This past Sunday, our friend Doug went to be the Lord at the age of 46. He died of complications of the flu and left behind a wife and two children. Last August, Doug, Van, Lyle, and Larry served in Serbia for a week. Prior to their coming, all four men felt led to come to Serbia and were not really sure of the reasons why. But while they were here, the answers became clear. They loved the Serbs with all their hearts and served them through mowing yards, picking up trash, distributing Bibles, and fixing a roof. But they also ministered to our family as we watched them interact with each other in brotherly love. Doug was the heart of the team. Always smiling, always a word of encouragement, always a light pointing the way to his Savior. A kid at heart, he was an uncle to Caleb and Samantha - buying Caleb a toy trumpet(!) and a Noddy magnet for Samantha. And he was a much-needed brother in Christ to Tim and me. One Monday morning, Van encouraged us with the story about Jesus and the temple tax. And then Doug played the guitar and led us in singing "Because He Lives." Tim and I couldn't help but have tears in our eyes as we sang together. The lyrics in that song talk about how death gives way to victory, and we know that Doug is with the Savior he so dearly loved. Doug's life and his friendship will continue to inspire us to be a light to others, to smile more, and to not grow weary in doing good. He loved life, and our lives were so blessed in knowing him.