Rebekah Florez Nearly two hours after the July 27 prayer service for Rebekah Florez began, the faithful formed a huge circle at the River Park in Pleasanton. Dotted with candles and some who used their cell phone app for light, the formation went beyond the perimeter of the large pavilion, extending well into the basketball courts.

The service was created to unite the Brush Country community in prayer and show support for the Florez family through this difficult time. Rebekah Florez, the daughter of Elva Florez and Juan Florez, the beloved pastor of Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, was taken off life support on Wednesday, July 25. Doctors told the family to only expect her to live for 15-20 minutes after that. Almost one week later, Reba is still fighting.

On Tuesday, her sister Shellie Reyna said, “She is still holding on. Her pulse has ranged between 90-103.”

Shellie said her family has been overwhelmed by the support of the city and community. They want everyone to know that they can never thank them enough. She also asked for the public to continue praying.

Rebekah’s medical struggles began in September 2011, after starting college at UTSA. Her family learned that her blurry vision was the result of a brain tumor. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor. After Reba became weaker instead of recovering, it was discovered that she had cancer in her spine. Reba remains at MD Anderson in Houston, with her parents, who are in the process of moving her closer to home as doctors have told them there is nothing more they can do.

Mr. and Mrs. Florez have seven children, five boys and two girls. While most of them live locally, one of the brothers lives in Colorado and one is in Illinois.

Aptly titled “United in Prayer and Praise for Reba Florez,” the event was planned in less than 24 hours. The service was posted on Facebook at 2:30 a.m. on Friday, after Jessica Sotello was unable to sleep. Other head organizers, Dawn Lopez and Tiffany Rhoades soon jumped on board.

“I don’t want credit for it. It was all God… I was just his instrument,” said Sotello. “He gave me a clear message. There was no question about it. I’m a prayer warrior. I did what I needed to do.”

Sotello used to attend Hosanna Baptist Church. Her oldest son Brandon graduated with Rebekah from Pleasanton High School in 2011. She was amazed by the large crowd in attendance.

Other speakers and performers included: Fabian Castro Jr. (Hosanna Church of Poteet), Daily Bread, the worship team from Gateway Church in Pleasanton, Dawn Lopez, Pastor Clyde Butter (CrossPoint Church in Pleasanton), Pastor Mike Martinez (New Beginnings Baptist Church in Pleasanton), Pastor Roy Reyna (Hosanna Tabernacle of Leming), Martha and Peter Ojeda (sang during candle ceremony-New Beginnings) and Rebecca Criado (sang “Hope Now” during candle ceremony-Hosanna Tabernacle of Leming).

This banner reads, “Don’t let your problems be bigger than your faith. -Reba Florez” Dawn Lopez was the first to speak, telling the crowd, “I bet not one of you hasn’t been touched by the Florez family.”

She added, “Some of us don’t even know each other, but we trust you Lord and we are here.”

Lopez shared how difficult it must be for the Florez family and for anyone who has a child going through situations like these.

Youth throughout Atascosa County come together for the Florez family. Rebekah’s ex-boyfriend Sergio Guerra also shared a few words. He described Reba’s vivaciousness and how she stood firm on her beliefs.

Pastor Mike Martinez recalled meeting Rebekah for the first time, when she was a small child. He told the audience about her big smile.

“We want a miracle,” said Martinez, “but let it be your will. Don’t leave this place without Jesus in your life. God is using Reba to have people come together and hear God’s word.”

Rebekah Florez's brothers and sister are part of a Christian music group
called "Vertical Praise". They lead worship music at their church Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, Texas. They wrote a song called "I Know He Loves Me". The group made a music video with family and friends. The song and video has been very inspiratiional and meaningful to many
people. 

The video is below. Please, watch and spread the story of Rebekah Florez. Music & Lyrics by Florez Family.

Norma Reyna and Dawn Lopez are joined by Fabian Castro Jr. of Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet.