RIVERSIDE, Calif., July 24, 2008—Christopher Laurie, son of Pastor Greg Laurie and Cathe Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, died this morning in a car accident in Riverside. A resident of Huntington Beach, Laurie, 33, served as the art director at Harvest Christian Fellowship for the past three years.In addition to his parents, Christopher is survived by his wife, Brittany, and daughter, Stella, as well as his brother Jonathan. Christopher and his wife are expecting another daughter in November.Memorial plans for Christopher are pending. More information will be posted to the Harvest website as details become available.
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It's always a strange mix of emotions when a Christian dies. On the one hand you're sad because selfishly you wish your loved one could be here with you to continue to share in memories and to just be around. Knowing that you'll no longer see their face is a hard realization, and usually takes quite a while to sink in. On the other hand, it's a time of rejoicing and jealousy even, for you know they're in Heaven where they belong, face to face with their God and Creator. How fantastic!
Today Greg Laurie's oldest son Christopher died. Greg Laurie is the Senior Pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, which was my home church for many years and is where I came to a true understanding of what it is to follow Christ. I also worked at Harvest for 3 years in what has always been my favorite job. Because I attended the church for so long, and especially because of working there, I had many opportunities to interact with Pastor Greg and his family including Christopher.
Today's news came as quite a shock obviously. While I grieve with the Laurie family, I also grieve with my dear friends and family at Harvest - with whom I have never felt too far from-- until today. News like this only made me want lots of hugs from those who also understood. I won't get those hugs until October, so texts and phone calls will have to do for now. Scouring the news, reading blogs, and sending prayers and thoughts with several thousand others is pretty much what I've got right now.
Almost immediately I began to feel the "ripples" of what kind of impact this news is ultimately going to have. The Harvest Crusades are just 3 weeks away, and I have absolutely no doubt that they will go on as planned. What the devil meant for evil, I truly believe God will use for good. There is going to be significant news coverage on this "story" in Southern California and in church communities around the country. And in just the stories I've read today, every outlet has mentioned the Crusades coming up. I believe people will come just out of curiosity to hear what Greg will speak about and how he will address this tragedy. People who would never have any intention of coming otherwise will show up and will in turn hear an amazing testimony of how God is being shown Good and Just through this family and all who knew Christopher. I pray for those people who do come and that this terrible event will bring many souls to Christ... what a testimony that would be!
Everyone at Harvest knows that every year right before the Crusades, it never fails that Greg is attacked in some way. Last year he was diagnosed with Vertigo about 3 days before they began and barely had any sleep the entire weekend. In other years it's been a lost voice, or some other type of random illness. Satan is always looking for ways to sidetrack those who are sharing God's truth and this event is bound to shake the faith of a few. However, I know the Lauries will come through this awful tragedy with an even stronger faith and a very powerful testimony to share with so many more than they ever imagined.
My heart breaks for Greg, Cathe, Jonathan, Brittany, little Stella and their unborn daughter. I am sad and grieve, trying to comprehend how and why, and I hug my daughter and husband a little tighter and longer tonight because of it.
5 comments:
My heart breaks for them as well, especially his wife. I couldn't imagine being with child and having to take care of yourself and your husband's funeral. I will lift the family up in prayers.
We are all heartbroken over this unexpected loss. I have no doubt that (like you said) what the enemy ment for harm, the Lord will use for good. It is already clear as the Harvest family is coming together and praying for our pastor and his family!
Very well put, Thank you Holly!
Holly,
In all the extreme sadness and grief, I thought the exact same thing (once I had processed it a little… still haven't fully processed it). God will use this horrible tragedy to reach many more at the crusades and throughout Greg's ministry.
In my normal, daily reading, the day after Chris passed, I found this:
"As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5
It was a great encouragement and motivator. God has totally carried us through so-far, enabling us to continue our ministry, to continue in Chris' ministry in the design department. I know he'll do the same in Greg's far greater suffering, in time.
Hugs to you from Riverside,
Jonna
October? Really! Wish you still worked here!
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