Our hearts are heavy with grief as we share this report. In May, one of our staff members, Randy Erickson, passed away. His death was totally unexpected and a deep shock for the entire community. There are many questions and few answers, but the constant is that God is good. Randy loved the Lord, he loved his wife Eliane, and he loved his two girls, Liana and Timea. There is much we don't grasp, but we have the peace of God that passes all understanding and feel surrounded by the love of our Gleanings' family and friends. Randy was born February 16, 1981 in Tacoma, Washington as the oldest of three children. He moved to Vermont in 1993; in 2000, he graduated from Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center, Vermont, and in 2001 moved to Northern California. For several years he worked in the wine industry, and planned to start a landscaping business. After visiting Gleanings for the Hungry with his church in 2008, Randy felt called to participate in a YWAM Discipleship Training School (DTS). He completed his school the following year at Gleanings for the Hungry, and accompanied an outreach team to South Africa and Mozambique. The DTS changed the direction of his life. Randy also met his future wife, who was on staff at Gleanings For The Hungry at that time. Randy officially joined Gleanings for the Hungry staff in 2010, then married the love of his life, Eliane, on March 3, 2012. Their daughter, Liana Esther, was born June 10, 2013, followed by Timea Hope on April 28, 2015. Randy was a proud father; his children brought such joy into his life. Randy was an extremely talented and creative individual. He was instrumental in shaping the surroundings of Gleanings for the Hungry. The beauty of Randy's handiwork is evident all around the property, such as the cross surrounded by sago palms and flowers at the entrance. The volunteers who worked with Randy often expressed how he positively impacted their lives, encouraging them in the ways of God and taking time to pray for them. Randy was also a talented woodworker; some of his creations include Christmas ornaments, trains, and a dollhouse, com- plete with furniture, for his daughters. A gifted teacher and encourager, Randy was able to present the Word of God clearly and creatively to adults and children alike. The Bible Sword Club was a hit with the staff children at Gleanings. After the children had learned memory verses they were able to select one of Randy's handcrafted wooden swords, followed by a little sword fight with Randy. What fun they had, until someone got hurt. Randy then created safer ways to encourage the children to learn God's Word, such as card games He would sit and play with them. And, let's not forget the Nerf gun wars! Ran- dy made a lasting impact on countless lives. Another talent Randy shared was leading people into God's presence through worship, skill- fully and beautifully playing the guitar and singing. His love for God, His Word, and worship, is a legacy Randy leaves. Randy was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.