| Weekly briefing: Pastor suicide, Syria churches targeted, Norway CPS ruling |
 GoFundMeJarrid Wilson is pictured with his family. |
|
We've compiled the top stories of the week. Here's what you need to know: |
Young megacurch pastor Jarrid Wilson commits suicide |
Pastor Jarrid Wilson, 30, of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, died on Monday. Pastor Greg Laurie, who leads Harvest, announced the shocking news, saying Wilson took his own life. |
Wilson had been open about his struggles with depression. He and his wife, Juli, founded an outreach called Anthem of Hope to help others who were dealing with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. |
| |
“When you stand before God, you won’t be judged by the last thing you did before you died, you’ll be judged by the last thing Jesus did before He died.” — Greg Laurie |
Meanwhile, a fellow pastor and friend, Adam Weber of Sioux Falls, carried on Wilson’s message, telling Christians “it’s OK” to admit they’re struggling and that it doesn’t make them a bad Christian. He also urged them to seek help and know that their lives matter. |
| |
Over 124 churches attacked in Syria since start of civil war |
| |
The report finds that the Syrian regime “bears the primary responsibility” for just over 60% of the “targeting of places of Christian places of worship in Syria.” |
“The Syrian regime has always invoked positive slogans painting itself as ‘protector,’ but on the ground, it has done the opposite.” —SNHR Chairman Fadel Abdul Ghany |
Top court rules against Norway CPS after it removed son from family |
| |
After being removed from Lobben’s custody in 2008, the child was adopted by a foster family in 2011. |
The court said that the Barnevernet did not provide adequate examination into Lobben’s parenting skills or adequate analysis to back up its claim that the child was vulnerable and that adoption was in his best interest. |
Pastors converge in Washington, D.C., for Exponential Conference |
The Exponential conference, designed to equip church leaders, was held this week. |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
