It is with great sadness that we share with you that this morning, ITMI staff member, Gary Howell, went home to be with Jesus.

Gary is survived by his wife and grown children and several grandchildren. A husband, father, grandfather, friend and much, much, more, Gary brought a sense of kindness and safety to his relationships and conversations that was deeply appreciated.

Gary had a way of telling like it is without being offensive or hurtful. His insightful wisdom, unique perspective, compassion, and dry humor will be deeply missed by many.

Gary served the Lord in many capacities during his lifetime. He served as a youth pastor, pastor, church elder, counselor, ITMI partner, and author. He was passionate about extending the compassion of Jesus to the hurting.

Gary once said, "When I see people hurt, I can't stand it." Gary knew what it was like to feel pain, and he shares about his journey in his book, "A Little White Casket," with the intent of helping others work through real pain and create a healthy way forward.

A Little White Casket tells the Howells' story of burying two of their daughters when they were both very young. In the book, Gary uses his gifts as a counselor to offer his readers a path forward to healing from wounds they may have.

Alongside his supporters, he made many personal sacrifices to make Gospel-centered counseling available to many hurting individuals, offering them gentle kindness, truth, and the healing balm of the compassion of Christ.

One of his daughters wrote, "My dad was a man who loved everyone and everyone loved him. His legacy will live on. He touched so many lives."

He helped as many people as he could. At one point, he was counseling 25 couples and about 50 individuals. That dedication to the Lord and to loving others is part of the richness of Gary's legacy.

Please continue to lift up the Howell family as they grieve the loss of Gary's life.