While piloting a single engine aircraft, my pastor friend, Forrest Pollock and his son, Preston, were  tragically killed. Although missing on May 12, their bodies were discovered yesterday near Cold Mountain in North Carolina.  Forrest has served as the Pastor of the Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Florida, a large, growing, evangelistic body of believers. Forrest (and his son Preston) are survived by his wife, Dawn, and five children.  Forrest was 44 years of age, and his son Preston was only 13.

I met Forrest Pollock years ago while speaking for a conference he began for pastors. He had asked me to speak at their meeting at the annual Southern Baptist Convention.  Forrest Pollock was a great communicator, a gifted leader, and had dynamic personal skills.

Forrest and I spent several minutes together recently at a conference in Florida. He was quizzing me about television ministry, as well as other matters.  He was always a learner, ready and willing to do whatever it took to reach his city for Christ.  We had dialogued days before that as well via email.

We must lift up in prayer the family of Dr. Forrest Pollock as well as the Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Florida. The loss is extremely tragic for all, especially his family and church family.  All of our hearts hurt for them.  This is one of those difficult things that has no explanation.

May God grant Dawn, their children, and church family the grace to walk through this deep valley. We find ourselves walking by faith in the promises of God.