Pastor Joseph Atiles and Family

Campaign Created by: Stacia Jacob

The funds from this campaign will be received by Tina Atiles.

Goal: USD $50,000
Raised: USD $ 53,050

November 10, 2020

I have changed the category of this fundraising campaign to Memorial.  When I first began, it was with anticipation that Joseph would recover and eventually return to work. This fund is now going to assist Tina and the children in Joseph's permanent absence.  

November 6, 2020

Saying that Joseph's death is devastating is quite an understatement. However, the continued generosity and love of others has profoundly impacted the Atiles family. Please read the beginning of the story below. 

October 16, 2020

His Illness

Pastor Joseph Atiles is a husband, father of 7, lover of the Lord, His Word, and His people and faithful employee. However, on Saturday, October 3, 2020, all of these important roles came to a crashing halt when Joseph was hospitalized with severe complications from Covid-19. As of this posting, he has been in the hospital for 15 days, much of which has been spent on a ventilator. The hospital staff has spared no effort in helping Joseph survive. Unfortunately, his lungs have not healed enough to allow him to breathe on his own. Currently, he is awaiting transfer to a larger hospital with advanced equipment that will hopefully help him recover. Joseph has left at home his wife, Tina and their 7 great children, ranging in age from 22-9. Unfortunately, Tina recently lost her job as a travel agent due to downsizing related to Covid-19. With Joseph in the hospital and not working, the family income has been drastically cut and the expenses have increased. When approached about setting up this fundraising page, Tina's reply was, " I would never have asked, but I have to accept it, because we really need it."

Their Ministry

Pastor Joseph and Tina have been involved in ministry for the past 20 years. The beginning of Agape Bible Church found them meeting practical and spiritual needs individuals and families in the Hispanic community in Lakewood, NJ. Next, they expanded by holding both Spanish and English services in Howell, NJ. Up until this point, the Atiles children attended a local Christian school. When the Lord called their family to homeschool, He also brought about the opportunity for Agape to assume oversight of an existing homeschool co-op, which is still in existence today. Additionally, 8 years ago, the Lord led Agape to sponsor the first American Heritage Girls Troop in the state of NJ. This troop has impacted over 75 girls with it's focus on Faith. Service. Learning. Fun. The newest, and perhaps most exciting ministry that Agape Bible Church oversees is Agape Arts Center. After several years in existence, AAC moved into a new home in downtown Freehold, NJ. This new location has allowed the school to reach out to the community, which is largely Hispanic. Finally, Pastor Joseph still leads Spanish and English services on Sundays in Asbury Park, NJ. Joseph has also served as chaplain for the Lakewood Blueclaws Minor League Baseball team. All of this while Joseph is an IT expert at Hackensak-Meridian Hospital System and Tina is a travel agent.

As you can see, serving the Lord and furthering His kingdom in varied and creative ways is a hallmark of the Atiles family. Their 4 oldest daughters have spent many years singing at various churches, events, and ministries in NJ, PA, NY, and MD. As a personal friend and ministry partner, I have always said that Tina is the "BIG IDEA" person. When she hoped for opportunities for her own children and the children of her community, she trusted the Lord and got to work, all with the spiritual guidance and support of her husband.

God's Faithfulness

As devastating as Joseph's illness is for his family and friends, God has been so faithful. He has brought hundreds of Christians together in prayer, support, and encouragement. Christians from different churches, communities, and ethnicities. Christians with one thing in common: Each one has been positively affected by the Atiles family in some way. It has been beautiful to see the invigorated prayer lives, renewed sense of service, sacrificial love, and Christ centered unity.

As I was with Tina this evening she said, " I have an indescribable peace and I know that it is only from this...all these people praying and loving our family and my husband...and from the Lord."

Your Response

This is where you can enter this story of God's love in the midst of unimaginable suffering. Please pray for the Atiles family and specifically for Joseph's physical healing. Encourage anyone you meet to pray for this family. If you know them personally, send a note of encouragement, sign up to help with meals, transportation, or other needs. Finally, please prayerfully consider giving a financial gift to help the Atiles family during this difficult time.

Thank you in advance and God bless you all for your kindness, generosity, and love.

UPDATES

Update #6
November 10, 2020
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Thank you all for continuing to give generously to the Atiles family and to share the campaign with others. Now that the memorial service, viewing and burial have concluded, the really hard part begins...learning to continue living without Joseph. Please pray for them. 

Update #5
November 2, 2020
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It is with a broken heart that I need to tell you that Joseph died around 7:30 pm tonight. While he is in the loving arms of his Savior, Tina and their children are left to navigate their grief and life without him.  They will need our prayer and support more than ever.  -Stacia

Update #4
October 29, 2020
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Tina's prayer request tonight: 
 
Joseph's Co2 levels are too high. They need to be lower. Pray that the medical professionals figure out how to accomplish this quickly. 

Update #3
October 23, 2020
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from Tina: 

Hello friends! 

(please listen to I am on youtube...I can't the live link to post)

This song for me has always been my all time favorite. I took this to his room yesterday because Nicole Nordeman was the first Christian artist we saw years ago in a small gym when it was just her and the piano. This is who Jesus is.. in every detail of our lives moment by moment. He is always good no matter what this life brings. He is the great I am.

Joseph will need to continue on dialysis and they are moving his catheter to his neck to try to avoid infection. His breathing is stable but please pray he tolerates the changes. I am still working on vitamin supplements that will be helpful. 

Today my heart is heavy for the Miller family who's 3 1/2 year old baby went home to be with the Lord last night. Please pray for their family ... Christine and I were pregnant together with our 20 year olds and over the years their family has been a blessing in so many ways to us and countless others. They and their children a witness of Gods grace, mercy and love. ??

Update #2
October 22, 2020
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I can't thank you all enough for your incredible generosity in such a short time. The same thing happened with the meal schedule and the 24 hour prayer schedule. Seeing God's people gather in faith, prayer, practical help and encouragement fills me with joy, despite the tragic circumstance. THIS. THIS, my friends is Christ followers at our best. Thank you. Keep giving because the need is great...a broken dryer this week added to the need...but now, because of you all...thanks. $10,000 donated in less than 48 hours. Wow. Today was a long day of paperwork, research, and calls for Tina. She is exhausted. Joseph is holding steady today. 


Stacia 

Update #1 10/19/20
October 20, 2020
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From Tina:
My updated prayers for Joseph...

His lungs just need to heal. The virus is gone at this point so his body is fighting the damage done to his lungs and kidneys. I have been told multiple times he should not have made it this far. I am thankful that, in this moment, he is stable. He was not able to be transferred but I have a perfect peace about that. God allowed me in the hospital for 2 full weeks to meet every doctor and nurse that would care for him. He also knew in His sovereignty that as of yesterday, they are not allowing visitors for COVID patients. I was able to make friends over the time I have been there. Now they are caring for him by putting messages and the Bridge radio on for him. They are checking in on him even when he isn't their patient! There are many in the hospital praying for him.
God is showing me that He does need a big hospital. He can do His work right where He is... out of little things, big miracles do happen! Thanks for your constant love and prayers for my family ❤️?

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