Rick Warren and his family are battling devastating news today that their son, Matthew, has committed suicide.  

Matthew was 27 years old and has had a life-long battle with mental illness. 

Warren sent out a heart-felt email to his church congregation sharing about his son and asking for prayer.  In the email he says, "No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now," Warren wrote. "Our youngest son, Matthew, age 27, and a lifelong member of Saddleback, died today."  Warren talked about all of his sons beautiful qualities and also shared, "but only those closest knew that he struggled from birth with mental illness, dark holes of depression, and even suicidal thoughts. In spite of America's best doctors, meds, counselors and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided."

The family was reported together the same evening and had a good, enjoyable evening together.  They said that Matthew took his life "in a momentary wave of despair at his home."

To give deeper insight into Matthew's situation, Warren wrote, "I'll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said, 'Dad, I know I'm going to heaven. Why can't I just die and end this pain?" and added, "But he kept going for another decade."

Rick Warren is the popular pastor of Saddleback Community church in California and also the author of Christian best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life.  

The family would appreciate prayers during this extremely difficult time.  Life is precious and it is another reminder to love those around you always because we never know when they will be gone.