Mennonite Brethren leader Rolando Mireles, La Grulla, Texas, died July 9, 2024, at the age of 75 following a short illness.
At the age of 17, Mireles accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and began a spiritual race that propelled him to serve his maker throughout his entire life in his community, church conference, local church and family.
The impact of his service to the Lord and others was evident as family and friends gathered for his memorial service July 13, Mireles’ 76th birthday.
“We want to celebrate a life well-lived for Jesus and his kingdom,” said Rolando Mireles Jr., noting that the memorial service was a birthday celebration for his father. “He loved God and he loved people.”
Aaron Hernandez, pastor of GracePoint Church and the Latin America MB (LAMB) District Conference minister, says in an email, “My brother and partner in ministry Rolando Mireles left an indelible mark on GracePoint and the LAMB District. His influence will undoubtedly surpass his lifetime. Throughout his 50 plus years of serving the Lord, he mentored and discipled many that now serve in different ministries.”
Hernandez says, “Anytime Rolando gave you attention it’s like he belonged to you in a personal way. His joy, vigor and enthusiasm for the Lord was contagious so much so that his presence made every gathering memorable. Personally, Rolando constantly encouraged me, loved me and walked shoulder to shoulder with me in my personal life and ministry. The list is short of those that their influence is able to cross different cultures, generations or social status. Rolando was one of the few that in every space he made a kingdom impact.”
Mireles served at his local church, GracePoint, formerly Grulla MB Church, with an unwavering commitment in any capacity needed. He was a youth leader, pastor, teacher, shepherd and mentor. With a joyful heart, he maintained the church lawn, visited many in the hospital or their homes when sick and officiated funerals.
He served as the moderator of the LAMB District for many years, where he worked alongside pastors and churches in the area.
Mireles served on the USMB Board of Church Ministries from 1990 to 2004, serving as board vice chair from 1998 to 2002 and as chair from 2002 to 2004. During these years, Mireles attended International Committee of Mennonite Brethren gatherings around the world and traveled to Uruguay, Paraguay, Columbia, Brazil, Guatemala, Canada, South Africa, DR Congo and Zimbabwe.
Mireles also served on the board of Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, for 24 years. His desire was that his children attend Tabor, and that dream was fulfilled and surpassed. Not only did his three children graduate from Tabor, but also his grandson, Sebastian, this past May.
“My dad loved and served Tabor College and the USMB church with so much joy and energy,” wrote Rolando Mireles Jr. in an email to Christian Leader about his father’s death. “He lived a full life for God since he gave his life to him at the age of 17. He was an example of what it meant to live life as a disciple who was fully devoted to loving God and loving others.”
Mireles was a school teacher for 40 years in the La Grulla community. He taught generations of students his love for history. He and his family enjoyed 15 summers in Bellingham, Washington, where he was a school counselor for migrant high school students.
Mireles was born on July 13, 1948, in Rio Grande City, Texas, to Abelardo and Emma Mireles. He grew up in Los Ebanos with his nine siblings. He attended El Faro School in Sullivan City and graduated from La Joya High School.
Mireles received his bachelors in education from the University of Texas Pan American. At the age of 24, he married Lucila on December 23, 1972. They made their home in La Victoria Ranch.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lucila, and his children Rolando Jr. (Laura), Patricia Eunice, Isai (Jodi) and grandchildren, Sebastian (Raquel), Sofia, Sienna, Sage and Holden. He is also survived by his siblings, Abelardo Jr. (Elma), Hector (Emma), Sylvia, Sostenes (Anabel), David (Norma), Ricardo (Rita), Romeo (Martha), Homar (Mary) and Sonia Fuentes (Mando).
His family and friends remember Mireles for his gregarious personality, strong welcoming hugs, love for the Dallas Cowboys, motorcycle rides and coffee meet ups. But most of all, for his love and devotion to his wife, Lucila. His life leaves a legacy filled with purpose for all those who knew him, as a charge to live for Christ, love whole heartedly and serve joyfully.
The majority of this article is from the life sketch shared online by the funeral home.
Connie Faber joined the magazine staff in 1994 and assumed the duties of editor in 2004. She has won awards from the Evangelical Press Association for her writing and editing. Faber is the co-author of Family Matters: Discovering the Mennonite Brethren. She and her husband, David, have two daughters, one son, one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law and three grandchildren. They are members of Ebenfeld MB Church in Hillsboro, Kansas.
