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Adrian Harper, Pastor of Assembly of God in Los Lunas, completed his life in victory on Tuesday, July 3, 2007. He was surrounded by family and friends as he crossed the finish line into glory. He recently suffered a fall which resulted in his death. Adrian was born to Orvil and Thelma Harper on November 17, 1925 in Ash Grove, MO. The first time he saw Lila Finley, he told a friend that she would be his wife. He didn't even know her at the time, but in just a few months they were married. They have been inseparable since 1947 and would have celebrated their 60th anniversary in August. Soon after their wedding, they began traveling with harvest crews, working in several states. In 1949 Adrian accepted a call into the ministry. His first pastorate was in Los Alamos. He also pastored other New Mexico churches in Springer, San Jon, Gallup, and Farmington. 20 years ago, he founded Hosanna Assembly of God in Los Lunas and was the pastor there until he went Home. In January of 2007, Hosanna Assembly of God merged with Los Lunas First Assembly and they now have services at 727 Cortez in Los Lunas. This merging of churches was a high point in his ministry and he counted it an honor to be right in the middle of what God is doing in Valencia County. He had a vision of embracing a hurting world by building a family center where all people could come and have their needs met. We, his family and church family, with God's help, will pick up the torch and see his vision fulfilled. Adrian and Lila had the opportunity to be missionaries to Mexico for a few years. They fell in love with the people there and have shared many great memories and stories. Adrian loved the Spanish language and even joked that Spanish would probably be the language of Heaven. Adrian, es verdad,? (Is it true, Adrian?) Adrian and Lila had two sons; three daughters; and one adopted son. They also helped raise numerous nieces and nephews. Their home was open to family and friends at all times. His life and ministry touched hundreds and hundreds of lives. His love for the Lord and for people was evident whether he was at the grocery store or behind the pulpit. He loved God and counted it a high honor to be a minister of His precious Word. He always stated that he preached in 'plain vanilla,' but his preaching and anointing was anything but plain. He had the privilege of having a TV broadcast which aired on KAZQ in Albuquerque and was seen throughout the state. He and Lila continuously received calls and letters from people who were blessed greatly by his ministry and his love. On the last broadcast, which aired a few minutes after he went Home, he talked about Heaven and the knowledge that all of his children and grandchildren would be with him there. Adrian is survived by his wife, Lila of the family home in Bosque Farms; sons, Rudy Harper of Seattle, WA, Steve Harper and wife, Patti of Gallup; daughters, Lynn Davis and husband, Jim of Los Lunas, Darlene Logan of Bosque Farms; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; five brothers; four sisters; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, all of whom looked to him for guidance and wisdom. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orvil and Thelma Harper; one daughter; Norma Moss; adopted son; Joe Salazar; and one brother, Duane Harper. Services will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2007, 10:00 a.m., at Calvary Temple Assembly of God, 5331 Montano Rd, NW, with Rev. Clyde Johnson and Rev. Ken George officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. Chapel, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Hosanna Assembly of God Building Fund, PO Box 550, Los Lunas, NM 87031. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333 www.frenchmortuary.com
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