An East Tennessee church community is in deep grief after a local pastor and his wife were both killed in a car accident.
Pastor Ruben and Belinda Wilson of Three Points Baptist Church lost their lives after being involved in a collision that injured three others, including a child, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Knox News, Ruben and Belinda were pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured juvenile was rushed to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in critical condition.
“We are absolutely heartbroken at the passing of our pastor and his wife, Ruben and Belinda Wilson,” the church wrote on Facebook following the tragedy.
“We are thankful and humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers that have come in during the last two days. Thank you to everyone who came out for the prayer service,” the church added in a separate post. “Thank you to everyone who has sent out prayerful messages and comments. It would be impossible to thank each of you individually. To each and every one of you, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”
The church held a special memorial and prayer service in honor of the couple Wednesday night.
“In situations like this, I’ve always gone back to one verse, be still and know that I am God. This is a time where the church, that family, just has to be still,” South Knoxville Baptist Church Pastor Richard Phipps told News 10 in response to the accident.
Many paid tribute to the couple on Facebook, offering words of comfort, prayer and condolence. “So sorry for this loss for family and church,” one person wrote. “Ruben was my first pastor, I will always remember him fondly! My prayers are with you all.”
“I am so saddened for all of the family and all of the churchgoers,” another added. “God saw fit to bring them home together.”
Faithwire has reached out to Three Points Baptist Church for comment on the tragedy. Do pray for all those who are mourning the deaths of these faithful pastors.