Help Rebekah, Zeke and Elena Melgarejo

In these moments of grief and loss, we come together to share the heartbreaking news of our dear friend, Martin Melgarejo. At just 38 years old, Martin suddenly passed away. You may have already heard of his passing through churches and social media. Martin leaves behind his cherished family – his beloved wife, soulmate, and best friend, Rebekah, and their precious little ones, Ezekiel "Zeke” (6) and Elena (3).

As close friends of the family for many years, my husband John and I witnessed Martin and Rebekah’s beautiful story unfold when they were teenagers in the church's youth group, where we had the honor of leading.

Over the years, John and Martin forged a special bond, a lifelong mentorship that has left a mark on both of their lives.

Martin's life was a mosaic of relationships, each one uniquely special. As a proud member of Local 21 and a dedicated Union brother, he also forged bonds with his brothers. Reflecting on his passion for audiovisual engineering, Martin had a genuine respect for his craft and took pride in his work and the venues he supported. These relationships are like a beautiful tapestry woven together and we honor it in his memory.

However, while we are grieving the loss of a friend and our brother, let us be reminded of Martin’s legacy - his wife and children, who are left without a husband and father and carry on his namesake. They have been impacted the greatest by Martin’s life and death.

Our hearts ache for Rebekah and the children as they cope with an irreplaceable void, compounded by unexpected financial burdens.

The family faces hospital expenses on top of the funeral costs and other immediate expenses. As a young family, the absence of end-of-life planning has added an unforeseen layer of difficulty.

The impact of losing a husband and father is profound, and many young families find themselves unprepared for this life-altering event. The ripple effect on the loss of household income only adds to the challenge.

Rebekah, known for her resilience, is not one to ask for help, but the kids and Rebekah need our support now more than ever.

Let’s show them our love and support and come together as a community, as Christ would do for a widow and children who have become biologically fatherless, but embraced and comforted by our spiritual Father. The Father who uses people like you and me in times like this to meet the needs of those who are most vulnerable and hurting. May it be so that what the enemy meant for evil, God will turn it around for good. Will you join us in doing good through helping Rebekah and the children?

Your generosity will be a lifeline, making a meaningful difference in helping cover immediate expenses during this difficult time.

Please consider giving any amount you can. Whether great or a modest contribution, your generosity will have a profound impact helping Rebekah and the children.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mary and John Oppel