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Megachurch Pastor Jarrid Wilson, known for mental health advocacy, kills himself
Image source: YouTube screenshot

Megachurch Pastor Jarrid Wilson, known for mental health advocacy, kills himself

He leaves behind a wife and two sons

Jarrid Wilson, megachurch pastor well-known for his advocacy for mental health, died by suicide on Monday, according to officials at Harvest Christian Fellowship Church in Riverside, California.

Wilson, 30, leaves behind a wife and two young sons.

What are the details?

In a statement, Greg Laurie — the church's senior pastor — wrote, "Sometimes people 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," he added, describing Wilson as a "vibrant" man who was "always serving and helping others."

Wilson, who in 2016 co-founded Christian organization Anthem of Hope — a group for those people struggling with mental illness issues — tweeted about mental illness struggles just hours before his death.

He wrote, "Loving Jesus doesn't always cure suicidal thoughts. Loving Jesus doesn't always cure depression. Loving Jesus doesn't always cure PTSD. Loving Jesus doesn't always cure anxiety. But that doesn't mean Jesus doesn't offer us companionship and comfort. He ALWAYS does that."

In an Instagram post, his wife Juli memorialized her late husband in a moving tribute.

My loving, giving, kind-hearted, encouraging, handsome, hilarious, give the shirt of his back husband went to be with Jesus late last night.

No more pain, my jerry, no more struggle. You are made complete and you are finally free. Suicide and depression fed you the worst lies, but you knew the truth of Jesus and I know you're by his side right this very second .
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 I am forever grateful that i had YOU as a husband and a father to our 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 .

Suicide doesn't get the last word. I won't let it. You always said "Hope Gets the last word. Jesus gets the last word". Your life's work has lead thousands to the feet of Jesus and your boldness to tell other about your struggle with anxiety and depression has helped so many other people feel like they weren't alone. YOU WERE an ANTHEM OF HOPE to everyone, baby, and I'll do my best to continue your legacy of love until my last breath .

I need you, jare, but you needed Jesus to hold you and I have to be okay with that. You are everything to me. Since the day we met. J & J. Love you more .

These are photos of him in his happy place - fishing the day away. I'll teach our boys all your tricks, babe. Promise. You are my #anthemofhope

What else?

In August, Wilson offered up a moving response to entertainer and activist Alyssa Milano's remarks that her previous abortions helped to usher in her life's greatest joys.

Earlier that month, the actress revealed her two abortions, which took place when she was in her 20s, and boasted that her abortions freed her up to enjoy life, declaring that her life would be "completely lacking all its great joys" if it weren't for those abortions.

In response to her remarks, Wilson shared a photo of his two young children on Twitter, and captioned it, "Everyone should post a picture of their kids and use the hashtag #GreatJoys."

Wilson later told Faithwire that children are a "blessing from God" and should be treated as such.

"Children are our future, and a blessing from God, not a burden that so many people — specifically people who are only focused on their own achievement and goals — make them out to be," Wilson said.

Wilson added that people need to stop treating children and pregnancy like they are disposable commodities.

"Is choosing abortion unforgivable?" Wilson continued. “Not at all. But I believe [Milano's] views on the subject to be both harmful and mentally disturbing."

He concluded, "Children should be celebrated, not looked down upon."

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