The enclosed is from Premier Christian News
More than Ā£154,000Ā has now been raised for the family of Pastor Robert Guanco, who died at Big Church Festival on Friday, as Christians continue to rally around his wife and daughter.
The GoFundMe, launched by Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne with Pastor Robertās wife, Isaeli, as beneficiary, was initially given a target of Ā£18,000 to support her and their daughter Ellie. The target is now Ā£220,000.
That target was surpassed within hours of the appeal going live, with donations continuing to come in from people who knew Pastor Robert, members of the wider Church and those who attended the festival.
On Friday, as Big Church Festival entered its first day of events across the Bank Holiday weekend, emergency services were called at around 3.30 pm following a serious incident.
Several ambulances, including an air ambulance, were sent to the scene to assist people who had been injured. It was later confirmed that four people had been taken to hospital and that a man in his forties had died at the scene.
On Saturday, Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne confirmed to Premier Christian News that the man who died was one of its pastors and elders, Pastor Robert Guanco.
The following day, the church launched the fundraiser to help support his family, including with funeral costs.
The church described Pastor Robert as a “loving husband to Isaeli, a great father to Ellie, and faithful servant of God”, as well as a friend, mentor and blessing to many.
The appeal has prompted an outpouring of prayer and messages of Christian solidarity, including from people who were at the festival when the incident occurred.
Cathryn Kilbey, who attended the festival with her family, wrote: “We are all holding you in our prayers. May you feel the presence and peace of God holding you and comforting you in your shock and grief.”
Dawn Evans, who also said she was at the festival, wrote that she was “devastated to hear of the accident”, adding: “Sending you prayers and love.”
Giselle Burks told the family: “You are absolutely loved beyond measure.” She said both the family’s immediate church and the wider Church were praying for them and “uplifting your situation to the Lord”.
The church has encouraged those unable to donate to share the appeal, pray for the family or send a message of love and comfort.
The fundraiser, which has a Ā£140,000 target, says: “Though Pastor Robert’s earthly journey has come to an end, his legacy of faith, love, service, and the lives he touched will never be forgotten.”
It asks supporters to “surround Isaeli, Ellie, and their wider family with love, prayers, and practical support during this heartbreaking time”.
