On Thursday Feb. 28, 2002 my Dad (James Stout) went home to be with the Lord. He was with his wife of 39 years (My mother, Connie Stout) and all 3 of his children, as well as his only grandson and his sister, Norma when he left us. He had struggled for a very long time, fought a good fight.

This is the most difficult thing our family has ever faced. But he is saved. Oh yes, my dad is saved. There is not a doubt in my mind, God has revealed to me that he is in heaven, rejoicing. And though I am so sorry, and will miss him so much, we don't mourn like those who have no hope, nay we rejoice for him, for we trust:

 "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. {14} For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. {15} For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. {16} For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. {17} Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. {18} Therefore comfort one another with these words."(1 Th 4:13-18 NKJV)

On the Tuesday before he went to hospice (2/19/02) he told me that he should be holding up both hands and praising God because he knows where he is going, and it is a wonderful place,. A better place. He said "I will rejoice". There had been a crown laid up for my dad, which he has now received, a mansion prepared for him, wherein he now resides.  Yes I miss my loving father. But I cannot resent God, but can only praise him and thank him for  saving my dad and seeing him home. How I wish I had time to write of all the comfort and help our Lord has provided us through this, and the assurance he has given us that we will see him again.

Thanks for your continued prayers for my family.