APNTS has lost a dynamic student. Dr. Florante Rio, 47, died March 21, 2011 from kidney failure. He was a Medical Doctor, a businessman, a husband, a son, a brother and a father.
Dr. Rio came to faith nearly 5 years ago, after an experience with the Lord while being hospitalized for similar medical complications. He felt that God had saved his life for a purpose. He and his family found their way into International Nazarene Fellowship, which meets on the campus of APNTS, and they were all “baptized as children of God” on February 18, 2007.
The faith of Dr. Rio gave him a strong concern for not only the physical health of people, as a Medical Doctor, but for their spiritual health as well. This brought him to enroll as a student at APNTS. APNTS President Dr. Floyd Cunningham reflects that Rio was constantly inquisitive, and fascinated with all parts of the theological disciplines.
At APNTS, Dr. Rio held regular hours at the clinic of APNTS, where he gave examinations as well as counsel and advice to students, staff and faculty members. He was a minister of the body as well as the soul. Dr. Rio leaves behind a wife and two teenage sons. The APNTS family extends its deepest condolences to the Rio family and joins with them in grieving this great loss.
by Jarrett Davis
APNTS Communications Officer
