Pictured from left to right: Jaco and Sandy (son and daughter-in-law), Dr. Jacobo Piñeda, Jeanette (wife), Majo (daughter).

Dear Church,

We have received the sad news from Guatemala that our dear brother, Dr. Jacobo, went to be with the Lord at about 9am this morning. He had been recovering from an emergency surgery that went late into last night, and this morning he suffered from a cardiac event as he was recovering. The doctors were unable to revive him.

Dr. Jacobo had been struggling with a battle against kidney cancer. He was in remission earlier this year, but then they recently discovered that the cancer had metastasized and spread to other parts of his body. Yesterday, he went to the hospital suffering from extreme abdominal pain. Doctors discovered that his bowel had ruptured, and he was sent to emergency surgery to repair his bowel. He was recovering in ICU this morning with sepsis, when he experienced tachycardia, and the doctors were unable to stabilize him. His family is deeply saddened and shocked, as not so long ago it seemed hopeful that Jacobo would recover. They are also comforted knowing that Jacobo is now in the presence of his Savior.

Please pray for his family, especially: his wife, Jeanette; and his son, Jaco, and Jaco’s wife, Sandy; his daughter, Majo, and Majo’s husband, Arol; and for his three grandchildren.

Pray also for our Achi brothers and sisters who have lost a man who so faithfully served them and loved them for the glory of our great God.

Our hearts are broken when we consider the loss of two beloved brothers his year, of Jacobo this morning, and Rodrigo in January. We are blessed to have known these great men, to have seen their love for the Lord and their passion for making His name great among the Achi. We also trust that, though the Lord’s plans are mysterious and unfathomable to us, we can rest knowing He accomplished His good purposes in their lives and will continue to grow the seeds planted by these brothers.

We are all deeply saddened to say goodbye for now to Dr. Jacobo. He will be missed by many. But we do not mourn as those without hope. May we, with heavy hearts, thank the Lord for Jacobo’s life and salvation and find refuge and comfort in the God who saves.