Tragedy struck the community of the Saddleback Church of mega-evangelist Rick Warren Friday, April 5th when Warren’s son Matthew committed suicide in his Mission Viejo home around 10AM. Matthew was only 27-years old.http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/state&id=9055222
Pastor Warren shared the shocking news today with this statement, “Matthew was an incredibly kind, gentle, and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many. Unfortunately, he also suffered from mental illness resulting in deep depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite the best health care available, this was an illness that was never fully controlled and the emotional pain resulted in his decision to take his life”.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/06/matthew-warren-suicide_n_3029792.html
Pastor Warren’s son Matthew was gifted in the ability to discern who needed the most attention in the prayer line and would effectively gravitate towards those needing the dire attention.
According to Orange County Sheriff Dan Aikin of the coroner’s office, Matthew died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Young Matthew struggled with suicidal thoughts much of his life and finally succumbed to the agony despite intervention from a variety of sources. Pastor Warren expressed that his young son gave into a momentary condition of despair.
Pastor Warren is senior pastor of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forrest which is one of the largest congregations in the United States. Warren is well known for his best-selling novel “The Purpose Driven Life”. Nearly 20,000 people attend the weekly services conducted at Saddleback.
The Warrens had just completed a fun filled evening with their son Matthew the previous day when they were informed of the developments that took place on that fateful morning.
Pastor Warren and his wife Kay would marvel at the courage and resolve displayed by their son Matthew as he battled this illness. Matthew would do whatever it would take to combat the illness and not give in.
The Warrens expressed appreciation and love towards all the prayers, support and assistance given over the years from all the people concerning their son who is the youngest of their three children.
Prayers are being massively extended to the Warren family.
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