Dear family, friends, and colleagues around the globe,

These past few weeks have been among the most difficult for my entire family and me. On January 6th, our lives changed forever when a tragic bus accident in Huila, Colombia, took the life of my beloved brother, Oscar Javier Montealegre Cuenca.

Oscar was a man who truly dedicated his life to serving others. For more than 20 years, he served faithfully in his church as a singer and devoted part of his life to ministry in jails and prisons. He impacted the lives of so many people, bringing light and the good news of the Gospel to those who needed it most.

The emotions we are navigating right now are like a roller coaster. Yet, amidst this grief, I hold onto a deep conviction: Life has the power to transform everything it touches. Even when it appears as a loss, we know life is still with us. I trust in God's love, which helps us navigate and understand this pain, and I know that, in the end, everything will be okay.

However, while my faith is strong, the immediate reality we face is incredibly harsh. While we mourn my brother, my focus is urgently on his wife, Leidy, and my two young nephews, Lucas and Juan.

Leidy is currently still in the ICU in a very delicate condition, fighting to recover from severe injuries sustained in the accident. Thankfully, my nephews Lucas and Juan survived, but they are now facing a future without their father and with their mother in critical care.

If you know me, you know that I would never, ever ask for this unless it was absolutely crucial. But right now, as never before, I need your support.

I am calling on those I have worked with, those I have taught, those I have prayed with, and everyone in our big ecumenical family. Please help me support my brother’s children and his wife during this devastating time.

Every dollar raised will go directly to:

Medical Expenses: Covering the mounting costs of Leidy’s ICU stay, surgeries, and rehabilitation in Colombia.

Child Support: Providing immediate care, food, and stability for Lucas and Juan while their mother is hospitalized.

Thank you for your prayers, your solidarity, and any financial support you can offer.

For those who wish to read more about the accident, you can view the report here: News (Spanish)

With gratitude and hope,

David Montealegre