Please Keep Our Family in Prayer
// December 23rd, 2009 // Loux Family News
The letter below was sent out to our IHOP community on the recent loss of husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Derek Loux. Please keep our family in prayer as we grieve this incredible loss.
On behalf of the entire family, we thank you,
Tracie Loux
Dear IHOP family,
Derek Loux, who was such an important part of our IHOP 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. 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 want 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, as well as 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 Leadership Team
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I just heard of your loss. My husband died in a car accident in 1998. I was left with a 2 month old and 4 and 5 year olds. 11 years later, , my children are happy and love the Lord. The Lord has taken such good care of all our needs and I know He will take care of your family in so many ways that you can’t even imagine right now. Your family will be in our prayers.
Dear Loux Family,
I hold you up in prayer. I have tremendous respect and admiration for your family and the way you live your lives. Derek was and is and inspiration to us all. A man of God, a man who cherishes his family, a man who takes a stand for what’s right, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. And a man of humor…all wonderful attributes wrapped into one incredible, humble man.
How blessed you are to have known and loved him. A man who truly LIVED to the fullest, reaching out to draw others in so they can LIVE to the fullest too. This kind of inspiration never fades, never leaves those the man left behind, because it has changed those around him forever.
I pray for your peace as you miss him, and pray that your time apart from him will be like the blink of an eye.
He was an incredible man, his legacy of love for the broken, for the unwanted, for the orphan, will live on through those who love him.
Jodi Lewandoski
Oh my gracious. I was reading as I always do every week and I am shocked by this tragedy. I have only chatted with you once on an email regarding wheelchairs, yet your website has brought such inspiration to me. My heart is broken for you and your family. I pray God will bring you peace, and comfort to your aching hearts. What a legacy to leave behind, but what heartbreak for you all. Praising God that he is safe in His arms. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
In Him,
Talley Mac.
Dear Loux-family,
You don’t know me but I have come upon your blog through Tracie’s and have repeatedly been VERY inspired by your family and your incredible passion for God and orphans – passions I share.
Your loss of a most wonderful husband and father has deeply impacted me!
You have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly ever since I found out.
Know that my tears are joining yours.
I am so sorry that you have to go through this incredibly difficult time.
EMMANUEL – GOD WITH YOU.
Much love and many prayers from a YWAMer/friend of Tauranga House of Prayer in New Zealand,
Isabel
Dear Renee and Family,
I cry with you. It’s such a tragedy. I pray for you with all my heart, let the Lord comfort you.
Kasia, Poland
Dear Renee and family, I took care of your son Josiah in HRN and have never forgetten you. My heart breaks for you and your family at this sad time in your life. The pictures of your family have touched my heart. They are so beautiful. May you find comfort from the Lord in the days to come and know that he will take care of you and that Derek is safe in his arms. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Renee, Our prayers are with you. You know how we felt about Derek. He will forever be a part of our lives. He was sold out to the causes of Christ and we will miss him dearly. You and the family are so precious to us and know you will always be in our prayers. We love you so much.
Dear Renee.
Our prayers are with you and your family. We have never met, but we are grieving with you in the loss of your precious husband.
May G-d be with you and comfort you. We met Derek at RHOP and we shared his heart for orphans.
A word for you; 2 Kings 4 1-7. The Lord is with you and he will increase the little you have and will provide for all your needs.
In Christ’s love.
Robert and Almira Emmert
I am a member of East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis…today in the service they announce God’s call for Derek. I never knew you guys, but I have been out to IHOP-KC and love E91 and when one part of the Body hurts we all feel it. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Stay strong on the Lord! Jesus has an amazing plan in this hardship.
Dave
Dear Renee and family,
I took care of your son Josiah in HRN. I have never forgotten you and your family and the many nights that I was able to care for and love on Joshiah. I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that the Lord would comfort you during this time. Our comfort comes in knowing Derek is with the Lord. In HIS Love, Barbara
Dear Renee,
Brenna, my wife, was one of Dr. Sam’s students from the Marshall Islands at the Beacon Theology, in Columbus, Georgia. I am the eldest son of Rev. Ronald & Crethia Matthew. Renee, you and Derek came to Majuro, Marshall Islands to do training in music, and I, along with our worship team are really proud of what we got from him. He came to the islands in the early 90’s and taught in music and in Bible class at Laura Calvary School, and I was one of his students. Renee, I thank God for Derek’s life as he came and spent time with us throughout those years, and I won’t forget. We want to say that our hearts breaks for you and the children when Terry brought the news to my dad (Rev. Ronald). Our Prayers are with you and the children. May the Lord, God almighty be with you and your children and comfort you in days to come.
I went to Salem Christian School with Derek. I am just letting you know I am so sorry for your loss!!! It sounds like you are involved in amazing work and have adopted some wonderful children!!!!! God Bless you, and you and your family are in my prayers.
Derek and Heather were the music leaders several years ago at a retreat for the singles group at The Church at the Crossing. It was one of the most memorable worship experiences I can remember having. I’m so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you.
My heart is with you and your precious family! I’ve been praying for you constantly! Thank you for all that you have done for orphans and the legacy that your husband left!! May the heart that he had and you continue to have for orphans only spread like fire!! Love to you from another family in Christ!!
Dear John, Mimi and family,
I just learned of Dereks home going and although my heart is aching for you all, I know he is with his Lord! I never had the privilege of knowing him as an adult but as I read here that cute sweet child turned into a wonderful adult!! I look forward to meeting him again someday!! Thank you Lord for this blessed hope!! You will be in our prayers dear friends!!!!!!!!
Love, Wanda
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Renee and family,
Just caught up on my blog reading today and I am so sorry to have just learned of your loss. I know there is nothing I can say at this time. Praying that God holds you and the kids close and walks you through each moment of this painful time.
There are no words for the incomprehsible loss your family has just endured. I am SO sorry for your pain. Know that many who have never even met you are lifting you up in prayer and praying that God’s grace is sufficiant to sustain you and bring you comfort during this very, very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. May you find some peace in knowing that you will one day see eachother again in Heaven. <
I’m so sorry. I will be praying for you. My heart is crying with you.
Renee and family-
We’ve been thinking about and praying for your family this past week….and I can’t stop thinking about my time at E91 when Derek was meeting with worship team members, teaching and encouraging us in ur relationship with Christ. The specific teaching that ALWAYS comes to mind when I think of Derek was one on heaven as he was reminding us that “life is a vapor….and we should be living our lives, preparing for our time with our Father in heaven…” Getting our priorities straight. Seeking His perspective. Seeking Christ every moment. Living with passion. Every time I get discouraged, and overwhelmed by this imperfect life, I think of Derek and his perspective on making life count and living to the fulllest.
I am just now catching up on your blog and am amazed at your family and life ministry. Please know how proud I am to have met you, and how much your family is encouraging me right now. We will continue to pray without ceasing for you and your family, and also for strength will come to seek His joy in the midst. Please know we are praying with you and loving you. ~ Dana and Jonathan Hueftle and family
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. I wish I could be there to grieve with you. Derek and your ministry touched my life in so many ways. May the Lord uphold you during this difficult painful time. You are not alone!!
Broken hearted by the news; met Derek who led in worship
at the Boston WOW, together with Nick and Ame Scott; Exceptional
over the top man of God who brought us sweetly into His Presence.
Cannot tell you how broken hearted we at WOW are..(.I just thought
that Derek is with Josiah…) The Lord will meet all of your needs, Renee over and beyond what you can think…Will miss him forever however (that’s the kind of impact he still makes). Fifi S.
I just read about your terrible loss via the ABBA fund blog and I am overwhelmed for you all. This may sound strange but perhaps, many days from now, it may be of some small amount of comfort….. on the day that Derek died I was standing in my kitchen and God brought to my mind the thought, “how many women(w children) will become widows today?” and I was struck by the hugeness of the question…so I prayed. I didn’t know about this blog or anything about your family until today, but I was praying for you on that terrible day and will continue to do so, for your family to feel His strong hand lifting you up. HIS FAITHFUL LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.
you sang at my wedding in 1986–your father was my best man–i will see you at HIS wedding feast–we both know WHO the BEST MAN will be at that one–there go all the glory & honor!!!
I was at E91st in Indianapolis when Derek was the worship leader there. He was a godly man who knew how to help me tune my heart toward God and worship Him wholeheartedly. I was blessed to have worshipped the King of Kings with Derek.
I’ll be praying for you all in this time of loss. With much love,
Kris
For the last year I have followed your family’s journey of love to adopt your children. It is with such a heavy heart that I read of this tragedy. Your family is lifted in our prayers. I want to know how to help.
My wife now and I were in Kansas City in 05′ when I believe you all came to the first staff meeting and we were doing Fire in the Night. We were both moved by Derek speaking about adoption and now we will adopt one day. Thank You, and we are praying for you and your family.
I heard about your lost….there are no words to express…..I did not know Derek but I heard him speak on the Father’s love several times and I was always overcome by the way he modeled that love to his family and all those around him. I pray that the his vision through the eyes of God will continue though he has died the vision will not…..in fact through his death will come new life….as he lives again through the power of God…..so will come forth the fruit of his life…. “unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” I am going to give to Derek’s dream and vision…and I would encourages others to do the same. God’s love and comfort to Derek’s beloved family and may they experience God’s abundance peace. Blessings, Pastor Kimberly
Dear Renee and Flo and family,
Fawn passed along the heartbreaking news of your loss. I am so very sorry for the pain that you are experiencing. What an amazing story I am reading on these pages. Surely the love and support of so many and the far reach of your community will help ease your despair and see you through the transition of your new life. May God bless you with HIs peace, provision and profound faith for the future. Cindy
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.” Deuteronomy 33:12. I am taking comfort in this truth and praying that it brings you some comfort as well. I’m so glad I will get to hug you all very soon
Hello Renee and family,
Our dear friend, Rahul Nirmal, from India just came for a visit and told me about the car accident. Oh Renee, I am so sorry … my tears don’t have words. I knew you guys through IHOP Indy and E91st St. I loved worshipping with Derek’s at E91 & at Indy IHOP on his praise/worship/prayer band. I enjoyed being a member of that prayer furnace and also have fond memories of sitting around your family room singing, praying and making music. Renee, I was always in awe of you and Derek’s team work and passion for the Lord and for your family. I’ve never known a family like yours. I know Derek was at the right hand of our Lord, God’s light shined through him as he reached out continuously to the body of Christ in and around Indy. I know God will provide for your family as He has done in the past. Renee do you remember sharing your testimony about how you and Derek chose to give your month’s rent away to someone in need? And how God met your need for your rent shortly after that. Watching, listening & imitating the 3fold love between you (Renee) + Derek + our Lord has inspired me to live a life of love with God at the center.
I’ve met and am engaged to a wonderful, gentle spirited, servant-hearted, generous young man that reminds me of Derek. Derek’s memory lives on sweet Renee and I know the Lord will provide for you and your family. My spirit weeps at Jesus’ feet now as I often did during our worship sessions in Indy. I am happy for Derek but my soul is heavy for you and yours. I will pray for your financial and spiritual needs. I will pray for our Lord to be generous and cause His face to shine upon you.
at His feet, Robyn Kovach
Wow we can’t believe Derek Loux has gone on to be with Jesus, he inspired us so much when he spoke at our Intro to IHOP not just to adopt but to take every opportunity to do works of justice for God’s kingdom, we will remember each word he spoke, and do our best to walk in the light of such a wonderful example of Christ’s love. Praying for the peace and comfort of the Loux family…
Renee-
I heard the tragic news through a Christmas Eve church service in Rochester, MN. I was widowed 5 years ago at the age of 21 and Renee, my heart is breaking for you. As soon as I heard a brief part of your story, I bowed in prayer… and I prayed that God would reveal his heart for you, that he would give you his supernatural strength, that he would hold you in a tangible way and that he would surround you with people who loved Derek and who continue to love you. Cling to him, he will be faithful, even when all seems lost.
Loving you from Minneapolis. I’ll continue to pray after 3 months, after 6 months, after a year, after 5 years.
Melissa
Praying for you! Praying for supernatural strength and wisdom! Praying you and your children are surrounded by God’s unending love and that you feel that warming love all around you!
God Bless you!
Since God is in the business of turning tragedy into triumph, we must wait and see. May He hold you all in His arms and comfort you. I know the Lord has special instructions He’s giving Derek. May you someday catch a glimmer. I’m glad to be in this whole movement of love to your family. Jane
dear Renee’: Todd and I are so touched by what has happened. We cannot express how we reallly feel online. we will continually lift you and your children up to the Lord. His grace is sufficent for you. We will always cherish our fond memories with Derek. Your love for the Lord and His people is inspiring. We’re here if you need anything. Love, Patti
You don’t know us, but our heart hurts with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May Jesus’ love embrace your family during this time.
I’ve never met your family but your story touches my husband and I in a very deep way. Such love, such sacrifice to dedicate your lives to giving a destiny to once forgotten children. It seems so tragic that Derek is gone so soon but God knows best and he is finally gazing upon the One He loved the most. My husband and I are praying for you Renee and your beautiful family. God is faithful and He has you and yours in His embrace at this time. Holy Spirit bring comfort in the way only you can.
Derek is now known everywhere on the net….we know there is a new precious voice in heaven, Hallelujah! ready to welcome us all home at the trumpets call. We pray for your time of deep healing and grace each day to breath in HIM…who makes all things possible. Just take in this moment because… God is holding you tight… on to the next.
You don’t know us but our hearts are breaking for you and your precious family. To lose your beloved husband and father so soon and so suddenly. Our family has been there and it is so hard. Just know you are being covered in prayers. On those darkest days when you can’t see the light, I pray others will be a light to you.
Renee’,
When I opened up the soaking.net website yesterday and read your story I was deeply moved. I see such happiness between you and Derek in your picture and I just know your heart has to be breaking deeply. And your children….they smile. God has used you both to change their mourning to festive praise, and to give them a crown of beauty for ashes. I see it Renee. I see it. You both have done a great job and I know the Lord is so pleased. And now you must continue to carry this race alone. It’s hard…so very hard but I know God will give you all the strength you need. There’s more Renee’…so many more children that need your love. So many that are still lost and wounded and need a home. It will be harder now without Derek, but you can do this. You can complete getting those 30 children and I know God will help. He will provide because he is faithful and always comes through for his children. I pray he lifts you and your family up. That he will carry all of you through this rough time for which you must walk through, but please know God is working during this time. I work with women to help break them free from the hurts and pains that keeps them in bondage. Recently God has put in on my heart to not forget the children…the fatherless and the forgotten. I know God is using your story to stir something deeper within my heart and to inspiring me in ways I can’t even imagine yet. For this I am grateful. May your love, pictures, smiles and stories continue to inspire and encourage those that you may never come to know. And may others pick up and carry on the work that Derek has set in place. Yes, something beautiful will be coming out of my life because of your story. Be assured of that.
Renee,
I know what a hard time you are going through. I suggest you get your hands on a few good books that will help you deal with the grief and the pain you are facing. Anyways, just a suggestion.
Sincerely,
Kelly Ann
I found you blog after aI friend posted Derick’s article about redemption on her adoption blog. I’m so terribly sorry for your tragic loss, and will keep you in my prayers. Ethan has found a special place in my heart and I’m continually praying for him. My God comfort you in every way and may HIS Blessings be poured out on you and your ministry. May God raise a standard against the enemy who comes to steal and destroy!
Dear Loux Family,
My prayers are with you in the loss of your loved one. I pray that God give you comfort, peace and strength during this time and in the days to come.
I had just set down Bob Sorge’s book, Unrelenting Prayer, when I turned on the computer and read about Derek’s death on an email from IHOP. As adoptive parents, my husband and I were particularly moved by the love and compassion that you and your husband have shown to orphans throughout the world. We are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful father and beloved husband. May your hearts be comforted by our merciful King and may many others take up the cry of justice for the lives of the 143 million orphans of the world.
Many prayers for you all,
Sarah
My prayers are with you and your family in this tragic loss. I loved Dereks music and was really moved, encouraged and touched. My favorite song is Lovely- It reminds me how I am lovely to God, and Derek spoke and sang it so well in his songs. His life and all he stood for and what you guys have done will forever live on.IHOP and many Houses of Prayer thoughout the world an country will continue doing what Derek did.He lived it out in his life. So many people have been touched by your lives and your walk with God. Keep on doing the work God had called you to. Many children will need your love . He will be greatly missed.God will love you though all of this. Bless you and your children. Thanks so much .
We are from Canada and only heard of the news through facebook. Upon visiting your different websites and learning about your wonderful ministry, we have been very touched and moved. Although we don’t know your family, we hurt for you and your lose. It has also sparked many conversations about the Lord and His ways. May the Lord be near to you in these dark hours and show Himself mighty through the love of many close and dear.
Sincerely,
Curtis and Deneen Holder – Surrey, BC Canada
Renee, you have been constantly in my thoughts and prayers. We are in awe of the ministry that you and your husband have been a part of, and we will continue to hold you up in our prayers as I know this will be a very difficult time for all of you. I didn’t know anything about Derek as a musician or as a minister, but I am well aware of his reputation of a wonderful father. He will be greatly missed by many. God bless you and your family.
My husband and I extend our condolences to the Loux family. We live in London and only found out when we received the the memorial newsletter from IHOP,in my email and decided to visit your website. Your family and testimony is such an inspiration and just touched our hearts. We were reading some of the blogs and esp. shortly before the tragic accident how God blessed your family with a lovely vacation and even how you were able to go on a your 2nd honneymoon- it’s like God was giving you and the children lots of happy and recent memories to hold on to. Thank you for sharing your family with us through the blogs and pictures. Even though we don’t know your family personally, it’s almost like your hearts shine through so much with the Love and Fire of God, that we feel like we know you in a small way. Praying for you, your children & family. Love & blessings
Dear Loux family – I do not know you, but you are all my brothers and sisters in the Lord and I just know He brought me randomly by your blog tonight so that I can be praying for you.
I’m so sorry to hear of your great, great loss. I will write your names upon my heart and in my prayer journal and will pray that the Holy Spirit, who is The Comforter will be with you in a tangible way as you grieve.
In Him, Chelsea