Megachurch pastor Jarrid Wilson dies by suicide after struggling with mental health
Jarrid Wilson, associate pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, has died by suicide aged 30. The young pastor tragically took his own life on Monday night, on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day.
The news of Wilson's passing was announced by Pastor Greg Laurie on his Facebook and Instagram page.
"It is with the deepest sadness and shock that I have to report that @jarridwilson went to be with the Lord last night," wrote Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship. " At a time like this, there are just no words."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Laurie continued: "Jarrid loved the Lord and had a servant's heart. He was vibrant, positive, and was always serving and helping others. Jarrid also repeatedly dealt with depression and was very open about his ongoing struggles. He wanted to especially help those who were dealing with suicidal thoughts. Tragically, Jarrid took his own life. Jarrid joined us as an associate pastor at Harvest 18 months ago and had spoken out many times on this very issue of mental health.
"Jarrid and his wife, Juli, founded an outreach to help people dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts called 'Anthem of Hope.' Sometimes people may think that as pastors or spiritual leaders we are somehow above the pain and struggles of everyday people. We are the ones who are supposed to have all the answers. But we do not. At the end of the day, pastors are just people who need to reach out to God for His help and strength, each and every day.
"Over the years, I have found that people speak out about what they struggle with the most. One dark moment in a Christian's life cannot undo what Christ did for us on the cross. Romans reminds us that 'nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus' (Romans 8:39). At times like this, we must remember that as Christians, we do not live on explanations but on promises. We fall back on what we do know, not on what we don't know. We do know that Jarrid put his faith in Jesus Christ and we also know that he is in Heaven now. We stand on the promise of Revelation 21:4 that reminds us that in Heaven there is no more sorrow, suffering, or death.
"Please keep Juli and Jarrid's family in prayer. The Harvest family has lost a bright light. Pray for us as we grieve together. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help."
Wilson is survived by his wife, Juli, and their two young sons, Finch and Denham.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, visit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA) or National Suicide Prevention Alliance (UK).
Read the original article here.
