Dear friends, family, church members, college friends, and all,

Van went home to be with the Lord this morning (September 17th 2006) at 11:00AM. As many of you know, he had a second stroke on Thursday, September 7th. He was in hospital for one week and then brought home to Johnson Medical Center on September 12 where he had been living for several months. He was in a Bible study at the time of stroke -- oh, how he loved his times of studying the Word of God.

Upon coming back to the medical center, he was under hospice care. There were so many varied complications from the stroke. I have spent the last several nights sleeping there in his room to be with him during this time. Early this morning, it was evident that his homegoing was to be soon. Three of my close friends were with me at this time so I was not alone.

During these days, we all had a precious time with Van. His three sons came in on the 9th to see him, Bruce and Sonja Gale came that same weekend. Many friends came as well. We've had a time of singing to him, praying over him, reading scriptures to him, listening to his favorite hymns, playing our favorite praise and worship music, and just surrounding him with joy and love. There have been times of sharing some of his old jokes. (Those were many!!!!)

We have honored our friend and my husband during this time and are at great peace knowing that he is with Father God and enjoying new health and fresh sight strength. Van has been a wonderful, loving husband and companion to me for 15 years and we shared a happy, laughter-filled marriage. Some of these last years were difficult physically for him but we all know he is well, healed, and enjoying heaven now. We ushered him in with love and peace.

Be comforted in the days ahead -- and rejoice with the family for having him in our lives all these years.

We are planning a memorial service but do not have the date set yet. Will send another post with that date announced. It will be held at our home church, Praise Fellowship Church. Van pastored PFC for 30 years as of this September. We can only say, "Well done, Van -- well, done."

Pray for me as my days go forward. I am in a new home surrounded by new friends and old friends as well. It will be difficult not to have my best friend here with me.

I will be in touch during this next week.

Thank you all for loving Van -- my precious friend, pastor, and husband.

Love,

Judy

Van's life verse became so precious to us these last months -- Philippians 1:20, 21. And now, for Van it is a time of gain.

Memorial Service -- held at PFC -- Saturday, September 30, 2006 -- 2PM in the sanctuary.

We will be celebrating his life through music and missionaries.

For those who would like to remember him in a special way – please write a note/letter and share a memory of special things in your life where Van touched you, taught you, prayed for you-- and then send it to info@praisefellowship.org

We will then put it in a remembrance book for the family.

For those who wish to send contributions -- have them send it to:

Praise Fellowship Church Missions