January 31, 2022 9:22 am

Dear Family and Friends of Playa,

Earlier this month we began praying for our spiritual sister in Christ and fellow Bible study member Stephanie Dunlap. As you may know, she was hit by a car after being dropped off at work in the predawn hours of January 18. Since then, she remains comatose and in critical condition. Early this morning we received news that one of her lungs has collapsed, she has developed pneumonia, and her ventilator is currently at maximum capacity. 

Her situation is dire  

Obviously, the most powerful thing we can do is to continue to pray, as so many have already been doing. Stephanie’s family covets those prayers even as you are reading this post. But prayer is not the only thing we can do. 

Stephanie, in addition to being a mother and wife, contributed greatly to the family income. We know that even in a worst case scenario, because of her due diligence in the past, there will be aid made available to them in the future. But the reality is that those things take time – even years – to materialize. In the meantime, compounding the desperation of present circumstances and fears, this family is feeling the very present burden of meeting financial obligations. 

Stephanie articulated on multiple occasions that Playa Christian Church was her spiritual lifeline. She attended our Bible studies several times a week and was dedicated to God’s Word and prayer. Her input and questions reflected a sincere desire to understand and apply God’s Word to her life. We know that God led her to our church for a purpose. 

As a part of this spiritual family, we all share a responsibility to care for this young lady. Galatians 2 calls us to bear one another’s burdens. Acts tells us to share as each one has need. We are also told in 1 John that the world will know us by our love for one another. This is what it means to be known as the Savior’s people. Further, we are promised comfort, blessing, and grace in our own time of need when we extend our generosity to those in need today.   

With that in mind, we are asking for your help; not only to send relief but to send relief through this church as a part of our testimony to Jesus Christ. Stephanie, Ziggy and Skylar need our prayers and our generosity now. This is more than a simple act of charity. This is an opportunity to act in faith and a call to be a witness for Christ. 

I am aware that some have, in the last couple of days,  already given through GoFundMe and we appreciate your immediate response. The Lord will bless your giving. Coordinating a group response sometimes requires a bit more time. We pray that Playa’s response will be timely and Glorify God. 

To give, you may do so through all the usual channels described here. Simply signify your gift with the memo “Stephanie.” 

Thank you in advance and may God bless us all.