This is really tough to communicate. Pastor Luis went to be with the Lord the morning of September 9, 2021, after two weeks of battling COVID. He was on oxygen for about a week and got progressively worse. He got up in the morning energetic, breathing, talking, joking...his normal self. After praying for healing, he had all the signs of being healed completely from COVID. He was breathing without the help of oxygen and taking deeper and deeper breaths. He had some juice and tea, then laid down again to rest. His wife mentioned that he looked at her and said, "It is finished." He never responded after that. It was a hard long day for everyone; and continues to be in some ways. His wife, Mari, was devastated, but has been really strong. No one had any idea that Luis, a strong and healthy 42 year old, would pass away so early in life. We all expected him to live.
Pastor Luis was one of the most respected pastors in our region. He had many, many friends and was a bridge in the Christian community between churches and denominations. He wore many, many hats. Not just in the church, but in the community of Cofradía as well as he was hugely resourceful. He will be missed like you cannot believe.
During his service on Sunday, September 12, he was honored and remembered. I have included a video of the whole two hour service. The participants were: Pastor Goyo, Hugo and the worship band, Gabo Garcia, a phone call from myself, Pastor Amado, Pastor Jimmy, Pastor Ildefonso, Brother Nelson, Pastor Abimael and his wife, and Mari and her son, Luis, who were with him when he passed away.
If you would like to help Mari and the family financially, you can send checks made out to Family Renewal, to:
Family Renewal Ministries
PO Box 293
Defiance, IA 51527
Please make a note that it is for Pastor Luis' family.
You can contact Family Renewal here for any questions about digital donations.
Blessings to you all,
Steve & Geña
