It was revealed on Saturday by one of America’s most popular pastors Rick Warren in a letter to his congregation at the Saddleback Church of Lake Forest, California, that his son Matthew, 27, had died on Friday morning from a self-inflicted gunshot after a long struggle with mental illness.
“No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now,” Warren told his congregation in the letter.
Included in Warren’s letter was that Matthew had struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts from a young age experiencing “dark holes of depression, and even suicidal thoughts.” Warren went on to say that despite countless doctors and medication, “the torture of mental illness never subsided.”
Warren has two other adult children, Amy and Joshua with his wife Kay who is active in her husband’s ministry.
“Kay and I often marveled at his courage to keep moving in spite of relentless pain. I'll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said "Dad, I know I¹m going to heaven. Why can't I just die and end this pain?" but he kept going for another decade,' the grieving pastor continued.
It was in 2009, when Warren now 59-years-old, delivered the invocation at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration. He is also the second highest selling author in the world when in 2002 his book he authored, “The Purpose Driven Life” sold over 32 million copies.
A statement released from Warren’s church said, “At 27 years of age, Matthew was an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was an encouragement and comfort to many. Unfortunately, he also suffered from mental illness resulting in deep depression and suicidal thoughts.”
It was on Saturday afternoon when Warren posted a tweet about his loss.
“We pray 'Thy WILL be done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN” since in heaven God's will is done #always. On earth, it's done rarely.”
Video – CNN report – Pastor Rick Warren’s Son Commits Suicide
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