Faith After Loss: How Elna Marquez Found Strength and Purpose

Dr. Anita Turner’s episode of "Won't God Do It?" features Elna Marquez, a Philippines-born woman raised in Los Angeles who found Jesus at 28 after a season of depression. Elna and her husband Lorenzo were married 21 years when sudden tragedy struck: their eldest (from Lorenzo’s side) — who had battled kidney disease and experienced a near‑death return with a prophetic message — died on January 1. Months later Lorenzo suffered a brain aneurysm (June 15) and was declared brain dead. In the hospital Elna felt the Holy Spirit’s gentle guidance, experienced both grief and an abiding peace, and ultimately chose to donate Lorenzo’s organs—giving life back to others.

From Grief to Purpose: Dreams, Donations, and Divine Appointments

Elna describes how God used prophetic moments and a simple dream to bring peace to her children. Her son dreamed of Lorenzo briefly appearing in a hospital cafeteria, then leaving—an image that helped him release his dad to organ donation. Lorenzo’s organs (a lung, two kidneys, and a liver) were given to recipients whose lives were changed; one recipient in the audience recognized her own survival as part of that legacy. Even an insurance agent’s late-night visit turned into a ministry moment: she arrived discouraged and left uplifted after encountering Elna’s faith and testimony. These events illustrate how sorrow can be transformed into tangible acts of life and ministry.

How Faith Sustained a Family

Rather than losing hope, Elna says her faith deepened. She credits honest prayer, daily praise, and allowing God to minister through her for sustaining her and her children. Her practical counsel for those grieving: be honest with God, give your pain to Him, and allow Scripture and the Holy Spirit to minister in time. The episode emphasizes that God doesn’t “need another angel”; instead, He hears prayers, comforts the brokenhearted, and can use loss to reveal mission and witness.

Watch this Powerful Story

Watch the full interview to hear Elna’s full timeline, hear the tender hospital moments, and feel the power of a family’s resilient praise. This episode offers hope-driven guidance for anyone facing bereavement: a real-life example of grief converted into compassion, legacy, and ministry—proof that loss can lead to purpose when anchored in faith.