While the country was reeling over a presidential election that still hangs in the balance Wednesday morning, Christian blogger Tim Challies and his wife entered into what would be any parent’s worst nightmare.
In a blog post published in the early hours of the morning, Challies shared what he described as his most “difficult” and “devastating” words he’s ever had to type: “Yesterday, the Lord called my son to himself — my dear son, my sweet son, my kind son, my godly son, my only son.”
“Nick was playing a game with his sister and fiancée and many other students when he suddenly collapsed, never regaining consciousness,” Challies wrote. “Students, paramedics, and doctors battled valiantly, but could not save him. He’s with the Lord he loved, the Lord he longed to serve. We have no answers to the what or why questions.”
Though intensely heartbroken, the Canadian author said he and his wife, Aileen, are confident in their faith in Jesus. Challies said he and Aileen traveled “through the night” to be in Louisville with family.
“We ask that you remember us in your prayers as we mourn our loss together,” he added. “We know there will be grueling days and sleepless nights ahead. But for now, even though our minds are bewildered and our hearts are broken, our hope is fixed and our faith is holding. Our son is home.”
Challies has received prayers and condolences from other Christian leaders from around the country.
New York-based pastor and theologian Tim Keller told Challies: “Tim, I’m really sorry to hear this. Our prayers are with your family.”
“Tim, my heart breaks over this news,” wrote Costi Hinn. “Our family is mourning with you. May the peace of God still fill your hearts in the midst of pain.”
Conservative radio host Erick Erickson added: “So very sorry for your loss.”
Please keep Challies and his family in your prayers.