Harvest Christian Fellowship Associate Pastor Jarrid Wilson, an avid spokesman on the issue of mental health, took his own life Monday night, Harvest Pastor Greg Laurie said in a statement Tuesday evening.
Known by many as a passionate preacher, Wilson served Harvest for the past 18 months in Riverside, California. He was the co-founder of the mental health nonprofit Anthem of Hope and, according to Religion News Service, was open about his own depression, "often posting on his social media accounts about his battles with mental illness."
He left behind his wife, Juli, and two sons, Finch and Denham.
"It is with the deepest sadness and shock that I have to report that Jarrid Wilson went to be with the Lord last night," Laurie said. "At a time like this, there are just no words. The Bible says, 'There is a time to mourn.' This is certainly that time."
In his statement, Laurie says Wilson "loved the Lord and had a servant's heart."
"He was vibrant, positive, and was always serving and helping others," Laurie says. "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. 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."
Wilson was the author of several books, including Love is Oxygen: How God Can Give You Life and Change Your World; Jesus Swagger: Break Free From Poser Christianity; and Wondrous Pursuit: Daily Encounters With an Almighty God.
On Sunday, Wilson posted photos on Twitter of he and Laurie taking part in a baptismal service on the beach in California.
Wilson was also a contributor to Charisma News, writing several columns over the years.
Laurie compels believers to lift Wilson's family in prayer and those who are dealing with mental illness.
"The Harvest family has lost a bright light," Laurie says. "Pray for us as we grieve together. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 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."
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