Magda Gonzalez
I had the privilege and honor of meeting Pastor Basel, Renee, and Darren back in 2015. At the time, I was in a difficult marriage with two high schoolers and a 10-year-old son, close in age to Darren.
From the very beginning, the Basels were warm and welcoming. We connected instantly. I remember how we started a tradition of taking family pictures after Sunday service—it was so much fun. But one Sunday, because of the struggles in my marriage, I didn’t want to take the picture. As my spouse and I were driving out of the church parking lot, Pastor Basel waved us down. He walked up to the car and asked, “What about the picture?” I was hurt and angry, and I said, “I’m not taking any pictures.” My spouse stayed silent. Looking back, most people would have left it there—but not Pastor Basel. He gently asked, “What’s going on?” All I could say was, “Let him tell you.”
He immediately sensed the depth of the situation and said, “Let’s talk.” In that moment, he showed the heart of a true shepherd. For the first time in 25 years of marriage, I had a pastor who was true to the calling—willing to leave the ninety-nine and go after the one lost sheep.
Over the next five years, I had the honor of joining the Basel family in music ministry as Darren and Matthew grew into their teenage years. I was also blessed to go on a missions trip to Romania that Pastor Basel led, where I saw him wear many hats with grace and passion, always supported faithfully by Renee, his prayer warrior.
Our families shared many wonderful moments, though, sadly, difficulties and unresolved conflicts eventually impacted his ministry at COAN. At the same time, my marriage became unsustainable and ultimately ended in divorce. By then, Pastor Basel had opened a church within walking distance of my home. I loved hearing him preach. You could tell he prayed and sought God’s guidance for every message—because each one spoke directly to what I was facing that very week.
Through it all, Pastor Basel and Renee stood by me without judgment—listening, praying, and counseling. Even though my marriage ended, they never stopped supporting me.
I will always love them, and I will sorely miss him.
Rest in peace, Pastor Basel.
