News on our beloved brother, Robert Muñoz

Robert and Heather Muñoz with their five beautiful children.

On July 4, our beloved brother, Robert Muñoz, was tragically and suddenly taken from this world. Rob died in a swimming accident. Although the pain and loss are great, we take comfort in the fact that Rob is with the Lord. Rob has been instrumental in the formation of G.O.D. International since it began 25 years ago. We cannot imagine G.O.D. International without Robert Muñoz, the most loyal friend, truth-teller, prayerful servant — the one who always made sure life and ministry were fun.

Rob was in El Salvador as a mission trip facilitator for a team from the Academy for G.O.D. where he was Elementary Vice-Principal. On that Sunday, July 4th, the G.O.D. Summer Interns and the Academy El Salvador team were enjoying a recreational day at the beach after a powerful week of ministry in El Salvador. Everyone at the beach was given rules and warnings about the ocean and staying shallow, including having two in-water personnel to create the outer boundaries and keep students within it, plus several other personnel in a lifeguard watch role.

Tragically, two of our trip facilitators, G.O.D. staff members Michael Davis and Robert Muñoz - having of their own volition chosen to go beyond the restricted boundaries, were caught in a rip current. Three lifeguards rescued them out of the water, Michael conscious and Robert unconscious. Several attempted to help, performing CPR, and aiding with the transfer to a vehicle going to the hospital.

Our team, including RN Jordan Miller, Midwife Celesta Bargatze, and a team of development workers trained in emergency situations performed CPR on Rob while swiftly transferring him to the hospital. Rob’s best friend, Gregg Garner, never left his side. Sadly, Rob passed away on the evening of July 4th.

We ask that you please lift up Rob’s wife Heather, and their five kids in prayer. They are mourning at home with family and friends surrounding them. We ask that you please respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of one of the greatest men we’ve ever known.

We ask that you also pray for our schools and our ministry, in his absence. We are providing counseling resources and services to all affected, but need God’s help most of all.