Dear friends and compassionate supporters of those in need,

On July 24, our friend Noé Morales Elias passed away peacefully here in Santa Fe. He was 54 years old-a devoted husband, loving father of six, and a man of deep Christian faith. The family is asking for our help bringing him home to Guatemala, so they can lay him to rest with a traditional Christian burial. I am organizing this fundraiser on their behalf.

Noé’s family lives in rural Guatemala, where opportunities to earn a living are extremely limited. Guided by his strong Christian faith and his love and devotion to his wife and children, Noé undertook the long, dangerous journey to Santa Fe in search of work. He worked here for several years and faithfully sent his earning home to provide needed support for his beautiful family.

About a week before his death, a longtime friend, who had previously worked on our farm, called us from his home in Guatemala. He shared some heartbreaking news, Noé, his brother-in-law, had been admitted to the hospital here in Santa Fe and was gravely ill. His wife, Blanca, and their children were frightened and overwhelmed. She asked, “¿ Puede ayudarnos?” “Can you help us?’

My wife and I immediately went to the hospital and explained that we were friends of the family. We were taken to Noé's bedside in the Critical Care Unit, where he lay unconscious and on full life support. His doctor gently explained that his illness was severe and that he likely had very little time remaining.

In the following days, the hospital’s compassionate staff connected Noé with his family in Guatemala by video. These calls were profoundly emotional and heartbreaking for all of us. Noé's family cried, prayed, expressed their love for him, and thanked him for all he had done for them.

During our final video call, on Friday, July 24, Noé passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family's love and prayers.

Noé's wife Blanca, and their 6 children are now grieving and asking for our help. We estimate the cost of caring for his body and sending him home to Guatemala will be approximately $8,000, covering repatriation of his remains, followed by burial costs. The family is also coping with the sudden loss of Noé's financial support, so all funds raised beyond this amount will go directly to Blanca and the children for their immediate needs.

Your contribution, no matter the amount $10, $25 or $50 will make a meaningful difference to this family. If you're not able to give, please consider sharing this page widely.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support for Noé's family during this deeply sad time. God bless you! “Que Dios los bendiga.”