your sacrifice of sharing him with us, and we will continually remember you in our prayers. May the joy in the Lord also be your strength, and the Holy Spirit be your comforter in this most difficult time.
Love, Bill & Barbara Costas
Kathy and Family-
Our hearts go out to all of you! We have been praying for all of you since we heard and we will continue to pray. Many in our Congregation knew our Bishop very well and experienced many wonderful moments of joy under his serving. We are thankful for the sacrifice and labors of love. He particularly made an impact on the Young People. He has therefore made a lasting impression in our hearts that we will always carry with us.
We love you all!
The Garner, NC Congregation
Dear Kathy, K.C. and Michael...
Dear Kevin, Bev, Donielle, Andrea,
Crystal,Erica and Kara...
Dear Mom and Dad Speranza....
Dear Apostle and Sister Hoffmann,
Dear Family Members.........
Our Prayers are with you all...we
will pray for you and the work in eternity that Uncle Ken must have
been needed for.
With Love,
Ralph, Barb, Lydia and Andrew
I first want to extend to Kathy and the boys, as well as the entire family my most heart felt condolences. The bishop holds a very big place in my heart and always will. Robert Vega and I were talking last night about all the great times we all shared together. I'm sure many know of the ways we all teased each other, but we all know the Bishop had the last laugh when he would ask me to serve during a youth service or "have brother Walke close the weekend for us with a prayer." I'm going to miss our wrestling matches that the Bishop claimed he "won every time!" followed by the famous Speranza laugh... I might miss that most of all. I always remember him saying to me... "Ryan, your one of the only people I have to look up to while serving communion..." but it was you Bishop that we ALL looked up to. Thank you Kathy for sharing him with us, and I all thank our Heavenly Father for each moment I spent with our dear Bishop.
With love,
Ryan Walke
Dear Kathy and family,
As I look back at my life, I can vaguely remember the Bishop in youth with Kevin (a little before my time) always trying to pull a stunt of some sorts. Then I joined the youth and he was this youth leader that had an amazing ability to care for so many at once. He always looked out for everyone with extra concern over our spiritual lives.
But it was when I got married and moved to NY, the Bishop really became my good friend. Being so far from my own family, I so looked forward to seeing him on special church weekends here - giving him a hug and laughing about anything...everything. We laughed about life, about the craziness sometimes that comes with having boys, about nonsense. We just always had something to share and something to laugh about.
I remember once he came for dinner at our home, and the conversation actually turned very serious about youth and about life. He confessed how much he sometimes wondered why he did so much for the Lord and how he would love sometimes to just give it all up to stay home with "Kathy and my boys". He loved his family so much, I don't think he could even quite put it into words.
He also brought so much comfort to others during tragic times, myself included. What a special gift he had within him! We will never forget what he did to bring that comfort and strength to our family. and friends.
What a joy it was to know your husband, and my dear friend. I believe there will be a giant hole in my heart forever. I can't thank you enough for sharing him with us, supporting his ministry, and allowing him to love all of us.
We will remember you, K.C. and Michael always in our prayers.
Love,
John, Janet (Haettich),
Eric and Ben Dehmer
"Young People" was Bishop Speranza famous words in Florida. He brought laughter, joy, energy, and life to all of us. He was a very special man with a special family along his side that always welcomed the youth with opened arms. We will never forget you Bishop and your family will never be alone because our prayers will always be with them.
We Love You,
Debora
Dear Kathy & Speranza Family,
My thoughts & prayers go out to his loved ones through this hard time. Words almost can't express how I feel with the loss of such a GOOD FRIEND, ROLE MODEL, & THE BIG BROTHER I never had when I was growing up in young people. He touched many hearts in his work of god & that I can assure will not be forgotten about our Bishop.
I have alot of good memories that I experienced with Ken that will carry on with me through my walk of life........First ever youth trip, First day of the youth Canada trip, First white water rafting trip, First mountain bike trip, and I know that my First steps in eternity will be by his side.
I am grateful for knowing such a great person. May our Heavenly Father bless his soul through his walk in Eternity.
WE MISS YOU KEN!!!!
Love,
Robert Vega Jr.
Dearest Kathy, KC, Michael, and all the Speranza family,
Thank you for sharing our dear Bishop with us. Without your love, kindness, and compassion he would not have become the person he did. He has shown us the love our heavenly father has for us and how we should show our heavenly father our love. We will strive to carry on in our faith as he has shown and guided us. He will forever be in our hearts.
All our love and prayers,
The Largo Congregation
Kathy, KC, Michael, and the Speranza family,
There are so many fond memories or our dear Bishop that I have and I wanted to share a few with you. One of my favorites happened several years ago at camp. We started a bit of a water war with a squirt gun that escalated into a water balloon, a bucket, a hose, and eventually towards the end of the weekend I felt myself falling into the pool. Somehow I managed to pull him in with me, although I think I had help from a bystander. I remember the many bus trips (and hand checks), flights, and car rides where he always had a smile and never seemed tired. Kathy you were always right there supporting him. Recently we have had a bit of a running joke where he would reintroduce himself to Chris everytime he saw him, even the next day. We would come home and wonder if he truly remembered him or not. At the last ministers and wives meeting the first thing Chris said when he came home was the Bishop remembered me today. We will always remember him and keep you in our hearts and prayers. "Till we meet again"
All our Love,
Chris, Kristen and Carter Frezza
Let us not mourn. Although the bishop is not here physicaly, his spirit will always be with us. He would not want us to dwell on pain. Instead he would want us to rejoice! He is with our Heavenly Father! So cry tears of joy......For we will see the bishop again in eternity. He meant very much to us all......And I can honestly say that the Bishop is one of the very few people who didnt remember me as "The twins little sister". I will miss him very much....
Dear Speranza Family,
To say that the Bishop Speranza had an effect on the lives of all those who knew him is to put it extremely mildly. His dynamic personality and obvious dedication and concern for the youth are what particularly touched me. He helped me make the decision to come to school in Miami, and I am so thankful that I did, because I was blessed to be able to spend more time with him. He impacted my life and the life of so many others in so many ways, and he will be missed dearly. Thank you so much for sharing him with us. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers.
With lots of Love,
Rachel Holcomb
Dear Speranza Family,
I will never be able to explain how much the Bishop Speranza meant to me. He always made me feel that I was special, that I was an important part of the youth. He made me love going on youth trips more than anyone else. Whenever I saw him, he always had a smile on his face. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to know him and for him to be a part of my life. I still can't believe that I saw only a month ago, and I am so happy that I was able to spend one more wonderful weekend with him. I always knew if the Bishop was coming, I would have a wonderful time. I will always hold my memories of him in the highest place. I'm sad to know that I'll never hear TEAR!!! again, but I know that our Heavenly Father has his reasons for taking him so early. He gave so much of himself to the youth and to me. I will always miss him. You are in my prayers.
Lydia Hofstetter
I don't know what to say to honestly express my feelings so I'll just put an except from a poem I wrote recently...
One day we’ll stand,
Before His throne,
And all our questions,
Thus postponed.
Will be answered,
In due course,
Because said knowledge,
Can’t be forced.
We can’t know all,
About His work,
Because we’re bound,
By terrestrial Earth.
We’re mortal beings,
That grasp and claw,
And then revise,
Our sacred laws.
Some questions we answer,
More questions we raise,
And so it goes,
Most every day.
But if we trust,
And search our soul,
Peace and joy,
We soon shall know.
For in the East,
The answer lies,
As dawn breaks,
Look to the sky.
The Son once set,
Rises up again,
And with it brings,
Our promised end.
Love and Prayers to Ken's family first and secondly to all those so affected by this sudden loss which words can not adequately express. I will never be able to look towards our altar again w/o seeing him smiling at us, his youth.
Dave S. - Milwaukee, WI
My dearly bereaved family,
As I have sat here and read each and every message. It brings a tear of happiness to my heart.
For some reason I keep reflecting on (Ken's) last youth trip together with me, before he got married! He told me before we closed for the evening,that this is not going to be his last youth trip with us. He strove to continue to be a part of our youth as well as our member’s lives.
He has infected our hearts with so much love and joy for this GREAT work!
I was just telling Kathy this past December, how we use to love him for his unique style of directing the Youth choir at Seniors programs in St.Pete. Back then I think his favorite song was "Little Drummer Boy".
He will always be with us, and we will always be with you and your family in spirit especially during these times of mourning.
May our Heavenly Father continue to overshadow the entire family as well as our brothers and sisters through profound prayers and thankfulness!
With love and deepest prayers to you all,
Darrell Dobey
Atlanta,GA
Dearest Kathy, KC, Michael, Apostle Hoffman, Sue, Charlie, Hildegard and the ENTIRE SPERANZA/HOFFMAN family:
After reading through all the beautiful reflections of our dear Bishop, we had to recall a comical moment in Cooper City. After the Bishop's powerful "Amen", during the opening prayer, a young boy repeated his "Amen" loudly. This brought a chuckle to the Bishop and the entire congregation had to laugh. It was the start of a wonderful service. Ken was a great source of strength and comfort to us during a very difficult time in our lives. We know our Heavenly Father will comfort you (and us) at this very difficult time. Our Chief Apostle's upcoming visit will truly be your (and our)strength.
We enjoyed every moment in fellowships at our home with him. Ken's exhuberance and true love and concern for the souls will never be forgotten. We will truly miss him but we know we will see him again soon.
With much love,
Ron & Kathy Wernecke
Cooper City
Kathy, KC, Michael,and family, as I read the posts on this board I can see how much Ken touched all of our lives. Words could not express our heartfelt sorrow. I feel greatly blessed to have had the privelige to have Ken as a bearer of blessing, a friend, and a co-worker at one time.
On many occasions I would talk to Ken as a servant of GOD or as a friend and he would sit and listen to whatever it was that I needed to talk about without being pejudice or a critic, as if he already knew what I was going to say, and at the end of the conversations he would give me the advice that was needed, and many times it was'nt what I wanted to hear but nontheless he told me anyway, and he would say, "Omar, it'll all come out in the wash." And then he would prey with me and I always left knowing that he really cared and loved me.
Our human minds can't understand why the Lord works in the ways that he does, but I know for a fact the God has important tasks for Ken to in eternity and that his family here will always be under his grace and blessings.
Our thoughts and preyers will be with you and your family every step of the way.
Love Omar, Tricia, Olivia, Jasmine, Deziree Vega.
Dear Speranza Family,
My dearest sympathies go to you in your time of need. I am so very grateful to have had Bishop Speranza in so many of my memories. It was always great to see his wonderful smile and be teased about getting "lost" on our camping trip in Tennessee.You will be in my thoughts and prayers. He will be so deeply missed!!!
Lots of Love,
Eileen Vega
I might not have known Bishop Speranza at all since I am not from Florida, but the times I have met him he was very nice and welcoming. He will be truely missed and he will be in my prayers!!!
Being a typical girl, I always dream about my wedding in the future... I didn't know who the groom was going to be, but I knew where it would take place, the time, type of flowers, and I always thought the Bish would marry me to my unknown groom. He always watched out for me, and all of the youth. Because of him I can't drive over 70. He said I was not experienced enough to drive faster. I begged him and begged him to change it evertime i saw him but he never would...but he said I would recieve the blessing for obeying him. Now, I don't think I can ever go over 70, even when I'm like 40!
He loved joking around with the youth, but he was serious about his faith and family. He is a wonderful example to live by.
The Bish will be truly missed by everyone. He was a wonderful, faithful man, and I Believe his sprit still lives on. We just have to keep it alive as a youth all together.
"Only remembered for what you have done". The impact the Bishop had on the young people. The inspiration and motivation he placed in their hearts and souls. All over I am hearing how the Bishop lead the youth with love and faith and how he touched their lives. I was just in Florida visiting and in the service we heard "Just do it". "The work isn't done until all the clean up is done". The Bishop never left anything undone and he JUST DID IT. What he inspired and taught not just the youth, but all is a light that will NEVER GO OUT and will NEVER LEAVE US. Kathy you and your children are prayed for and loved the world over. Jodi and Alex Sweeney (Nancy and Bob Kenyon's niece)
My thoughts and prayers are with Sister Speranza, the boys and all of the family. The Bishop will truly be missed by all of us, but he now is with our heavenly father and all the other souls in eternity that need his help. I hope that his laugh will countine on through eternity, as I will never forget that one identifing laugh,
"The Bishop Speranza Laugh".
Renee Dawson, Ocala, FL
Dear Speranza family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. The Bishop has a very special place in my heart. These last two years have been hard for my mom, brother and I. The Bishop was always there to help us through. He was a shoulder to cry on and a father figure when i needed it. If it weren't for his love and guidance, I would have stopped trying. I am forever grateful that he was a part of my life and I'll remember everything he taught me. Thank you for sharing him with us!
With all my love,
Jocelyn Ramirez
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. You are in our hearts. With love, Grace Sweeney
Kathy ,the Boys , and all of both families
Our Prayers and hearts are with you all.When we heard about what happened I thought what A terrible joke. This can`t be true. We were in shock. It hit so hard. Many thoughts went through our hearts. But most of all life will be very different without him in it.
I often wonder what it would be like to see into eternity. To see brothers and sisters, friends , and family. What they do and how they do it.
Bishop Klein once told us, when my father in law passed away, that it`s like they just moved to another district. We can`t see them but we can pick up the phone and call them. Ken can`t talk back but that doesn`t stop us from talking to him and telling him what lives in our hearts.
He will be missed by so many. He touched so many hearts. We look forward to the day we can all be together again.
With All Our Love
Richard & Sondra Walke
The Bishop (or the bish as my sister so loving called him) touched so many hearts and so many lives while he was here. No one knows why this happened and I think it is useless to ask why. Because we won't understand. We just have to trust that God has a plan and right now we just can't see the big picture. The only thing I keep thinking is just that the Bishop did so much here and touched so many people here that God wanted him in eternity to do be able to do the same. He was the go-to guy the one that you went to when you couldn't talk to your parents and your friends weren't really wise enough to give you some good advice. The Bishop really did give great advice. He was incredibly wise and I remeber I was so suprised that he had so much wisdom even though he was so young. I remember some specific advice that he gave me that will probably stick with me for the rest of my life. He said "kelley, life is full of nothing decisions. You make choices everyday that you don't even give a second thought to. So how do you make the right decsions? You pray for wisdom everyday from our dear heavenly father. You pray for a wise heart, a heart that knows what choice is the best, that will guide you in life." These words I have tried to faithfully abide by. I could go on forever about our beloved Bishop but I think I would take up too much space. Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Bishop will stay alive in our hearts through the wonderful memories that we had with him and the wisdom that he passed down to us. God Bless.
Love, Kelley Holcomb
Dear Speranza Family,
The bishop was such a great person. I had so much fun with him on the youth trips. I don't think I will ever forget about the "squeaky bench". I want to give all my condolences to you and your family at this time.
I love you all,
Rachael Walke
Dear entire family,
As I read through some of the thoughts, I had to notice how many lives and generations Ken has touched. I go back many years with all of you. There are not enough tears to shed for all the beautiful memories that I have. Ken & Kathy, you stood by me through everything and the love and support (even at the worst) will never be forgotten.
Thank you for everything. Please know that my thoughts, prayers, and love are constantly with you. Not to sound cliche-ish: what a great loss to us here on earth, but what a marvelous win for eternity. God bless you all.
All of my love,
CJG
Dear Kathy, KC, Michael and family,
As I read all the postings and consider what has occured, I recall a small phrase our Bishop said every time I had an opportunity to pray with him in private..."take it in faith." Such a small phrase, and one that takes on a whole new meaning during such a difficult time. I pray your faith is strenghened and if it falters that our Heavenly Father's eternal love fills the void.
From the times I watched Ken in the youth...looking up to him...wanting to be like him, to our Duke/UNC debates, to his friendship and support during life's difficult times, to his stay in our home last Spring...Ken has been a key part of my life. His big heart was not always appreciated as it should have been. During my days in the youth, we used to make wagers in the choir how many minutes it would take for Ken to start crying behind the altar. This big heart is what softened our hearts and created such a beautiful connection between us.
To say thank you for sharing him is not enough. May the heavenly peace he now experiances fill your hearts. With love and warm regards, Jeff Harmon
Dear Kathy, Children, Mom and Dad Speranza, Kevin and Family
Ap.Hoffman and Family,
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you all along with outstretched arms of love and compassion.
I have sat and reflected back on the impact that our Bishop has been on my life in the time that we spent together. With in days of moving to Fl., He and Kevin, Duncan and others drove from St. Pete to Brooksville just to visit us on a Friday evening, a close friend ship developed from that moment on. That made a great impression apron me personally and I knew I hade a home in the young people here in Fl. Not long after that he and I drove to Erie PA, and many more hours together over time at his home, over night etc. The first camp I attended, initiation. Then the obstacle course where the Speranza boys were handed there first defeat by this new guy (I could swim). A lot of fond memories we all have .The greatest though is what the Holy Sprit has brought forth threw our dear Bishop .These are everlasting words spoken by him that we can reflect and live by each and every day. He has touched many lives, and I am thankful that I have been one of many. I love you Ken thank you so much for every thing you have done for me, till we meet again!
My Love to all, God Bless you and Keep you
Steve C.
Its is with great sadness that I write this note. I was privileged to have the opportunity to have known Ken and Kevin Speranza in Youth. For approximately 5 years in a row they spent every Day of the Youth weekend at our home in Fergus Ontario Canada. Our family has many many fond memories of those days. On behalf of my parents, as well as our family, we would like to extend our love to Kathy and the boys and to let you know that you and your family are in hearts.
With much Love, Sandy (Roth) Emery
Dear Kathy, K.C., Michael, Speranza family and Hoffman family,
It is truly impossible to put our feelings into words. We have shared countless experiences and years from camping at good old Fall Creek Falls, TN, to years at MMATS, to many wonderful fellowships at your home, the Hoffman's, and trips around the country. Reading all the messages posted about the dear Bishop, it is heart-warming to read the many individuals he influenced in his ministry. The Bishop Speranza had the kind of personality that could laughingly draw in a large crowd one minute and cry over a single soul the next. He especially had a great heart for the young people, as so many have shared in their own experiences with him. Having such a minister in our district has been a gift, one that God gave us for a short time because He loves us so much. Now you can share the love your husband and father shared with all of us, because it has multiplied throughout the world.
We thank our Heavenly Father for His wisdom, but we cannot possibly understand it. We will continue to pray for you, and as we thank the Lord for the blessings He provided for us through the gifts He placed in the Bishop, we thank you for giving up that time with him so that he could touch all of us.
We love you and consider you dear friends and members of our family.
With all our love,
Mike, Sofia, Melissa, Steven and Andy Lenz
Its times like this where words become secondary to the feelings and emotions that take over. Bishop Speranza has touched my heart and impacted my faith in so many ways. Its times like this that the faith that he helped grow in all our hearts and souls is what will get us through. He did a great work here on Earth and will continue to do so in Eternity.
In a service in Charlotte NC, I remember him speaking about the difference between believing and faith. He used the example of pushing a wheel barrel over a canyon on a small beam. You can believe that the person pushing the wheel barrel will make it across. But Faith is getting in that wheel barrel. This left a huge impact in my heart. His faith was so strong, and he shared every bit of it each chance he got. He didn’t just believe in this work, through his faith, he lived it as an example for us all!
He will be missed, but we will see him again.
To the Speranza's, I love you guys, you are in my thoughts and prayers!
With love and faith,
Jason Pfaff
Charlotte NC
Ft Myers Fl
Dear Kathy, KC, Michael, and all the Speranza & Hoffman Families
When I heard the news Of our beloved Bishop's passing Sunday evening I was at work. It was like my heart had been broken in two. I was stunned. I came from my office and walked through the computer room in shock. After calling my wife and relaying the sad news I returned to my office for what seemed like an eternity just sitting there and staring. I had to get out. It was late at night by then, I went down to the parking lot to my car sat there and began to pray. Not just for you Kathy and family, but for all of us. Because for as our District Apostle Freund taught us the Bishop is the Mother of the District, and we had just lost our Mother. After praying for some time I then sat there and cried, because then the human nature sits in and I wept for the two young boys Kc & Michael who wouldn't have their father there to hold there hand and do so many things that I know Ken longed tto do with his boys. We knew both Ken and Kathy since they were young and watched you both grow into fine adults, parents, but most of all a wonder help mate and we received such a blessing to have Ken as our bishop. I will especially miss the times when I would be scheduled to hold service in Cooper City on a midweek and in would walk our beloved Bishop to surprise us with a visit. I pleasingly gave up my seat behind the desk in the sacristy in order to be served by our Spiritual Mother. So to Kathy and Boys, your Husband and Father may pass out of this natural life but he will never pass out of your hearts or ours. Wel Love you very much and will alwys be in our prayers.
All our Love Bill, Jennifer, & Rachael Walke
Dear Kathy, K.C., Michael and The Entire Speranza and Hoffman Family,
Every soul from near and far has shared their joy, laughter, and the many many tears with your beloved HUSBAND and cherished BEST FRIEND. No distinct words can EVER explain how great this soul has been to each and every one of us, but one thing is for sure is this soul’s legacy will carry on and taint the many generations from centuries to come. He will be talked about, heard of, and even constantly spoken of in the many corners of the world. His name will not nearly be overlooked as it takes its place in our Heavenly Father’s extensive Book of Life.
He was our Friend, Brother, and our Great Leader for every youth young and old. Those youth he has valiantly struggled for has become MUCH STRONGER now because of his competitive nature, has become MORE FAITHFUL because of his powerful stature, and has become one CLOSER LOVING FAMILY because of his God-Fearing work.
This soul has carried our Heavenly Father’s Torch as long as it can until it could not reach no further. For this soul has now become absent, but not for a split-second has this Torch seen the face of the earth! For not ONE hand has replaced it, but now a bountiful number of youthful souls have taken its place as the carriers for our Heavenly Father’s work as long as the Lord will allow.
If our endearing Bishop had ever crawled while carrying this torch…than certainly we will walk. If our Bishop had ever walked while carrying this torch…than surely we will run! If our Bishop had ever ran while holding this torch up high than we will SPRINT and continue on this magnificent work he left us behind, wielding this flame immeasurably while exalting our Heavenly Father’s name with immense excitement and praise the way he conveyed!!
My dear family, I have been so touched many times over by all the thoughts, prayers, comments, and beautiful experiences everyone on these passages has done and shared with you in this period. This gift is only a small appreciation of thanks and love of what we can offer to you and to your sons. I hope K.C. and Michael will read this book, as they will mature into great workers for our Heavenly Father in their years to come. I hope the countless generations they will bring enlightens the world and their efforts to bring JOY, ZEAL, and PASSION just the way their GREAT FATHER had brought it to us.
We Will Always Love You…
From Everyone...He Has Ever Loved.
Khong C. Lamvichit
Florida West District Youth
Thanks everyone this is the end of this Blog posting.All the above will be sent over night today.
Love,
London
Bishop Speranza was a very special person for us the youth, i remember the first time that I saw him he was smiling and talking to all the brtohers and sisters, that really touched my heart even do he didnt speaked spanish he always tried to communicate with the brothers and sisters...I will always remeber his beautiful smile and his words in the service in Port Saint Lucie, FL...
Thank You for this oppotunity to express our love....
Gina Ghysels
Florida Spanish
Dear Speranza/Hoffman families,
I look at all of the wonderful words that all of these wonderful souls have written and to see the depth of spiritualness that lives in all of us, it has to bring a great BIG smile to your faces because our Bishop had a hand in that.
I remember my 1st youth service was Ken and Kathy's wedding. I got to go to their wedding and beautiful reception and I might have spoken 5 words to them before that day. I remember my first years in the youth not liking him very much because his teams would beat my teams on the basketball courts and HE would let me know it. I remember the next years loving him because I was on his team and we were beating everybody else!! I remember 6 years working with him at MMATS and how he molded me and taught me more than he will ever know.
I remember the scariest day of my life on this earth and he was the one at my house reminding me that God Loved Me! Bishop Speranza is one of those people that you may not know very well but it you came in contact with him you never forgot him! Kathy, KC and Michael Thank you for sharing this GREAT servant and man with all of us!! Now it's all of our turn to share him with those in eternity.
To my Bishop, Mentor and friend...... We will all strive to remember and excercise all of the teachings you gave us! And from some of us that got to be pretty close to you in the past years......."We Love you and Miss you Bubba!!!!!" from John,Lee and Me.
Love,
Chassy, Sebastian and Adrian.
I dont even know where to begin. Like everyone else i have to say THANK YOU.. for letting him spend so much time with us. He is one of the most important ministers in my life, I love him dearly.He will alays live in my heart.I'm still in shock I dont think it will ever quite sink in. But he isnt gone forever he is just on a very long vacation. We will met again . And to you Kathy and the family anything you ever need from me or the youth, we will always be here for you guys. Love You all ,
Rosie
Dear Youth and Friends,
I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to write to you, but it has been very busy and I wanted to take my time to write what I felt in my heart. Someone was very kind and sent me a bound copy of all of your kind wishes for our family, and the memories, thoughts and experiences with Ken over the years. I sat down and ready them a few nights after Ken's funeral (that was when I finally had some uninterrupted time) and again this evening. I was deeply touched and overwhelmed by the number of you that wrote in and what you had to say. Though I think I cried through the entire book both times, it is at the same time such a great comfort to me to know we are in the thoughts and prayers of so many. I will continue to read it once in a while and I think it will be wonderful for our children to read when they get a little older to get a glimpse of what their father was like outside of our home and what he did in his travels.
Many of you in the young people mentioned how he would uplift you on his trips. I want you to know you also uplifted him. He came home from every last one of the youth trips with a heart full of joy that helped him carry on with his busy schedule. I would ask him how it went and he would get a giant smile and say "FANTASTIC!" and them procede to tell me all about the weekend. You also thanked me for sharing him with you. How could I not when it gave him such joy? By your comments I can clearly see that the sacrifice of having him gone so frequently was not in vain. I know it also brought a great blessing to our family and we have much to be thankful for.
Like many of you, I don't bother to question why this happened because our human minds can't understand it, but I put my trust in our Heavenly Father that as difficult as it may seem at times, he will carry us through and we will somehow end up even stronger for it. I often remind myself that life here on earth is really very short compared to eternity and that it is important to keep focused on the future and to continue on in faith and joy. Dear young people from years ago up to now, please never forget he loves you dearly.
Thank you again for taking the time to write down all of your special thoughts for us.
With much love,
Kathy, K.C., Michael
and family
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