Beloved Pastor Spoke of Mental Health Struggle to Congregation Just Days Before Committing Suicide—Watch His Final Sermon

Will Maule : Aug 28, 2018
Faithwire.com

"Never in a million years would I have imagined this would be the end of his story. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or actions, please tell someone. Please make sure you're not alone, and please call a friend or family member before you make that irreversible decision. You are loved and valued more than you know!" -Kayla Stoecklein

EDITOR'S NOTE: Please keep Andrew's wife, Kayla and three boys in prayer; they'll all need it for healing in the weeks and years to come. -Aimee Herd, BCN.

[Faithwire.com] The wife of a young California pastor who took his life over the weekend has spoken out about her grief. Andrew Stoecklein, 30, died Saturday after attempting to kill himself Friday night. (Image source: Instagram/Andrew Stoecklein/via Faithwire)

Stoecklein was the senior pastor at Inland Hills Church in Chino, California, and had been open about his battle with depression and anxiety. His wife, Kayla, took to Instagram Monday to pay tribute to the father of three.

"Last night, the love of my life, the father of my children and the pastor of our incredible church took his last breath and went to be with Jesus. It wasn't the miracle I was hoping for but he is now in Heaven with his dad, free of pain, free of depression and anxiety," she wrote.

"He was an amazing husband, he truly made me better, made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world, and he loved me so deeply. We fit so well together, we were one. He was an amazing daddy, his three boys are going to miss him so much. He had such a unique and special relationship with each of them. He was an incredibly gifted teacher, communicator, and pastor. He was special, one of a kind and will be missed by thousands of people all around the world."

Kayla asked for prayer for her and the boys, noting that she is "completely heartbroken, lost, and empty."

"Never in a million years would I have imagined this would be the end of his story," she added. "If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or actions, please tell someone. Please make sure you're not alone, and please call a friend or family member before you make that irreversible decision. You are loved and valued more than you know!"

In a recent talk, delivered on August 12, Stoecklein appeared alongside his wife to inform the church about some of the personal issues he had been facing over the past several months. He also took the opportunity to address the absolutely devastating mental health crisis that is plaguing our nation... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Click here to read Pastor Stoecklein's important words on his mental health, and watch the video of his last sermon.