Pastor Scott Smith (1957-2020)
We are writing to let you know that at around 8:00pm on Saturday night November 7th, our beloved Pastor Scott Smith died and went to be with Jesus. His wife LeAnn was in Missouri with her family and he was at home with three of his children. His daughter Whitney said that it was the most normal day ever with their Dad and then all of a sudden he was in a state of distress. They called 911 when they found him and the medics came. The medics tried to revive him for about 15-20 minutes. According to the chaplain on the scene the medics told him they believed his death was from cardiac arrest but they were not certain.
We arrived to their house just minutes after the medics left and started praying for God to raise him back to life. We were joined by Pastor Dan, several of our pastors, staff, friends and church family to pray for his resurrection and comfort the family.
It is such a shock for all of us to see someone we love pass so suddenly and unexpectedly. We have known Scott as a friend, a brother, a mentor, a co-laborer in the gospel and one of the greatest encouragers. He was so faithful and loyal to his family, his church and his Lord.
We have this comfort from the Scripture:
Romans 8:37-39 : No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We know that even death cannot separate us from the love of Christ and that Scott is personally experiencing the hope that we have in Christ for the next life.
At a time like this, we all need to support and comfort one another and especially support LeAnn and the Smith family. LeAnn is returning as soon as she can and we will get details about how you can support the family in the near future. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.
In Christ’s love,
Pastors John and Grace
Scott Smith Legacy Fund
Comments 4
My heart goes out to you and the entire family. I traveled with Scott and LeAnn in LSI across Europe and always enjoyed his laugh, faith and encouragement. You are in my prayers. May the God of all peace be with you during this next season.
I had the privilege of having several conversations with Scott some years ago. He shared some of his acquired wisdom with me and it made an impact on my life. He was super kind, willing to help and thoughtful, just to name a few of the qualities about him that jumped out at me. Every time I saw him he was exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit. Wonderful man of God. I am very sorry to hear him go, and my condolence to his family. Blessings upon his family and Sunrise Christian Center.
Scott was such a precious brother in the Lord… I was privileged to know him for a lifetime of years . I remember him practicing drums in the youth building ( he was about 15 ). Later as a young man of God going into outreach ministry and then married to the beautiful Leanne. Then their ministry together and wonderful Smith family life.
Truly blessed but still a loss here this side of eternity. A beautiful loss because he is with our Lord Jesus. He is with his dad, Sam . I am so blessed that he prayed a blessing at our wedding. Praying daily for you all as you continue to be held in my heart. 💔🙏🤗♥️
I’ve known Scott and the extended Smith clan for well over 50 years. His dad asked me to help with Royal Rangers about 1970 Scott would have been part of that group. Then in the mid 70s we played on the Sonrise flag football team. Watched him go off with Living Sound where he also picked up a wife. When he returned to the Seattle area became youth pastor at Philly I joined him for the Entiat years. Great memories. Always such a loyal friend confidant and encourager. What a shock will miss him more then I can express but look forward to seeing him again. God bless his memory and the Smith family❤️