For over 25 years, Phillip and Chera Doty poured their hearts into ministry, into children, into families, and into their community. On January 15, 2026, the world lost a bright light when Chera passed away after an auto accident.

The Doty family has given their lives to loving, serving, and investing in others and the impact of their lives was evident as more than 1,000 people gathered to celebrate Chera’s life — a powerful reminder of how deeply they have shaped so many.

Now, Phillip, Lauren, and Caleb face an unimaginable season of grief and transition.

With Chera’s passing, the family has lost not only a beloved wife and mother, but also nearly half of their household income. The emotional weight is immense — and the practical challenges ahead are significant.

As a community of faith, love, and gratitude, we have the opportunity to step in and help carry that burden.

Our first and most urgent goal is to pay off the Doty family’s mortgage and secure their home - Mortgage balance: $305,000.

This is not just about finances — it is about stability, peace, and freedom to grieve without fear.

Beyond that, future needs will include:

• Transportation

• College expenses for Lauren and Caleb

• Ongoing living and family support

• Unexpected costs that come with such a life-altering loss

A trusted Financial Management Team is working alongside Phillip to steward every gift with wisdom, transparency, and care. Every dollar given will be used intentionally to honor Chera’s legacy by protecting and providing for the family she loved so deeply.

Phillip and Chera sacrificed for countless families, children, students, and churches. They gave their time, their energy, their hearts, and their lives to serving others.

Now we have the privilege of giving back.

This is our moment to love them the way they loved us.

No gift is too small.

No act of generosity is unnoticed.

And together, we truly can make a life-changing difference.

Our prayer is that Phillip, Lauren, and Caleb would not have to carry financial fear on top of emotional grief — that they would feel covered, supported, and deeply loved by the same community they have poured into for so many years.

If Chera’s life touched you…

If Phillip’s ministry shaped you…

If their family loved you…

This is one way to honor that love.

Please give generously.

Please give sacrificially.

Please give joyfully.

And most of all, please continue to pray for Phillip, Lauren, and Caleb — that they would feel God’s nearness, peace, and strength in every step forward.

Thank you for showing the love of Christ to this amazing family.

Watch the closing song, "Praise", from Chera's Celebration of Life HERE

Watch the full Celebration of Life Service HERE

If you are business, organization, or a donor advised fund (DAF) that has additional questions about your gift, please click the "Contact" button found below!