“Everything you imagined—your future, your life with your children, your grandchildren, growing old is gone,” Cathe continued. “It’s not going to be the way you imagined.”
Now, 15 years later, Laurie continues to remember and grieve the loss of Christopher. The megachurch pastor posted, “15 years. That’s how long it has been since I saw my oldest son Christopher. 15 years since I heard his voice, saw him laugh or held him close.” Laurie continued, “And today, July 24th, 2023 marks that date.”
15 years.
That’s how long it has been since I saw my oldest son Christopher.
15 years since I heard his voice, saw him laugh or held him close.And today, July 24th, 2023 marks that date.
That’s a long time to be separated from someone you love.
Our son was called home… pic.twitter.com/TbJzl4UvL6— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) July 24, 2023
Laurie Found Hope After Losing His Son Christopher Laurie
While many didn’t expect Laurie at church the following Sunday, just days after his son’s death, Laurie and his family were at Harvest Christian Fellowship. “I couldn’t think of any place I’d rather be than in church this morning with you,” Laurie said as he addressed the congregation that morning.
He briefly shared about his son and how the two genuinely loved each other. Then, Laurie depended on Pastor Don McClure to preach.
In the video, “Hope for Hurting Hearts,” Laurie reflected on the hope that he and Cathe have found in the years since Christopher’s death. “We have experienced the comfort that only God can give,” the pastor shared.
“I just baptized both of his daughters, Stella and Lucy,” Laurie celebrated. “They are both beautiful young ladies now, following the Lord.”
Laurie wanted to share encouragement with others who have lost loved ones or who are hurting deeply. “Maybe you have recently lost a loved one, and you don’t know how you will cope,” he said. “God will be there for you too. Just call out to him.”
“Psalm 34:18 says that ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted: He rescues those whose spirits are crushed,'” Laurie quoted.
Pastor Greg Laurie founded Harvest Christian Fellowship back in 1973. The church continues to grow and participates in baptism events, reaching thousands.
