John Lello - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

One thing is certain—He is calling you, calling you to give your all.
—John Lello

Passed away on November 26, 2012 in Papua New Guinea

A Message from Pam Lello:

Dear family and friends,
After returning to the states and attending the memorials and funeral, we are presently staying at the AFM Training Center in Michigan.

We would like to thank all of you for your prayers and support during this difficult time. The Lord is so good and we have so much to be grateful for.

A few months before the accident our computer crashed making it difficult to communicate. However, with a new email address we will once again be able to correspond.

Thank you again for all your prayers, financial support and encouraging words. God bless you all.

Pam, Abby & Alissa Lello
pamabbyalissalello@gmail.com

LELLO MEMORIAL FUND
• If you wish to assist the Lello family, you may send a check or money order marked “Lello Memorial Fund” and send it to Adventist Frontier Missions, PO Box 286, Berrien Springs, MI, 49103. If you wish to transfer funds electronically, please call AFM at 269-473-4250 and we will provide the routing numbers necessary to make a deposit.
(Please note: If you donate to both the Lello Memorial Fund and to AFM as well, please make out separate checks. Funds designated Lello Memorial Fund are personal gifts and are not tax deductible.)

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In Loving Memory of John Lello, 1966-2012

The Lello family joined Adventist Frontier Missions (AFM) in November 2009, accepting a call to live among the animist AMA people along the Sepik River and raise up a Seventh-day Adventist church among them that would bring the Gospel to the entire tribe. The Lellos completed their fundraising and launched to Papua New Guinea in March 2012.

John Lello died on the afternoon of November 26, 2012 in an accident while felling trees near the site of his AFM mission project in Papua New Guinea's Sepik Province. Please surround his family in caring and prayer--especially his wife, Pam, and their two girls, Alissa and Abby.

Stephen Combe who picked up the family from May River shared this observation (From comments on ANN news story): “I had the sad but great honor of picking up Pam and her daughters from the May River. There were so many villagers who wanted to pay their respects to John and Pam. His body had been lovingly wrapped and flower petals garlanded his casket. The girls were given flower garlands too. Such a sad time and yet Pam gave a very moving and courageous speech of hope before she boarded the helicopter. The whole village joined in prayer for her and the girls, for the SDA ministry in the Ama tribes and for the remembrance of John to always honor his commitment to Jesus and his love of the Ama people.”

Tributes

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November 26, 2023

Dear Pam, Alissa and Abigail,

Praying your hearts are safely held in the Hands of He Who is coming soon! What an amazing day that will be when all four of you will be wrapped in the arms of our Savior! Come soon Jesus!

November 26, 2023

John was such a humble, caring person. I pray for the 'Lello girls' every day. John will be so pleasantly surprized when wakes up to see the women he left when girls. May we all look forward to that day.

November 26, 2023

We praise God for what He has done for John's family. The girls have grown up into very lovely young ladies and Pam has always been busy working for God. God has blessed them and they have stayed faithful, waiting patiently for the day when they will all be reunited, never to part again. I believe that day is very near. May we all be ready.

November 28, 2022

Every time I read Adventist Frontier Missions and the stories of PNG, I think of John and his desire to serve the people. His desire to work for the people there was cut short and we don't understand on this earth, but one day we will understand it all. Pam and the girls continue to be in my prayer. Jesus IS coming soon to end all the heartache and sorrow on this earth. Let us not forget this HOPE.

November 26, 2022

Ten years ago I lost my only sibling in a freak accident in a far away place…. I continue to believe that there is more to life than what we can see and long for the day when all will be made clear and all tears will be wiped away.

November 26, 2022

Gone much too soon and much too young. Missed by D&G Altman

November 26, 2022

We never met John, but we know his family and they are precious. We praise the Lord for how He has worked in their lives since this day 10 years ago. The girls have grown into very lovely and talented young ladies and we know that John would be very proud of them as he would his lovely wife who has done so much for the cause of Christ. We will never forget John's sacrifice for the cause. God bless! Ashley & Karen

November 25, 2022

I remember John as a great friend while I was at bma. I'm truly sorry for such a tremendous loss to this world. John was a very kind man. .God bless.

November 28, 2021

Another year closer to His soon return! What joy!

November 28, 2021

So grateful for the promises and providence of God to sustain His people through the struggles of life. I pray that each of you are hiding deep in His arms of love as we look forward to the day of being together again. Come quickly, Lord Jesus❤

November 26, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pam & family! We love you all. Don't think it will be very long before you all are reunited, never to part again! May God richly bless you and your ministry. Much love, Ashley and Karen

November 26, 2021

Pam, Abby and Lissa, Thinking of you and pray the Lord is continuing to comfort and sustain you in your sorrow all these years. The signs foretell that Jesus is coming soon and it won't be long until you are reunited with the love of your life again.

Judy and Jerry Winkle

January 11, 2019

Dear Pam, Alissa and Abby, I just now read about your husband John's passing in 2012. on AFM posts. I want to send my condolences to you and wanted to let you know you're in my thoughts and prayers. We've been getting AFM magazine through our church and also in the mail and have enjoyed reading stories in other countries what God is doing for people around the world. God bless you. love Cindy Nimeskern

November 27, 2018

Miss you dearly my brother! I can’t believe it has been six years. When I see your smiling picture above you are frozen in time - even as the rest of your family grows up and grows older. Can’t wait to see you again and welcome you home from your mission trip here on earth. Come quickly Lord Jesus. We all need to go home with You.

November 26, 2018

Our hearts still go out to John's dear family as we remember his service in the Lord's work. May the Lord keep you all close to His side and may you all be reunited together again soon. Much love, Ashley & Karen

November 26, 2018

We still can not believe that John is gone. He was a good Christian man and we know that he is safe and resting in the loving arms of Jesus and we will meet again when Jesus comes to take us home. What a grand and glorious day that will be.

November 26, 2018

So good to know that the One for whom John gave his life, is the One who loves and leads us through those mountain top and deep valley experiences and will one day take us home to Heaven where there will be no more goodbyes. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. And keep us faithful!

November 26, 2017

Dear Pam and girls and the whole family, I still remember where I was when I heard about John's accident. I wanted so desperately for it to be a terrible rumour. As time has passed I have been so blessed to watch how God has strengthened and sustained His precious children through this heart-wrenching loss. And I look forward to the reunion in Heaven when John is with his family again. How beautiful it will be to see redeemed from around the world who will recount the significance of John's life and death and the continuing ministry of his family in their Heavenward journey. May God bless you all and keep you faithful!!!

November 26, 2017

Dear Pam and girls, We still continue to remember John and the work you all started with the Ama people and will continue to pray and uplift you all. John would be so proud of you and the girls and the work you are doing. I don't think it will be much longer before you will be reunited again with your precious husband and father. Love to all, Ashley & Karen

November 26, 2017

Dearest Abby your daddy would be so proud of how you have grown up into such a wonderful young woman, I'm sure he would take you in his warm arms and give you a big hug! Today as you turn 16 we celebrate this special day with you. God bless in this new year of adventures with Him. Aunt Lois

January 21, 2017

Our daughter Lois Burn made a surprise visit the to our home, 19-21st of Jan. 2017. The occasion was her dad's 80th birthday. It was a wonderful time we spent together BUT it was bitter sweet, tears filled my eyes as I wished her dear brother John could have been here to share in the celebration of one of our families special moments. It is at times like this we miss his presence so much.
This makes me long for the glorious Day of The Lord when we will all be reunited again." Lord we miss him so much. Help us Finnish your work so that Day will not be too long. Please bless our dear Pam and the girls as they keep on trusting in you and growing in the Lord. Thank you for giving us this loss and helping us through it for it has made us grow more in your likeness. Even so come Lord Jesus, amen.

November 26, 2016

Dear Pam and girls,
Even though the years roll on, we will continue to remember the work that John and your dear family started. You are in out thoughts and prayers. John would be so proud of all of you. God bless you all. Much love and respect. Ashley & Karen

December 6, 2015

Never a day goes by that John is not missed. The pain and memories linger. But my heart goes out to our darling daughter Lois and our precious daughter Pam and grand children, Lissa and Abby who daily live the reality of a family of three. I long for heaven when the redeemed of all the ages will be reunited forever with all our loved ones that sleep in the grave awaiting the trumpet call of Jesus, what a day of victory that will be?

December 6, 2015

I think of your precious family every time I open an AFM magazine and all you each have sacrificed. Praise God for holding you up each day giving you a fresh measure of grace to continue in ministry for Him. Yes, soon Jesus will return and resurrect John to spend eternity with all of you. Praying for each of your family members! Remember, Jesus is carrying your sorrow.

November 26, 2015

This man, his wife, daughters, and their mission continue to fuel a mission passion in my heart. Their dedication is an inspiration and blessing to me. I look forward to the reunion in Heaven and to hearing the stories through eternity of the impact they have had on people around the globe. God bless you!!!!

November 30, 2014

Dear Pam, Alyssa and Abigail,

Your family picture is still on my fridge, too! I think of you often and pray for the Ama and for the missionaries who are heading there. I just pray that each of you will have strength and courage to remain faithful to Jesus until the Glorious Day of Glad Reunions!!!!!

November 29, 2014

yes, I think of Pam and the girls often when I read AFM mag. When I read update on your current work with AFM in preparing candidates I praised God for the strength and growth He has given each of you. For the "good He has brought out of tragedy!" I continue to pray for you and look forward to meeting John and all your family in heaven.

November 26, 2014

Dear Pam, Alissa and Abigail, You all are in our hearts and thoughts today as we stop to remember your husband and father. We know he would be so proud of his little family and how strong you have become. You are a living testimony to what God can accomplish through tribulations and trials. We praise God and ask Him to continue to give you all grace and strength as you work in His vineyard. Much love and respect, Ashley and Karen

November 26, 2014

Be assured that John's ultimate sacrifice is not forgotten, and neither are you, Pam, or the girls. In the midst of great loss, you have been faithful to the Ama people as you have shared their story wherever there has been opportunity. But on a very personal level, a husband/father is deeply missed in your lives. May you continue to find comfort and strength as you lean into the Everlasting Arms.

November 26, 2013

Dear Sister Pam, Alissa and Abigail, I know today must be a hard anniversary for you, but I praise God that He has given you the strength and grace to get through this first year. I know that He will continue to carry you through. John would be very proud of all of you. You have taken up a good work to continue to help out in the mission field and spread your testimony. We are so pleased that God has answered your prayers and has found a family to take your place among the Ama people. We will continue to uplift you all and praise God for His loving mercy towards you as you continue to work for the Master. Much love and respect, Ashley and Karen

November 26, 2013

Pam, Alissa, and Abigail...thinking of you today and know how painful it is for you to bring everything to remembrance again. I am sure there are good memories too. Uplifting you and the girls in prayer during this difficult time.

November 26, 2013

Pam, Alissa and Abigail, please know that you are remembered especially in our prayers each Sabbath. Your loss is still very present in our hearts. And your "umbrella photo" is a permanent fixture on our refrigerator.

March 15, 2013

Dear Pam, Alissa and Abigail!We are your brothers and sisters in Christ from Ukraine. Today we read about the accident happened with your husband!I was crying during reading... We grieve with you!May be you feel fear or confusion...May You feel Jesus arms of love around you!

March 15, 2013

Luke 12:6-7 "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." With love Olya, Vladimir, Ariel, Ruth.

February 18, 2013

Through AFM mag I feel acquainted with your family. Pam, as I read your detailed account of John's accident I marveled at your courage and dedication, your agony in leaving your "new family" in NG. Every time I awakened during the night I lifted your family in prayer to the Almighty One who "has carried our sorrows." May His strength be yours today! "Be Still My Soul," precious hymn.

January 29, 2013

I read Frontiers cover to cover each issue. I feel like I know your family. Our hearts and prayer go out to you Pam, Alyssa, and Abigail. God knows your pain and promises to heal. We are praying for you all. Words seem so meaningless at a time like this. Heaven cannot be too soon.

January 24, 2013

You are in my prayers! To remember the importance of my teacher-- Mr. Lello played an important part in my senior year at Spring Valley Academy as my physics and calculus teacher as well as one of my class sponsors. We did many creative projects in physics. Mr. Lello would go to great lengths to help his students learn-always with a caring spirit and a desire for his students’ success.

January 24, 2013

As our class prepared for the AP Calculus test, he would come in on Sunday to help us. And when conflict came between the AP test schedule and our senior class trip, Mr. Lello upheld integrity by having us take the test on the right day. Mr. Lello: honorable, humble, and seeking to serve God. I’m looking forward to sharing stories and mathematics with him soon!

January 19, 2013

Dear Pam, Abigail and Alissa

U may not remember us, we are the Domond Family
Before I begin, id like to tell u how sorry we are when we heard about our friend John s passing. We live in Bethlehem, Pa. You, John and the girls came over our home to pray fo us. Tears are coming down my eyes. God bless

January 7, 2013

Dear Pam, Alissa and Abigail, I have thought of you and prayed for you so many times over the last few weeks. My heart aches for you, and I pray that you will be strengthened and comforted in the knowledge of God's love for you and the hope of the soon return of Jesus. This past Sabbath our children's Sabbath School class prayed for you. Psalm 125:1, 2 and Psalm 126

January 5, 2013

Indeed, John was on a mission - he knew it and gave his all to accomplish that mission. And yet the mission is unfinished. Who will continue from John Lello left off? And to you my beloved sisters - Pam, Abby and Alissa, John fulfilled his mission; what about you?

January 4, 2013

dear Pam - I just discovered your tragic loss on the AFM facebook page. Oh my heart goes out to you. I don't know your family personally, but your family pictures are an inspiration. May you know you are held in the faithful arms of our Saviour. He will never let you go! May you be comforted, strengthened and led by Him always.

December 28, 2012

It doesn't seem like that long ago when you were visiting our home in Maine and telling us about your hopes of taking God's Word to the AMA people. Our family has prayed for you and enjoyed reading emails about the positive work you did in sharing Christ to those who needed to hear. We are heart broken over your loss. The kids send hugs to their pen pals Abby and Alissa. Love, the Mazones

December 24, 2012

Dear Pam, Alissa, and Abigail, our prayers are with you always. As missionaries in PNG, we are very proud for the sacrifice that John and you all have made. May our heavenly Father continue to comfort you and give you peace. May the Lord hasten His return when John will wake up from his sleep and say "hello, good morning" to you Pam and his two beautiful girls.

December 23, 2012

There are billion places in this universe for such a wonderful family to live and enjoy their lives and do whatever they wanted to do to make them happy, but here in the land of PNG, obeying God seems to be their hearts' desire, the Lilo's, truly has left something that will be remembered of all times.God will richly bless and comfort you, Pam, Abby and Alissa all the days of your lives.

December 23, 2012

Dear Pam, Abigail and Alissa,
I am so sorry to hear such sad news. Each of you are each in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for God's loving arms around you and his strength to carry you through this time. I pray that you will feel his love and know that He will carry you through, that better days will come. Sending you a big hug, Zoë

December 23, 2012

Dear Pam, Alissa and Abigail, sisters in Christ. My tears join with yours at the painful loss of your precious husband! How hard this trial must be, yet how wonderful that He is safe in Jesus. Seems like little comfort just now, but oh, how sweet the thought to know you will see, touch and share with him again. May God be your husband your strength and song through these dark days.

December 18, 2012

John Lello loved children. I'm sure he had a profound impact on the little ones there in the mission field; seeds that will bear fruit we can't imagine. May God bless Pam, Alissa and Abigail and provide them comfort. We will all see John again in "just a little while" when we all get to heaven.

December 18, 2012

On this eve of laying John to rest, I believe heaven notes our fresh tears and pain. By faith, I envision holy beings executing the Father's plan to bear you tenderly through this deep sorrow. The Mighty Spirit of Comfort is ministering even now, Pam. I believe this because the Eternal One, intimately acquainted with loss, has promised, "I will not leave you comfortless...I will come..."

December 16, 2012

Pam, Alissa, and Abigail. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow. John was a dedicated man and worker for the Lord. Heaven only will reveal the why. May God bless and comfort you. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
Bruce and Victoria Wickwire