Rachel Held Evans: Progressive Christian author and speaker, Rachel Held Evans, died on May 4, at 37-years-old. Evans had been placed in a medically induced coma on Good Friday after experiencing seizures caused by medications used to treat an infection she had previously been hospitalized for. A mother of two, Evans is the author of books Evolving in Monkey Town, A Year of Biblical Womanhood and Searching for Sunday. Her final book, Inspired, was published in 2018.
Eugene Peterson: American author, biblical scholar and pastor Eugene Peterson died on October 22, at 85 years old.
About one week before his passing, it was announced that Peterson was admitted into hospice care due to his declining health. The Message writer’s son, Eric, had made an announcement via email to the family’s friends and loved ones to inform them of the move.
In the email, Eric explained that Peterson was admitted into the hospital for his declining health which “took a sudden and dramatic turn” in the wrong direction caused by an infection. Peterson was suffering from heart failure and dementia and according to his son, both were “advanced and progressing.”
Peterson was a well-respected member of the Presbyterian Church, biblical scholar and author of over 30 books.
Jarrid Wilson: Jarrid Wilson, a well-known pastor and mental health advocate took his own life on September 9. Wilson was an associate pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship in California. He authored multiple books and co-foundered Anthem of Hope, a faith-centered organization dedicated to helping those battling depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction and suicide. Wilson was thirty years old at the time of his death and is survived by his wife, Juli, his two young sons, Finch and Denham, his mother, father, and siblings.
Truett McKeehan: Truett Foster McKeehan – the eldest son of Christian rapper and singer Toby “TobyMac” McKeehan – passed away in the early morning hours on October 23 at 21-years-young. McKeehan, also known as Truett Forster, TRU, truDogg and Shiloh online, was a budding rapper in the secular scene. He had released a number of independent songs as well as collaborated with his father on several his albums including DC Talk’s Solo EP, Momentum, Re:Mix Momentum, Welcome to Diverse City, Portable Sounds, Tonight and Eye on It. McKeehan was also featured on the song “Backseat driver” from This Is Not a Test and hit song “Alone” on Christian artist Hollyn’s self-titled EP.
Reportedly TobyMac’s song “Scars” was also written about how his relationship with McKeehan had changed after he moved out on his own. McKeehan is survived by his Father Toby “TobyMac” McKeehan, Mother Amanda McKeehan, and four siblings, twins Moses and Marlee, Leo and Judah.
Norm Geisler: Christian apologist Norm Geisler passed away on July 1, at the age of 86. Geisler – the author of over 100 books and a teacher of theology, philosophy and apologetics for over 50 years – had been battling an illness since April.
The family did not disclose the details of the illness but shared that Geisler passed away peacefully in the morning hours.
“It is with great sadness that we share this news that Norm Geisler passed away peacefully this morning,” a statement from the family read. “He has left behind an amazing legacy that will continue to have a ripple effect for many years to come.”
Photo courtesy: Rachel Held Evans Facebook
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