Harvest Fellowship Pastor Takes Own Life, Greg Laurie Confirms

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Members of the Harvest Christian Fellowship Church in Riverside are mourning the loss of one of their own. Just days before his 31st birthday, Pastor Jarrid Wilson took his own life Monday night.

Harvest Christian Fellowship Church Pastor Greg Laurie shared his shock and sadness at the unexpected death.

Wilson had the heart of a servant, according to Laurie. He was "vibrant, positive, and always serving and helping others," Laurie wrote in a release.

Wilson dealt with depression, and was honest and open about his ongoing mental health struggles, according to Laurie.

"Over the years, I have found that people speak out about what they struggle with the most," Laurie said. "One dark moment in a Christian's life cannot undo what Christ did for us on the cross."

Wilson is survived by his wife, Juli, and two young sons, Finch and Denham, as well as his mother, father, and siblings.

"The Bible says, 'There is a time to mourn,'" Laurie said. "This is certainly that time."

In an Instagram post, Juli Wilson shared her heart with friends, followers, and strangers.

"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 led thousands to the feet of Jesus and your boldness to tell others about your struggle with anxiety and depression has helped so many other people feel like they weren't alone," she wrote on Instagram. "YOU WERE an ANTHEM OF HOPE to everyone."

More than $45,000 has been raised for Wilson's family since a GoFundMe was established.

Wilson died during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

If you are in a time of darkness or struggle, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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