Community Grieves Loss of Florida Pastor in Tragic Motorcycle Accident
The community of Journey Church in Florida is coming to terms with the sudden loss of Pastor Joshua R. Rene, who tragically passed away following a motorcycle accident. The church gathered for a poignant service to remember him and reflect on themes of resilience and faith amid adversity.
Joshua R. Rene, aged 39, was an executive pastor at Journey Church, which has locations in West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, and Boynton Beach. His online biography highlighted his commitment to his family, faith, and congregation.
A Facebook video on Thanksgiving Day by Lead Pastor Scott Baugh revealed the depth of the community’s grief. “It just doesn’t feel real,” Baugh expressed, adding, “For so many of you, he was Pastor Josh, and he was an amazing pastor. But to me, he was just Josh. He was a friend, as close as a brother to me for 10 years.”
On Sunday, services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. took place at the church’s three campuses, featuring a tribute to Pastor Rene and a sermon on enduring faith during difficult times. “There was never a person he didn’t love, there was never a person he didn’t make time for,” Baugh emotionally shared during the service. “The one thing about Josh was that he was always joyful, always had faith. One of the most amazing things that has struck me through this whole thing is to see the outpouring on social media and phone calls.”
The crash occurred on the 6200 block of South Congress Avenue near Atlantis, as detailed by The Palm Beach Post. Pastor Rene was riding a Harley Davidson northbound when a GMC Sierra pickup, traveling southbound, turned left into Atlantis Plaza, leading to the collision.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s report indicated the pickup’s driver did not spot Rene’s motorcycle in time. The crash ejected Rene, resulting in his death at the scene. The driver was identified as a 50-year-old man from Stuart.
Journey Church conveyed its sorrow in a statement on Facebook, requesting prayers for Rene’s family. “As a church community we are heartbroken over the loss of our beloved Pastor Josh,” the statement read. “Please pray with us for the Rene family.”
A heartfelt comment on the Facebook post about Rene’s passing quoted scripture: “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I shall set you over much; enter the joy of your Lord.'”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
