Tributes

“Blackie Gonzalez was a man among men. Some will undoubtedly view his legacy in terms of his many accomplishments in radio and television. Others will view him as a pioneer who inspired many to follow in his stead – using electronic media to reach the world for Jesus Christ. Yet for many, the mention of Blackie’s name will bring memories of his warm and winsome spirit, his gift for encouraging others, and his deep devotion to the Savior he loved. If the aim of the Christian life is to know Christ and make Him known to others, then Blackie Gonzalez’s exceptional life is an example to follow.”

Frank Wright, Ph.D.
President & CEO
National Religious Broadcasters

“With a broad smile and radiant spirit, Blackie Gonzalez was a powerful force for the Kingdom of God. He was a pioneer in Christian broadcasting and blazed the trail for many of us who followed. In every encounter, Blackie exhibited the love of God and shared a word of encouragement. His passion for the Gospel and the Land of Israel were unsurpassed. Blackie is now with the Lord, but he has left behind a great legacy of integrity, zeal, and commitment for the things of God.”

Mark Dreistadt
President & CEO
Infinity Concepts

“What a dear brother! It was a joy and a faith refresher to be with Blackie, his daughter, and their staff at the station. I was so blessed by his story, the testimony of what happens when you take God at His Word and walk in faith. Blackie truly loved God, and knowing the Word, He loved the nation of Israel. He’s home and there’s no place better to be!”

Kay Arthur
Co-CEO
Precept Ministries International

“Blackie Gonzalez was a pioneer in Christian broadcasting before most of us were born. Many of the doors that are open to younger faith-based producers today were unlocked because of the dedication of men and women like Blackie. He understood his audience, and was brilliant at making a real connection happen, and that connection changed thousands of lives. He will be greatly missed, and I was lucky to consider him a friend.”

Phil Cooke, Ph.D.
President & Creative Director
Cooke Pictures

“Blackie Gonzalez was a man of truth, integrity, and a man whose genuine love of the Lord, his family, his co-workers, and Israel was a model for all of us. He was a man who was always working to unite Christian broadcasters and people of all races and origins. He will be missed by all of us.”

Ken Mikesell
President & General Manager
The Good Life Channel, WTGL TV-45

“I have known Blackie for approximately 25 years and consider him a very dear friend. I have spent some time at his studios, and I have always been impressed by his dedication to the Lord and also his commitment to the nation of Israel. I served on many boards with Blackie through the years, and he will be sorely missed – he was a dear friend and brother in the Lord!”

Bob D'Andrea
President & Founder
Christian Television Network

“Blackie dedicated his life to the Kingdom and demonstrated to us not only in how to be Christian broadcasters, but to be people of integrity and honor in every aspect of our lives. Blackie was truly a hero of the faith who ran the race well. We will miss him dearly.”

Lee Miller
CEO
MSGPR Ltd Co

“Blackie inspired me as a man of prayer who God used to do great things for the Kingdom.”

Suellen Roberts
Founder & President
Women in Christian Media

“You could be facing the most impossible circumstances and one conversation with Blackie would change your whole perspective. He had the ability to see beyond the problem into the heart of what God was doing, even in the tough times. I’ll greatly miss his warm smile and comforting words, truly a champion of the faith.”

Alyson Hayes
Producer/Host F4 Next Generation
Cornerstone TeleVision Network

“Blackie represented the best of the Christian television industry. He was a man of integrity that always stood for what was right including promising to never sell his Christian stations so they would remain dedicated to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a wonderful supporter of the Sky Angel television mission and we are proud to be carrying his radio network, Z-73, which we launched four years ago in honor of his late wife. Blackie's greatest and lasting tribute is his wonderful family who will continue on with his mission that has already impacted so many lives for Christ. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Kathleen Johnson
President
Sky Angel Productions

“Blackie Gonzalez was a great man and I feel honored to have known him; I will miss him. He did a lot for Christian Televison and his knowledge and wisdom will be missed greatly. My sympathy to his family.”

James "Jimmy" Thompson
CEO
WGGS TV-16 WATC TV-57

“We never met with Blackie when he did not bring up multipule family members and how proud he was of his son/daughters/granchildren/wife, his passion for Israel, his love for God's Word, and his desire to see more people come to faith in Christ. Any meeting with Blackie always concluded with him giving you a hug, pat on the back, and a strong word of encouragment. Our last memory was a quiet breakfast with Blackie and his excitment at his son's call to come to work with Son Broadcasting and his joy at working together with his daughters. We were honored to know Blackie and to partner with him to reach the world with God's Word.”

Morgan & Mari Jackson
International Director
Hosanna/Faith Comes By Hearing

“On behalf of the Albuquerque Police Department, I want to extend our condolences to the Gonzalez and Son Broadcasting Network family. Blackie was a true 'giant' in the faith and he will truly be missed. Thank you Blackie for your faithful service to the Lord!”

Briane L. Dennison
Chaplain Commander
Albuquerque Police Department

“On behalf of the Albuquerque Fire Department I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Entire Son Broadcasting Network family and especially to the Gonzalez family as we both celebrate, weep and find comfort in the homecoming of our brother ,friend and wonderful servant leader, Blackie. We will most surely miss him and the inspiration given to many of us by our Lord through Blackie and the ministry he so faithfully served. May God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you all.

Shalom”

Chaplain Jerome Rael
Fire Chaplain
Albuquerque Fire Dept.

“My condolence to the family and SBN. Blackie inspired me with the Love he had for Jesus and people. He surely was a man of God and will greatly be missed. Bless the familys of Blackie Gonzalez and Gods peace and comfort be with you at this time. Margie Dorrance”

Margie Dorrance
Past Partner

“Blackie Gonzales was a dear friend for thirty years and a mighty man of faith and values. For many years, he was anxious to get into the National Religious Broadcasters. As Chairman of the Television Committee, I helped him do just that. He manifested such great faith that his ministry never lacked for funds. He hosted NRB television committee for one of our best meetings. Blackie was always there to help, always there to encourage, always there to pray, always there to preach the Gospel. I will miss him here and now, and can’t wait to rejoice with him in the Kingdom of God.”

Ted Baehr
Chairman
Christian Film & Television Commission

“Ted, Mary Kay, Vickie, Annette, Joanna, we are sorry you have lost such a vital, loving part of your family. Blackie was so proud of all of you, and so happy with his life. You are a wonderful tribute, a great legacy of his beliefs. Blackie made the world a better place, for those of us who knew him personally and those who just reaped the benefits of the many things he did for people around the world. I can not imagine a better example for those who wonder how a Christian believer would/should act in society. Blackie was nice to everyone, always encouraging and uplifting, making each person he was with feel really special and loved. Tracy and I were blessed by his friendship, we will miss talking and laughing with him, but it is difficult to be really sad because we know he is in the exact spot he has prepared for and dreamed about for years.
Blackie, don't forget you're supposed to save two places for us! Sharon”

Sharon Freeny

Friend

“Blackie will be sorely missed. His constant smile and uplifting spirit encouraged all of us to become better individuals, not only spiritally, but physically as well. That is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”

Rosa Herrera,Ph.D.
Retired- Dist. Administrator
New Mexico Public Schools

“Meeting Blackie Gonzalez for the first time, left me with a great first inpression. Seeing Blackie eating breakfast at Tia Sophia's restuaraunt on the plaza on mondays and thurdays, he would always greet with a smile. It didn't matter if a person had a business suit or delivered tortilla's in a pair of blue jeans, he treated everyone the same. Blackie's heart was to introduce the world to our Savior. He left and awsome legacy to people he reached on t.v. He will be missed and always loved.”

John M. Pacheco
Managers
Enchanted Mesa Park

“While we will all miss "Blackie" here on earth, we know his ultimate journey has just begun. God obviously needed a dedicated leader and faithful servant, to administrate a very important part of heavens communication system...so our dear friend was called home. Everyone at the Trinity Broadcasting Network pay homage to this wonderful pioneer, and I can only hope and pray my life will be as productive and fruitful as his. I know that Blackie's wonderful children will carry the torch of Christian television, and take that ministry to new heights. Let's all pray for them daily, as they grieve the loss, but rejoice in his wonderful graduation.”

Paul Crouch, Jr.
Chief of Staff
Trinity Broadcasting Network

“Blackie was a dear friend and brother in the Lord. We served on several boards together and he was in private what he was on television a radical believer that with God all things are possible. He loved Israel and he had a generous soul. He once gave me a pair of cowboy boots I later learned cost $2000! I will miss his phone calls and miss him at NRB but I look forward to catching up with him someday before the Throne of God.”

David W. Clark
President
Palm Beach Atlantic University

“A few days ago I was talking to a friend of mine in New Mexico from Miami, Florida when she received a phone call that Blackie had passed away. Mary and I were deeply saddened by this sudden news. We were able to find an article on Blackie in the online version of the Santa Fe and read it.

On behalf of Mary, Alexandria, Hannah, Sarah and Timmy we wanted to express our deepest condolences on the passing away of Blackie. Though we know that Blackie was a strong Christian who loved the Lord Jesus and is in a tremendous place, we surely will miss him very much. It was Blackie who the Lord used to open up the door to me to employment in New Mexico when we came with nothing from Miami, Florida. You guys are truly a wonderful family. You did much for our family during our eight years there that we will never forget. I am sure that this time is a difficult time for you all but we know that God will uphold you.

We love you all.
Jose, Mary, Alexandria, Hannah, Sarah and Timmy”

Jose and Mary Alvarez
President
Safari Through the Word Ministries

“On behalf of the State of Israel, I want to express my deepest sympathy at the passing of Blackie Gonzalez. Blackie was a true friend to the State of Israel and the Jewish people. The impact of this commitment was significant. He was also a personal friend that I will truly miss. His life was a testimony to his faith in God and his commitment to sharing that faith in practical ways with everyone he met.”

Rami Levi
Special Emissary to the Evangelical Communities
Israel Ministry of Tourism

“I have known Blackie for over twenty-five years, I co-hosted the program God Answers Prayer for a number of years, but more than anything he was my friend. We laughed together, we cried together, as we traveled together to do the program every day, Blackie had a way of lifting your spirits when you were down, my prayers are with the Gonzalez family we love you God bless.”

Ed Espinosa
Pastor
New Hope Ministries

“After reading through the many tributes I feel humbled and jealous of those who have known Blackie for so many years. While I only knew Blackie for a short time, I can truly say that I was touched by Blackie as much as those who were fortunate to be life long friends. A conversation with Blackie was always so uplifting and inspiring. You could just feel his passion for life, his love of Israel and his concern for mankind. I will forever remember him. My prayers are with his family. May they be comforted at this difficult time.”

Yossi Yarmak
Rabbi
Buy For Israel

“Blackie, a wonderful friend will certainly be missed. A truley dedicated man of God and Broadcaster of the Word. He was a man of integrity and utmost character. Blackie, is leaving a legacy to his children. My prayers are with his family at this time.”

Garth W. Coonce
President
TCT Network

“I greatly appreciated Blackie's love and concern for the people of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. He always emphasized reaching people for Jesus Christ. Our community will miss his contributions in the areas of media and his encouragment to the Body of Christ. My prayers are with his family during this time.”

Brenton Franks
Senior Pastor
Evangel Christian Center

“We will always remember Blackie Gonzalez for the very first name he was given which is “Belarmino”. We even remember when a fellow Christian minister prophesied to him that he was to use this name Belarmino more than ”Blackie” for accordingly, Belarmino meant “trumpet blower”. We could only immediately agree with such a prophesy for Belarmino “Blackie” Gonzalez was truly just that, he was a herald of the good news of the Kingdom of God, he was a golden trumpet blown by the Lord to announce His coming and kingdom. Belarmino loved the goodness of the Lord, and this he announced or blew everyday on television and in life itself. Praise the Lord for Belarmino “Blackie” Gonzalez. We will miss you greatly but look forward to spending an eternity with you in our Father’s kingdom!

Leo & Maria Pia Lesaca
Along with children Gabriel, Michael, and Arielle
Former KCHF-TV 11 Sales Director and Executive Assistant”

Leo & Maria Pia Lesaca

“I was terribly saddened to hear that Blackie Gonzalez has passed on. I only had the privilege of speaking to him for the first time several months ago. I had often heard about his great accomplishments, but when we finally spoke, it was like meeting a long-forgotten friend. We spoke on the phone for about an hour, he in Albuquerque, NM and me in Shiloh, Israel. He expressed his love for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the miracles that He is performing in our times, and his tremendous heart for Israel was clear from his very first words. He was genuinely excited that I was calling him from the Biblical heartland of Israel and that we were going to meet on his show on my upcoming visit to NM. Obviously the Almighty had other, far loftier plans for this great man.

I feel truly blessed to have known him for the short time that I did, but his legacy will live on, through the amazing ministry that he created, but most of all through the thousands of people who loved him.

May his great memory be a blessing for all of us.”

David Rubin
Founder and President
Shiloh Israel Children's Fund

“Blackie was a consistent intensely soft-spoken and loving ambassador for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a dear friend with always encouraging words, and a reliable, committed and responsive co-laborer. He will be missed, but only for a time...then we will join him with our Lord. Our prayers are with family and friends.
Yours by His Grace,
Sam and Marlene”

Sam B. Wagner
President
Video I-D Inc

“Oh! What a Surprise to hear of the News of the Home-Going of our Beloved Friend & Servant of God - Dr. 'Blackie' Gonzalez. A Pioneer indeed in the Christian Broadcasting Ministry! We will MISS YOU!

I Thank God for the Time & Opportunity of Meeting with you and being Interviewed on your TV Network [KCHF TV 11] when our Book 'Persistence Works!' first came out! Our relationship since then, has been very Special; And I've come to Know you as a Man of God; A Man of Faith; A Man of Great Accomplishments for the Kingdom of God; A Man of Courage; A Man of Integrity; A Man of Generosity; A Man of The Spirit; A Man of The Word; & A Man Who Walked with GOD And Now Has Walked Into The Eternal Presence of the Almighty God!!

We will Truly Miss You! But What a Joy it is to know that you are Resting in Heaven and in the Presence of your [& our] Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ! Keep Resting Until we Meet again in the Father's Presence! We Love You & Will Miss You! May The Lord Continue to Bless your Family & the Work you've left behind. Shallom! ”

Rev. [Lt.] Paul Vincent
President/ CEO
Vincent Paul Ministries Int'l.; Author, Persistence Works!

“Blackie was a dear friend and a man I deeply respected. Just before Christmas I received a call from Blackie. He said he felt led to call his friends and tell them how much he appreciated and loved them.
Blackie had a genuine passion for God and a desire to do all he could during his lifetime to further God's Kingdom. But it wasn't a selfish desire. He was constantly moving alongside others to do what he could to help them fulfill their vision.
I am grateful for having had the opportunity to have known him and to have had the privilege to count him among my friends.
Mine and Shirley's prayers are with the family during this time of both mourning for the loss of someone so important in their lives and of celebration for a life well lived now in the presence of God.”

Jerry Rose
President/CEO
TLN

“Blackie Gonzales died the way some of us have declared we would like to go " Blackie died with his "boots on"! It's hard to imagine such a servant of the Lord ever succumbing to retirement. He was loved, not so much for his accomplishments, but for his humble spirit and his determination to follow his Lord. How do you replace such a man? The ministries he planted have been blessed of God and will live on for future generations. Praise God! We will miss him.”

Richard C. Dean
Chairman, CEO
WFMZ Television

“I will remember Blackie Gonzalez first as a lover of God and His people. He has inspired me and many others who also desire to serve the Lord. He will be deeply missed. I am one of the hundreds who is grateful to have been able to serve with him. What a God honoring legacy he leaves.”

Karen Lafferty
Director
Musicians For Missions International/YWAM Santa Fe

“My thought and prayers are with the SBN family during this time of great loss "Blackie" always had a smile for everyone and it was a pleasure knowing him.


Justin Colberg
former Employee”

Justin Colberg
Sponsor relations
Compassion International

“I was so sadden to hear about Blackie passing away,I enjoyed watching channel 11, and always seeing his smiling face. He had such a LOVE for Jesus, My thoughts and prayers are with you all, May god bless you during this sad time. God bless you Blackie, may you rest in peace and may our dear Jesus have you in a special place. Give my Wonderful Jesus and my brothers and daddy a big Hug for me, tell them I miss them and someday we will see each others again.”

Peggy Montoya

“Having known Blackie for over 20 years, he will always be an example of the kind of leadership God wants to see in Christian Broadcasting, and a Godly husband and father. He was the kind of friend who could tell you what you didn't want to hear but in a way that you needed to hear it. He truly knew the meaning of the words "..the wounds of a friend can be trusted." Prov. 27:6. He gave good counsel to those who saw him as a leader in Christian Broadcasting. All of us who have been called by the Lord to bring the Gospel to the world via broadcasting will miss him. Vaja con Dios amigo mio.”

David M. Hummel
Presidentt
D.M. Hummel Consulting Inc.

“Blackie Gonzalez was not only a pioneer in Christian broadcasting, but also a friend to all who sought to broadcast the Gospel on television and radio. He had a global vision for sending the Good News by every available means to reach a lost world. Only the Lord knows the myriad of people who have heard and responded to the Master's call because of the faithful service of Blackie Gonzalez. Moreover, he has left a media ministry which will continue to reach out, not only to the unsaved, but also to God's people.

What a legacy Black Gonzalez has left for all who know and love him! May God bless and comfort his beloved family at this time of great loss.”

R. Chip Turner
Director of Broadcast Affiliates
FamilyNet

“As I reflect on my personal friendship with Blackie Gonzalez, I am flooded with many good memories. When I began our weekly telecast, Manna-Fest, Blackie was with us from the beginning, encouraging us to step out in faith. His station was one of the first stations to air our program, which is now viewed around the world. He was also instrumental in opening the doors for many other stations that now air our program. He was always an inspiration, never negative or critical of anyone, and always spoke of his desire to reach people with the gospel through radio and television.

There are two words to describe our dear colleague in ministry: the words re “wow” and “tremendous.” The “wow” always reminded me of Blackie’s childlike faith and his amazement at the simple things God would do for all of us. To him, a sunrise was a “wow.” Then he marked the good things God did as “tremendous.” I can hear his voice right now as he comments on a testimony of God’s goodness in someone’s life.

We will miss him, but what a time he must be having with those he loved who preceded him. He left the ministry in the good hands of family, fellow ministers, and colleagues. The work will go on and the gospel will continually be proclaimed through the airwaves. As souls are reached, may we stand before God and hear Blackie say, “How many souls were won through the ministry? Wow! Tremendous!””

Perry Stone
Founder/Director
Voice of Evangelism, Manna-Fest Television

“"The people living in darkness have seen a great light," Matthew 4:16. Blackie brought light into a darkened world just like his savior Jesus Christ. Blackie loved Jesus and led countless souls to Christ, and encouraged many into discipleship. But his first mission was always to shepherd his own flock -- his family. Many saw Blackie as a television star, but his eternal legacy will be to shine as a star in the heavenlies: "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever,"(Daniel 12:3). Blackie is well remembered for his "walk in the Light" -- doing his best to model Christ's teaching in his own life. My heart is warm with love for the Gonzales family. Farewell to a precious friend and brother in Christ. Ruth Schofield, Embassy for World Peace & Religious Freedom, Washington, DC”

Ruth Schofield
President
Embassy for World Peace & Religious Freedom

“We met Blackie several years ago through John and Diana Hagee. What a sweet, godly man! We always enjoyed seeing Blackie whether it was in Israel (which seemed often) or at a Christians United for Israel event. His joy and enthusiam for the Lord was so refreshing. Blackie's support for Israel and hard work to bring others on board with Israel certainly has put him in the Lord's Hall of Fame of Israel supporters. He was CUFI's state director in New Mexico and did an outstanding job of rallying people in New Mexico to support Israel. The "Night to Honor Israel" that Blackie held in November 2006 was one of the best "Nights to Honor Israel" ever!! As the regional director, we were so proud of Blackie and his relentless support for Israel. We will miss him.”

Pastor George and Cheryl Morrison
Pastor
Faith Bible Chapel

“To Joanna and family,

I just wanted to say that we had the privilege of meeting Blackie over the past couple of years and were so impressed with the love of God that flowed through this man's life. His joyful countenance, his zeal, and endless efforts to reach others with God's love and support of Israel are and will continue to be a great inspiration to many. Renee and I wanted to express our condolences to Joanna and all the family. Our prayers are with you. Our thanks are also to the Father to have met such a wonderful man and godly representative of the Father's love.

With love and prayer,
Pastor Tim & Renee Burt”

Pastor Tim Burt
Minnesota State Director for Christians United for Israel
Living Word Christian Center

“Dear Family,
How sweet are the momories with you all...from the baby shower for my son Chris [recently a guest] to selling advertising on KDAZ, to singing on the Christ Is Here Broadcast, to celebrating the beginnings of Chanel 11. Wow.

How wonderful to have known a man such as your father, grandfather, relative, and brother as Blackie.
What a man of vision. I have to admire the beautiful worship he insisted be a part of the station all of these years.

To you that are closest, you know the depths and beauty of the work of God in His life. Now he is in ecstatic and inexpressible joy, joining his Savior Jesus and the Father and Holy Spirit...his son who went to heaven at a young age, and the rest of the family.

We will all join them one day. Praise You Lord, for all we got to see you do in Blackie's life and the lives of those he touched.

All of my love,
Susan Parr”

Susan Parr
President
Life to the World Ministries, In

“Our love and prayers are with you all. Blackie has always been such an example of total faith and trust in our Savior. We feel like our own immediate family member is gone. We hope we can all finish our race as he did. Faithful is the word that describes Blackie. Love you all!!!!”

Steve Ulibarri
Pastor
Family Worship Center

“I would like to first say to the family that my prayers go out to them. What a blessing to know that your loved one is truly with the, "Holy One of Israel."

When I heard of Blackie's passing the other day, I thought about what it must really be like to be in the presence of the Almighty. Blackie had finally come face to face with and is now being immersed in His love. As Blackie use to say, "Fall in love with the Holy of Israel!"

One of the many things that I truly thank Blackie for is his BOLD witness and his urgency to reach all with with the Gospel and the Good News of Yeshua It was because of his Bold witness, that it has made me bolder and to not waste too much time and get to the point about one's eternity whether it is with a family member, friend or stranger. It is important to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, but it is important not to be afraid to ask that person, "If you were to die tonight, do you know where you would spend Eternity?"

That person may hem and haw, but you know that it isn't about rejecting you individually, but that it is giving that person the chance to open up and to recoginize that Yeshua loves them and that he has a plan for your life and even for eternity!!

Blackie, I saw you do that over and over and for that I do Thank Yeshua for bringing you into my life to show me how important it is to be a witness and to witness.

Blackie loved mankind and his love for the Jewish people. Now, "That is so God," as a former Prayer director use to say there at the station, because that kind of love can only come from the Creator himself to transcend from His heart to ours to others.

Shalom,
Cheri”

Cheri Lenhert
Former employee

“My mother and I send our Condolences to you all, and especially to Blackie's family. Blackie's spirit of love and dedication toward the heart of our Lord was self-evident. His positive and faithful attitude gave us the feeling of safety with Blackie at the Helm. His strength and vision for business and ministry instilled a true confidence in those that worked with him. A man after God's heart, A family man, tender and courteous toward all- He is blessed now in the Hands of our father, and on the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. May his vision live on in a greater way in these coming years. Amen.”

Chris Livingston
Board Memeber
Life to the World Ministries

“My fondest memories of Blackie are his love for the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; for GOD's WORD; and for lost souls! Thousands upon thousands of lost souls have given their lives to JESUS through Blackie's ministry over SON Broadcasting Network--I am one of them. I am forever grateful to Blackie for offering me an opportunity to rededicate my life to JESUS during a telethon in March,1984. He and Angie were my friends since the early 1960's. That friendship continued through the years. I will miss his encouragement, divine wisdom, and winsome laugh. He loved the LORD, and he loved people. My husband, Mel, and I chatted with Blackie in Santa Fe a few days before Christmas. We cherish that occasion, and the many other opportunities we had to fellowship with him and Angie both in New Mexico and in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a bondservant of GOD, and he was a friend!”

Mary Salazar-Sutton

“To the family of Blackie, please accept our heart felt condolences. I really enjoyed watching Blackie on channel 11, such a Godly man. He will be greatly missed by many. Our prayers are with his family, my god bless you all.”

RHEA CHAVEZ & FAMILY

“When I think of Blackie Gonzalez I remember a man of "Great Faith." The God-kind of faith motivated by love. He simply believed what God said, and happily obeyed God's instructions for the divine plan God set before him. He personally vowed to God and kept his promises. His faith in the fact that God loved him and others helped keep his faith steady in a world of turbulance, doubt, fear, and ingraditude. Blackie trusted God with his whole heart never wavering or complaining... if God said it... he simply beleived it! More importantly,he did it!

The world has lost a "Great Champion of the Faith" but heaven has gained a man motivated by his love, dedicated to his personal savior, Jesus Christ who he loved without reservation.”

DR. TODD COONTZ
President
RockWealth Ministries

“In 1984, God sent me to meet Blackie Gonzales, and help KCHF-TV in a moment of great need. I thank God for Blackie's ministry and rejoice that he is gone to his reward, where one day we will meet, again.”

Larry Vehorn
Director of Engineering
LeSEA Broadcasting

“Blackie was a man of great integrity. I considered him a brother and a friend. I will miss talking with him and working on projects with him. We will all miss his input and wonderful friendship.”

Ron Hembree
President
Cornerstone TeleVision

“Last evening while I was talking by phone to a friend of mine in Albuquerque,I mentioned Blackie's TV station and program, "God Answers Prayer" to her. I told her she could learn more about the program via the internet. I was not aware of Blackie's recent passing and was saddened to hear the news from my friend who learned about it on the net. Although I am saddened, I know Blackie is in a wonderful place with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Back in 1989, I had the wonderful priviledge of being invited by Blackie to share my personal testimony on his Christian TV program. I know the Lord used Blackie to operate this Christian TV station to reach many in NM and in the utmost parts of the earth. While I now live in Alaska, I am happy to still watch "God Answers Prayer" via satellite TV. My condolences go out to the Gonzales family during this time of grieving.”

Priscilla Coutu
Friend of "God Answers Prayer"

“When I heard the news of Blackie's entrance into Eternity, four words popped into my mind: "unquenchable sadness; indescribable joy". I will miss Blackie terribly. He was a friend, a mentor, and most of all a brother in Christ. But while he will be missed, I know that he is seated in heavenly places celebrating the Glory that surrounds him. Indescribable joy.

I have known Blackie since 1978 and had the privilege of being there at the start of Channel 11. When he first told me of his plans, I confess I had trouble believing it. The first Christian VHF station in the nation? In Santa Fe? Come on. But Blackie was a believer. He believed that what God had spoken, God was able to bring to pass. And in 1984 Channel 11 went on the air, to the glory of God.

Yes, he will be missed. But I look forward to seeing him again and having him introduce me to all his new friends... Paul, John, Matthew, Abraham, Ruth, Sarah, Issac, Solomon, and of course, Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”

Bill Airy
Chief Operating Officer
The Inspiration Ministries

“There are people in your life that have helped shape and form just whom you have and will become.
I have to say Blackie is one of those people. I cannot imagine being more blessed than I have been to have him as an example and elder in the faith. His unfailing faith and unfailing love for others is one example I can only hope of living up to.
His life lives on in everyone he has touched with the hand and love of God. His legacy lives on in me and my generation. May we live that legacy with the same faith and love in God and continue on with our eyes always steadfast -- as Blackie's were -- on the goal.
To the family. I grieve with you, remembering you all in my prayers.”

Lanae Cobb
Former employee

“Blackie Gonzalez was a loved and trusted friend, a sometime mentor to me, and a man I greatly respected. He was an exemplary broadcaster, and a faithful man who kept God's Word at the center of his life. Blackie never let an opportunity pass by to bless, encourage, advise, or offer help to everyone he encountered, and I treasure the memories of his phone calls to check up on me, and his good words of wisdom and counsel. Blackie has left an awesome legacy, not only in New Mexico, but throughout the United States and even Israel. His works will long continue to bring glory and honor to his Lord.”

Grace Rendall
VIce President and General Manager
KSCE Christian Television

“To the family of Blackie, I pray that God sends his Comforter to be with you during this time and the days ahead. Even though I never met Blackie personally, I feel like he was my special friend who always had a word of encouragement that seemed like it was especially for me but I know he touched many, many lives. I watched him on Channel 22 every day and sometimes again every night. I will definitely miss him.

Love & Blessings From Carlsbad, New Mexico”

Alma R. Elizondo
Administrator
New Mexico Environment Department Retiree

“The loss of a good friend is heavens gain. Blackie was a modern patriarch, a spiritual leader to his family, to New Mexico, to His country, and to Israel. For 32 years I've known Blackie, we've spent time on mountian tops working, and praying. We've shared the vision of Chistian Television in New Mexico and have stood in awe as God work miracles before our eyes.

I praise God for the opportunity to have known Blackie these many years, we were partners in work, in play, and in life. Blackie was an example in the Christian walk. His love was great, his joy greater, and his faith the greatest I've seen. I will miss his support, our times together, and our talks.

I must say if anything could lead Blackie astray..... it was ICE CREAM. I believe he thought it was a health food.”

Warren Trumbly
Brother in Christ
KAXT TV 22

“Blackie was a tremendous witness for the Lord! Even to the casual observer it was very obvious that Blackie truly love the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will miss his kind and gentle manner, his wise counsel, and his words of encouragment.

Jamey R. Schmitz
President & CEO
WLMB-TV 40 TOLEDO”

Jamey R. Schmitz
President & CEO
WLMB-TV 40 TOLEDO

“We appreciate Blackie's labor in the Lord so much and his steadfastness and perseverance in establishing a christian voice on both the radio and TV formats in New Mexico. We appreciate how he made a way for even small ministries in the state to have a voice to the christian community. We pray God's peace and comfort through His Holy Spirit to family and friends, in Jesus' Name.”

Paul & Doris McGinnis
Founders
Eagles' Gate Prophetic Ministry

“My wife, Lynn, and I will always remember Blackie for his tremendous love for Jesus Christ, and his overflowing love for the State of Israel and the Jewish people. We were deeply moved by his generosity to The Joshua Fund and the work of blessing the poor and needy in Israel in the name of Jesus, and we were grateful for the kindness he showed to us personally. What a wonderful brother. He will be missed, but we look forward to seeing him in heaven when the Lord calls us home, too.”

Joel C. Rosenberg
President/CEO
The Joshua Fund

“I will miss Blackie tremendously as will so many other people The one thought that tempers that sadness is a picture of Blackie in heaven at Jesus' feet in the presence of the Lord he so admired and loved. It was truly a privilege for me to have worked with Blackie since even before channel 11 first went on the air. He was a loyal person to the vision the Lord gave him for channel 11, and as a result, has impacted thousands of lives. Blackie was a friend, an encourager, a doer, and a faithful man, and I will miss him.”

Wray Fitch
Partner
Gammon & Grange, P.C.

“Blackie Gonzalez has been a champion of God’s covenants with Israel, and a leader unashamed to proclaim them to the Church. His life and his witness have been a prayer offered to God for His righteous purposes to come to Israel and to the earth. His faithful example will always be remembered. It has been my joy to know him, and I have been blessed by his gentle and gracious nature.”

Robert Stearns
Executive Director
Eagles' Wings Ministries

“We will always remember Blackie as a true, personal friend to us and to the ministry. We are privileged to have been on his television station and to have known him for many, many years. Blackie's heart was always to see people come to know the Lord.

He always greeted us with a smile, a wonderful testimony of his joy in serving the Lord.

We grieve with each of you in the family, but we have the sweet assurance of being together with him in heaven someday. He was privileged to get there a little ahead of us to receive his well-earned rewards and crowns. We will miss him deeply.

John & Darlene Ankerberg
The John Ankerberg Show”

Dr. John Ankerberg
President/Host
The John Ankerberg Show

“I want to say that the service at Calvary Chapel was a Loving and uplifting tribute. I always enjoyed watching God Answers Prayer and Health Tech. My family enjoys watching The Hour of Healing. Both have been a great inspiration to everyone. We will miss Blackie because he loved everyone. Christians, Jews and all people. He prayed for everyone. He is a good example for all of us to follow. May God Bless You and Son Broadcasting. Continue in God's work. Dora Lucero CNM student Aluquerque, N.M.”

Dora Lucero
Student
CNM Community College

“There are so many memories to share about Blackie. I have known Blackie since I was eleven years old and he has been such a major influence in my Christian life. He encouraged me often, prayed with me on so many occasions and during a short but honored time as co-host with Blackie on "God Answers Prayer," I grew so much because of his mentoring and fatherly heart towards me.

One of my favorite questions Blackie would ask is, "if I told you that souls would be saved, would you come and help me"? How could one say no to that question? My love for Blackie, his family and the body of Christ always lead me to answer, "Yes Blackie, of course I will come and help you." It is that same reason that Mario and I will continue to help the Gonzalez family as they carry the mantle on in service to the "God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" and the memory of their dear father.

As New Mexicans, we are blessed to have had Blackie in our state, praying for us and providing a true example of godliness. As Christians we are blessed to have the Gonzalez family for their love for God and His people is truly tremendous. And as a young woman of God I have been honored to have known, worked with and learned from such a beautiful servant of the Most High.

I will truly miss Blackie.

Jennifer Rico, Asst. Pastor
WorldWide Worship Center”

Jennifer Rico
Assistant Pastor
WorldWide Worship Center

“Blackie was a remarkable man who loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart. His life was a wonderful example for others to emulate. A shrewd business man, he was integrity personified-- always understanding and fair to those around him. He was a great witness for the Gospel. I appreciate how he allowed God to use his talents to win others to Christ. Blackie and I became good friends about fifteen years ago, and I always treasured our friendship.

I had hoped to come to the memorial service today, but circumstances did not permit it. Lorraine joins me in expressing heartfelt sympathy to the family. May God comfort your hearts as you carry on the ministry of broadcasting the gospel throughout the world.

Wilbur and Lorraine Fullbright”

Wilbur D Fullbright
(Retired) Professor Emeritus
Boston University

“Dear Gonzalez family,

I was acqainted with Blackie during my tenure as media relations manager at "LifeLine Communications" During those years I came to appreciate Blackies wisdom and compassion and observed his concern for the lost. My family was also blessed to be invited as a guest in his home during a skiing vaction in New Mexico. I considered myself part of his family during those years. The most telling story of any individual is the family they leave behind and in that regard Blackie was truly a godly example. He will be missed greatly by our family. My deepest thoughts and prayers to you all.”

Jonathan and Diane Wise
President
Jonathan Wise and Assoc.

“As a true lover of Israel and the Jewish people, as well as the Jewish Messiah, Blackie deserves to be called a "mensch." This Yiddish word signifies a true, whole-hearted, genuine human being, a man of integrity who lives out what he claims to believe. Blackie was a real mensch, who not only proclaimed the life-giving message of Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah, but lived it consistently, humbly, and with evident joy. May his memory be for a blessing, and may we honor it by practicing deeds of faith and kindness such as he exemplified.”

Rabbi Russell Resnik
Executive Director
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations

“I was very saddened when I heared about the passing of Blackie Gonzalez, which I did not learn of immediately. I never had the honor of meeting him in person, but when I would watch him on television, I always felt inspired. What a holy man! What a life he led! He always had a smile for everyone and was so genuine and effective at telling people how loved they were by God and how beautiful they were. I cannot begin to imagine the pain his family (both immediate and television) is experiencing over his loss. My prayers are with you. I believe Blackie is praying for everyone, now, from heaven. I am truly blown away by this remarkable, holy example. "Well done, good and faithful servant."”

Rita Santistevan
Social Worker
Self-Employed

“Blackie Gonzales exuded the aura of Jesus. In 42 years of ministry, I have not known anyone who exemplified the nature of Jesus more consistently. His passion for Jesus, his unwavering affection for his family, his confidence in ministers...forever affected me. His conversations energized me, his love was undoubtable. His legacy for God is forever. I will miss him...in ways not describable. His family is loved...treasured...equally...and in our prayers here at The Wisdom Center.”

Mike Murdock
Pastor
The Wisdom Center

“I write to the entire family of BLACKIE GONZALEZ who are in great pain. I never knew this man; never
even met him. But sometimes when i read about someone, about someone's life, as i did in this case,
something comes through. A feeling that the deeds and the personality of this life, as is described, are
true and i feel close to him because of that feeling. We all have had such a feeling at some point
in our lives. For everything he has done for his city and country and for the people and land of Israel
i take this time to ask G-D to bless BLACKIE GONZALEZ and know that G-D will have a special place
for him as HE has for all good people. And of course G-D should bless Pastor John Hagee and David Brog
forever.”

Manny jakel

“Dear Gonzalez Family,

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Blackie Gonzalez. We loved him very much and will really miss him. His ministry and outreach blessed our lives as well as the lives of many. Both my wife and I were interviewed on Blackie's local television show. When my wife first moved to Albuquerque from El Paso, Texas she was interviewed about her testimony and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I was interviewed by Blackie when our church in Albuquerque (BCA) had just completed our new church facility. We just wanted to express our love as we just found out about his passing. We now live in Columbus, OH and wanted to give tribute to Dr. Gonzalez. God Bless, Don and Cecy Zeis”

Don Zeis
President/Owner
ZEIS Contracting, Inc.

“God blessed this world with Blackie Gonzalez. I feel privileged just to be able to read about him and his tremendous work for mankind. As a Jewish person, I feel uplifted and comforted by the love and support I will always feel for the Jewish people and the state of Israel from Blackie Gonzalez. He was, and always will be, a true brother. His courage and acts of lovingkindness are an example to all of us. It is people like him who make this world go round, and who inspire us to be our better selves. Blackie Gonzalez's incredible work has fortunately left a legacy that will continue on through others. But no one can replace him and he will be sorely missed. May God bless all of you. Please know that people all over the world, such as strangers like me-- many whom you will never even know about-- are deeply touched by Blackie Gonzalez. We will commemorate and honor him always.”

Caren S
MD

“We were and are saddened by the passing of Blackie. But he is probably dancing on the Sea of Glass with his Lord and Savior. So that makes us smile as we think of him. He blessed us in so many ways.
When he invited us to come and be on the program with him, he made us always feel special and important. We are thankful that our precious Lord gave us the opportunity to of known Blackie. Even if it was just a few years. He also inspired and awoke a love and appreciation for Israel, and for that we will always be grateful. We will surely miss him and his phone calls and his wonderful smile.”

Norbert & Matilda Garcia
Pastors
Taos Foursquare Church