It is with great sadness that I announce that our beloved Lupe has passed away this morning.

While we mourn her passing, we can take comfort that she is at peace and has been spared a long and painful recovery.

Now, however, the focus of this campaign has shifted: while it’s original purpose of raising funds to assist Bob and Lupe with costs associated with Lupe’s hospitalization and to help them with their overdue bills, Bob now needs more funds for Lupe’s cremation and for airfare and other travel expenses to return Lupe to Odessa, TX to be interred with her mother. I personally would also appreciate any gifts above and beyond those needs that could create a financial cushion for Bob moving forward as he adjusts to his new reality.

I would also like to stress the importance of this idea I have learned in my many years of ministry work: thoughts and prayers are wonderful, but prayer without action is meaningless. Check your Bible: when Jesus performed miracles, there was very often a component of participation. Jesus didn’t just turn water into wine, the water was brought to him. The bleeding woman didn’t just stop bleeding, she had to crawl behind and and touch Jesus’ cloak. There was EFFORT, and that effort falls perfectly in line with Christ’s command that we love each other as he loved us, to the teachings of the Good Samaritan, that the master is servant of all. PLEASE. Prayer is a wonderful thing, but if you are able—even just a little—follow up your prayer with a gift in memory of Lupe and in aid of Bob.

Thanks to all who have already given, and thanks in advance for your gifts. I know Bob appreciates your love and support.