The elder Warren founded Saddleback Church in 1980, according to his biography on the church website, and over the years watched it grow to 20,000 members. He'd then make a bee-line to that person to engage and encourage them." "He had a brilliant intellect and a gift for sensing who was most in pain or most uncomfortable in a room. "You who watched Matthew grow up knew he was an incredibly kind, gentle, and compassionate man," Warren wrote. Why can't I just die and end this pain?' " Warren recalled.ĭespite that, he said, his son lived for another decade, during which he often reached out to help others. "I'll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said, 'Dad, I know I'm going to heaven. Over the years, Matthew had been treated by America s best doctors, had received counseling and medication and been the recipient of numerous prayers from others, his father said. Warren, the author of the multimillion-selling book "The Purpose Driven Life," said in an email to church staff that he and his wife had enjoyed a fun Friday evening with their son before Matthew returned home to take his life in "a momentary wave of despair."Ĭhurch spokeswoman Kristin Cole said he died Friday night. 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." "Unfortunately, he also suffered from mental illness resulting in deep depression and suicidal thoughts. "Matthew was an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many," the statement said. Warren's Saddleback Valley Community Church said in a statement that Matthew Warren had struggled with mental illness and deep depression throughout his life. The Southern California church headed by popular evangelical pastor Rick Warren announced Saturday that Warren's 27-year-old son has committed suicide. Saddleback Valley Community Church said in a statement Saturday, April 6, 2013, that Warren's 27-year-old son, Matthew Warren, has committed suicide after struggling with mental illness and deep depression. 29, 2010, file photo, Pastor Rick Warren acknowledges audience members during the Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Service in Lake Forest, Calif. (AP Photo/Saddleback Valley Community Church) Uncredited/HONS Show More Show Less 2 of2 FILE - In this Nov. Saddleback Valley Community Church in Lake Forest, Calif., said in a statement Saturday, April 6, 2013, that Warren's 27-year-old son, Matthew Warren, has committed suicide after struggling with mental illness and deep depression. 1 of2 This undated photo provided by the Saddleback Valley Community Church shows Matthew Warren, the son of Pastor Rick Warren.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |