Heaven at Home
Cultivating Dr. Carlos Japas and his wife, Graciela, both grew up in the kind of homes we all want for our children and families: homes where they were taught to align their priorities with Heaven. Before the two “pastors’ kids” were even married nearly 50 years ago, they knew they wanted to recreate the same heaven-minded home they had inherited for their own children. As Carlos explains, “We observed in our parents a commitment to work for the Lord … we didn’t know anything else. It was ingrained in us that the purpose of life was to serve others.” What they didn’t know was how many lives they would touch over the next five decades.
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Over the years, Carlos and Gracie, as she is known to friends, have become spiritual parents to hundreds. Through Carlos’ conversations in his medical practice and Gracie’s hospitality at home, they have led these individuals to Bible studies, Christ and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In the words of their pastor, Adam Keating, “The Japas family lives out their mission to serve others, both inside and outside their home, as they eagerly anticipate our eternal home.” Now in their seventies, they are as mission-minded as ever. Carlos and Gracie continue to use the medical practice and their home as mission out-
posts. Carlos fills his office with Christian literature, prescribes the eight natural remedies as outlined in Ellen G. Whites’ Ministry of Healing, prays with patients every day, invites them over for Sabbath lunch and gives Bible studies in his spare time. Gracie continues to fill her home with families, couples and individuals who need a place to stay. Every Friday night, they hold a worship service at their home, and every Sabbath they host large groups for lunch. “We have always enjoyed having others in our home,” says Gracie. “It brings us great joy to serve.” Together they have housed numerous international students while sup-