Donald Stillings's memory board

Erin Bettencourt

Erin Bettencourt

Erin Bettencourt Early days in Ohio

Erin Bettencourt Wedding day ❤️

Sheri Lin First Lord's Table in Normal, IL

Sheri Lin Meeting with trainees for gospel trip

Sheri Lin The first time that I went to Don and Jan's house in Oak Glen, I was thirteen. All I remember is that it was a lot of fun, and I doubt that they remember me at all (since there was a horde of teenagers there at once). Since that time, I have been a regular beneficiary of their life of service. When the Stillings moved to Normal, IL, it felt like such a privilege to learn how to serve alongside this couple as well as participate in the church life with them. They had paid quite a price to be here, and they continued on fervently loving the Lord. Early on, there was a burden to gain people in the community here, and one idea that Don had was to have a ministry reading time for the community. He posted fliers in various places around town, and the Stillings were faithful to show up to contact new people even though for weeks and weeks nobody showed up. It always impressed me that regardless of the outwardly disheartening situation, Don and Jan were faithful to the end. Don was a loving, encouraging, exhorting father and Jan was his perfect complement. I loved listening to them talk. Don's witty, sarcastic humor was so much fun, and it was so easy to be with them. As soon as he would say something that would raise eyebrows, I would swivel my head immediately to catch Jan's reaction. Whenever he began to speak regarding the Christian life and the church life though, a palpable burden would come forth from him. His spirit was bright and burning, and anyone who came in contact with him would catch that spark. I was especially shepherded by Don and Jan's care for our children. Since both John and I are far from family, we depend a great deal on the saints for support and care. Grandpa Don and Grandma Jan have been pillars in my children's lives, and my kids really, really love them as an extra set of grandparents. The care that Don and Jan have showed our family has been such a blessing to us. We miss Don. We miss his smile, his laugh, his stories, and his teasing, but most of all, we miss his spirit and love for the church. We thank the Lord that we were able to spend the last eight and a half years with him. He was a pattern of one who loved the Lord, loved the church, and loved the Lord's appearing.

Natachia Walton My Family and I were extremely saddened when we first found out about the passing of our dear brother Don. Don and Jan both have always been there for us and treated us like family. I first met Don and Jan in 2014 but did not get to see them again till the beginning of 2015 when I moved back to normal Il. I was going through some rough times and Don and Jan were super supportive of me. I remember when I asked him if he could marry my husband and I.. when he said yes I was sooo happy!! Because Don was like a Dad to me, he always was understanding and so down to earth always had something kind or funny to say! And there was just never a dull moment with this guy!! 😂 He’ll be dearly missed! But I’m happy because I know he’s not suffering anymore and he’s with the lord now. What a great pattern our dear brother was for so many of us! Wow! His life surely mattered before the lord that I know without a doubt in my mind,heart, spirit!

Ahseon Huang Brother Don was a pattern to me of someone who enjoys the Lord in such a strong and buoyant way. There was no religious duty in his service to the Lord. To live in the same locality as the Stillings was a blessing to me as I was able to see how they lived and how the functioned and that was a good pattern to me. His person, his presence and his portion will be greatly missed by so many of us.

Sheri Lin Thanksgiving

Margaret Howell I have known Don and Jan Stillings since the early 90's. I met them when I stayed in their "dorms" for a church college conference. Also being a chiropractor, I immediately valued Don's expertise in our field and his holistic approach to healthcare. He was always my Go-To when I needed advice on patients. We quickly became close friends and eventually was introduced to my husband through Don and Jan. I have so many fond memories of the Stillings... from Don speaking at our wedding, to numerous trips up to Big Bear, cooking with Jan and serving the saints during many conferences at Engedi. Our times together were always fun, and without question, my most cherished memories in my lifetime. Don will be greatly missed. The world has lost a valuable member in the Body. Our love and prayers to Jan and the whole family ❤

Jeremy Jacobs Don Stillings was a beloved brother in Christ. I only knew Don for over a year, but he and his wife Jan made such an impact on me in my walk with Christ. When I heard of his sickness I was very saddened to my core. I truly believe though that he is home with the Lord.

Dale Hentrich I met Don Stillings nearly 6 years ago. Brother Don (and wife Jan) prayed and cared for my daughters Hannah (Bradley University, Peoria. IL) and Jill (Illinois State University, Normal, IL). Hannah and Jill were always welcomed guests into the Stillings home for meals, to study, and to fellowship. It was an uplifting and peaceful place of refuge. Don had a shepherding heart who encouraged you to press on to gain the Lord Jesus Christ in your human living. His peaceful smile was a breath of fresh air, his spirit was a breath of life. We'll miss you Brother Don. Dale and Natalie Hentrich, Hannah, Jill, Heidi

Heather Molina I'm not sure I can come up with a cohesive statement about my Uncle Don just yet. Just some jumbled thoughts, so I'll share those. Firstly, a few photos as I recall them: 1. After a busy "church" weekend in his home where we served with our children, my Uncle Don was found relaxing with my kiddos (Caitlin and Sophia), watching some cartoon they tortured him with. He was just as content as they were. :) 2. Uncle Don and Emma 3. Thanksgiving at Uncle Joel's house 4. My high school graduation party 1995 5. Aunt Jan, Michelle, and Uncle Don (not sure where this was taken) I remember that he was always (and I mean ALWAYS) on the move, doing something new, trying something out, building something (whether a business or a home), moving. He always had a new invention or idea. From a photo stand in Oak Glen to numerous chiropractic offices to an 800-number and other various business ventures, he always had some idea up his sleeve. I remember that he was absolutely given to Christ and the church. That was a beautiful thing, but I'm sure his family made a lot of sacrifices for that (I know because I came from a similar situation lol). They built an addition to their home in Oak Glen to host many church retreats and they cooked and cleaned and loved on people endlessly. I enjoyed the benefits of that often and I loved it. Then they went to serve at a church camp in Big Bear in a similar camp-like situation. They were so giving of their time and energy. Eventually they moved to Illinois for the same purpose...to take care of their vision for Christ and the church. It was a consuming vision...one that I'm not sure I have. I can only pray that Christ would capture me like that. I remember at one time he started a "training" for those interested in our church to train us in the Word of God and help us pursue God. I was always failing at getting my assignments done and was terrified that he was gonna kick me out. haha. He never did. :) God's grace must have been sufficient for him and he somehow tolerated us. lol. I remember his blunt manner of speaking, which could be really hard to hear at times, but also refreshing. He didn't know how to beat around a bush. haha One of my favorite stories (& I don't know if I have it absolutely correct because I wasn't there, I only got to hear about it) was about the maple syrup. He loved his Log Cabin pure maple syrup and raved on and on about it and couldn't help but make fun of the "fake" stuff. He made such a big deal about his syrup that one day his kids (and maybe Aunt Jan was in on it??) swapped out the syrup from the real maple syrup container and put the fake stuff in. He raved and raved about it still. They got him! lol. I remember him letting the boys ditch school to go skiing or the beach (can't remember now), which meant that I was out of a ride that day and didn't know it til after school. lol. He may have been a hard guy sometimes, but other times he was the cool guy too. Not so long ago, on one of the last visits to California where I got to see him, we sat and had lunch together, just he and I. I was somehow bothered still about my lack of growth in Christ and just felt like the most lukewarm Christian there ever was. I told him I was the worst. lol. He just made some scoffing noise and said that was nonsense...I wasn't the worst. Not that I was great either, but he again, was just so blunt. In essence telling me not to dramatize. haha. But it was something I needed that day. Anyway, I don't know if that sums him up at all, but I just loved him so much. I saw his complexities and areas where he struggled greatly and prayed for God to touch him in those areas...and I think he saw mine and prayed for me too. I sure will miss him. But I'll keep that part of him who just loved Jesus til the ends of time. Because if Jesus could get to the heart of a guy as hard-headed as him, He can get to anyone! If you know, you know (& I'm not criticizing...I'm pretty certain he'd agree with me! haha). lol. But what a promise for the rest of us as well! :)