Pastor Returns To Pulpit For First Time Since Son’s Unexpected Death

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A beloved Tupelo pastor is back at the pulpit two months after the unexpected death of his three year old son.

It’s every parents nightmare. Losing a child. For Pastor Matt Powell and his family, that nightmare was reality.

“For those of you who may be new, my son, I have four children, one of which is now in heaven, he was three and a half years old, passed away January 26th of this year in our front yard, no trauma, he laid down,went to sleep, went to go be with Jesus,” said Pastor Powell.

The pastor said he and his wife, along with their three daughters, are heartbroken over the death of Judah, who was born with a heart defect, that was corrected with surgery.  His first sermon since Judah’s passing was about going into and getting through the fiery trials of life.

“Hundreds of people were touched by Judah’s story when he was born with a heart defect, but tens of thousands of people have been touched by his death.  Was it worth it? No I’m his parent but I want him here.  I say God You’re doing something for Your glory,” Powell said.

Pastor Powell was reminded of that as he looked into the audience.  Many were wearing “Super Judah” shirts, as a way to remember the energetic youngster who loved all superheroes.

Church members say they are humbled to help shoulder the burdens faced their church leader is facing, and help make a difference other facing dark times.

“If this is what I can do to honor Judah and remember Judah, this is the least I can do.  I hope a lot of people ask me about my shirt everytime I wear it so I can tall them the story of Judah and the story of the Powells,” said Anne Cockrell.

Funds from the “Super Judah” shirts will help purchase toys and other gifts for children and their family members at North Mississippi Medical Center.

The CREATE Foundation of Northeast Mississippi will administer the “Judah’s Super Kids ” Fund. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.