An associate pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship has died by suicide after a long struggle with depression.
Lead Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, Greg Laurie announced on Facebook today that his associate pastor Jarrid Wilson died by suicide Monday evening.
Laurie says, "It is with the deepest sadness and shock that I have to report that Jarrid Wilson went to be with the Lord last night.
"At a time like this, there are just no words. The Bible says, 'There is a time to mourn.' This is certainly that time."
Wilson is survived by his wife, Juli, his two sons, Finch and Denham, his mother, father, and siblings.
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Wilson's wife Juli wrote on Instagram, "I love you forever, Thomas Jarrid Wilson, but I have to say that you being gone has completely ripped my heart out of my chest. You loved me and our boys relentlessly and we are forever grateful that I had YOU as a husband and a father to my boys.
"You are my forever and I will continue to let other people know of the hope in Jesus you found and spoke so boldly about."
Laurie says that Wilson also repeatedly dealt with depression and was very open about his ongoing struggles.
"One dark moment in a Christian’s life cannot undo what Christ did for us on the cross."
Wilson stepped into his role as associate pastor at Harvest 18 months ago and had spoken out many times on the issue of mental health.
Laurie says, "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."
Laurie says, "One dark moment in a Christian’s life cannot undo what Christ did for us on the cross."
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Please continue to pray for the Wilson family and the Harvest Christian Fellowship church community as they grieve.