Help UPC Leaders Financially Navigate Through Tragedy

On the 26th of December a tragic accident occurred that affected the Castillo, Cerdan, and Salerno families, as well as all of the brothers and sisters of the church in Argentina. During a return trip to Buenos Aires after the holidays, the car in which several members of the Castillo family were traveling flipped several times causing the immediate death of Rebeca Castillo de Cerdan (26), and grave injuries to Ruth Castillo de Salerno (30), who is currently in critical condition. Also in the car was Ramon Castillo (62), their father, and their younger brother Jonathan (23), who was driving. Both sustained minor injuries.

Rebeca and her husband Walter Cerdan are the National Adolescent Youth Leaders of the United Pentecostal Church in Argentina. During the first week of December of this year, they organized the first National Conference just for the Adolescents. It was a total success and will be part of the church’s history forever.

Today with great pain we accept that Rebeca, who was only 26 years old, went to be with the Lord and that she will not be able to continue the incredible work that she began with her husband; positively influencing the lives of so many families by their work with kids in the crucial stage that is adolescence. Because the accident happened hundreds of miles from Buenos Aires, where Rebecca resided, the logistical costs from the transport, as well as the current medical situation of Ruth, have exceeded what the family and their close friends can manage.

This is the best moment for the family of Christ, as it has done so many times before, even from different countries and regions, to financially support this family with general expenses. We understand the financial difficulties that occur during of this time of year. However, we would like to extend an opportunity to every family who reads this to help this family in their worst moment. This family was one of the first families to be a part of the United Pentecostal Church in Argentina, ardently working together with the Crossley family and other missionaries who would come later. They are loved and appreciated by several generations of saints, leaders, pastors, and missionaries. The funds raised by this site will cover the expenses of the funeral and burial of Rebeca, and will also help with transporting Ruth to Buenos Aires to continue her necessary medical care (she is still hospitalized in Santiago de Estero, about 1000 KM from Buenos Aires).

Ruth and her husband Leandro Salerno are the leaders of the Young Adult group in the church in Liniers, Buenos Aires. We would like to reach a total of $3000 over the weekend so that the money can be sent on Monday and put to use immediately. We are counting on you! Thank you for taking the time to read and share in the desire to help. May God richly bless you. The family of Christ (Ephesians 4:2-6)

Organized by Pastor Ezequiel and Nicole Orueta  

Spanish Pastor of Pentecostals of Apopka, FL