Dear friends,

The IHOP-KC family is grieving the loss of Derek Loux. He and his wife had two natural children, adopted eight, and were working to establish a center for thousands of orphans. The Loux family has been tragically left without a father and husband this Christmas. Please read the following messages sent to the IHOP-KC family and posted on FaceBook. Thank you for remembering them in your prayers!

Chérie Blair

P.S. Please share this with others who would want to know. Thanks!
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A Real Life Hero

Yesterday morning the world lost real life hero when Derek Loux, father of 10, loving husband, brother, son and friend was tragically killed in a car accident.

Please pray for the family as we walk through this devastating tragedy. We thank you for all your prayers and support, it means more than you know.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations would be made to the Josiah Fund.

http://www.facebook.com/l/48186;www.josiahfund.org/

Blessings to all of you.

From: IHOP Staff Message <ihopstaffmessage@ihop.org>
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:53:50 -0600
To: ihopfamily <ihopfamily@ihop.org>
Subject: Please pray for the family of Derek Loux

Dear IHOP–KC family,

Derek Loux, who has been such an important part of our IHOP–KC family for many years, is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Early this morning as he was traveling home from Colorado, Derek was killed in an automobile accident when his car hit a patch of black ice. Derek had been in Colorado to receive more extensive training in how to minister to victims of human trafficking,

For years, this precious man of God has faithfully served his Lord and our missions base in so many areas, including helping pioneer the Forerunner Music Academy where he served as director. Derek was part of the IHOP-KC senior leadership team, a worship leader in the house of prayer, and a frequent IHOP–KC conference speaker. He has recorded professionally as a musician, singer, and songwriter, including his albums Paper Religion and Fragrant Burning.  Before joining IHOP–KC he served as the director of IHOP-Indianapolis for four years.

Derek’s life passion was adopting and restoring orphans; he pioneered the vision of the Orphan Justice Center—a haven of restoration for rescued orphans. OJC recently become an official part of IHOP–KC. His tireless voice for the weak and voiceless indelibly marked us all. How we will miss him.

Renee and the children will need so very much love and support, not only in these first weeks, but for many years. In the immediate, Pamela Stead will spearhead all practical care for the family. Please contact her (pamelastead@ihop.org) if you would like to be involved in practical helps. We ask you to please give the Loux family (immediate and extended) privacy to grieve, and only go to the home if invited. There will be many ways to give—meals, childcare, home care, finances. More details will follow soon on how you can give to this precious family. We will also let you know the memorial plans.

We do not grieve as those who have no hope, but oh how we grieve. For Renee, for children who have lost their earthly father, and for our family who has lost a marvelous comrade. Until that Day when He dries every tear . . . we mourn with the Loux family.

The IHOP–KC Leadership Team

Click on this photo of the entire Loux family to view a larger image. Read more on their blog: http://louxfamilyblog.com/