A San Diego County congregation is grieving the sudden and tragic death of their pastor, Felipe Ascencio, who was fatally shot inside his Ramona home. Authorities confirmed that a suspect is in custody, though no motive has been released, leaving the community with more questions than answers.

Pastor Ascencio faithfully led Templo Monte Horeb in Ramona, where he became much more than a preacher. To many, he was a mentor, a father figure, and a personal guide in life’s most difficult seasons. His sudden passing has left church members in disbelief.

“For a moment, it was just something we couldn’t believe,” church member Miguel Hernandez said. “Even on Wednesday, we had church, and we were still thinking that he was going to walk in and say hello to everyone.”

Those who knew him best described Ascencio as a man who lived out the command to love his neighbor. His ministry stretched beyond sermons and into everyday acts of kindness—offering his time, his home, and his heart to those in need.

Francisco Tomas, a close friend, recalled how Ascencio opened his home during one of the hardest seasons of his life. “He left an example that we should all follow—to love one another,” Tomas said. “He was a good friend, a good husband, a loving father—the best pastor anybody can have.”

Jesus Flores, who grew up in the church, shared how the pastor’s words and presence carried him through his own struggles. “He gave me the support I needed during a rough time,” Flores said, echoing what many in the congregation now feel—they’ve lost not just a pastor, but a steady anchor in their lives.

Ascencio is survived by his wife and two children, whom friends describe as his greatest joy. Known as a devoted husband and father, his love for family shone brightly in his ministry and in his personal life. His death has left a painful void, but his legacy of faith and love continues to ripple through the lives he touched.

In the wake of tragedy, the Ramona community is rallying around Ascencio’s family. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help his wife, Abigail, and their children with the unexpected financial burdens they now face.

The campaign’s organizer wrote, “Hello Ramona Community, In this very difficult time for my family, I am reaching out with a heavy heart on behalf of my sister, Abigail. She has suffered the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband, Felipe—a devoted father of two and pastor of Mount Horeb Church here in Ramona.”

The statement continues, “We are humbly asking for your support to help cover costs related to the crime, as this sudden loss has placed a great burden on the family. Any contribution, no matter the size, will mean so much and bring comfort during this painful time. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, prayers, and generosity. May God bless you.”

Though his congregation and loved ones are mourning, many are finding comfort in the hope of Christ that Pastor Ascencio preached so faithfully. His life and ministry were rooted in pointing people to Jesus, and now his legacy is calling those who grieve to hold fast to the promise of eternal life.

As the investigation continues, the people of Ramona are leaning on one another—and on the God Ascencio served so well—for peace and strength in this heartbreaking season.