Ventura Saenz Franco

Ventura Saenz Franco was born July 13, 1929 to Jose de los Santos and Genoveva Franco in Darien, Chepigana, Republic of Panama. As a young man he studied on his own to become an auto mechanic. In his early 30's he worked on the Panama Canal. During his time working on the canal, one of his coworkers told him about Christ, gave him a Bible, and introduced him to his pastor who led him to Christ. He was led from the reading of the scriptures to attend Bible school. Starting in 1963, Ventura attended school in Panama for 3 years. During this time, he met Mary Buhler who was a missionary in Panama and one of the teachers at the school. Following his graduation, the church he was attending called him to be their pastor. Mary assisted with music at the church services and Ventura helped with her car repairs. Ventura and Mary were married on August 1, 1970. Ventura gave his life to building God's church in Panama and served several areas along the Atlantic coast, in a mountainous area, 18 years in the area of Matuna, and then 17 years in La Pesa. In June of 2013, Ventura and Mary moved to Mountain Lake to be closer to Mary's family. While in Mountain Lake, Ventura served the Lord with Spanish speaking families studying the Word. Ventura will always be remembered for how he greeted people with "God bless you". Ventura died on April 18, 2016, at Windom Area Hospital. He is survived by his wife Mary of Mountain Lake and Mary's extended family. Ventura was preceded in death by his parents; brother; and sister. In lleu of flowers, Mary would appreciate gifts to be sent to Avant Mission for the Ministry in Panama at 10000 N. Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64155 or to the Cornerstone Bible Church in Mountain Lake where a deacon's fund has been set up to help with Ventura's medical expenses. Visitation 1 9:00 am - 10:00 am Monday, April 25, 2016 Cornerstone Bible Church 1019 Prince Street Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Service Information 10:00 am Monday, April 25, 2016 Cornerstone Bible Church 1019 Prince Street Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Interment Information Cornerstone Cemetery (formerly EMB) West side of 570 Avenue, South of 360th St, North of 10th St/ Co. Rd 9 Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159