ROCKWALL (BP)—Messages of condolences and prayer support came forward for Shane Pruitt and his family following the July 25 death of his son.
“Titus Praise Pruitt, our precious boy, went home to be with Jesus at 12:50 AM this morning,” Pruitt, National Next Gen director for the North American Mission Board, posted on social media.
“We are heartbroken, but also joyful. Joyful about him being home in Heaven with Jesus. Joyful that he will never again experience seizures, or a wheelchair, or medicines, or crying, or pain, or surgeries or suffering. Joyful that he is finally fully healed and fully alive. Joyful that he is getting to do so many things for the very first time like walk, run, sing, and worship the King face to face.”
Clay Smith, senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga., was among those replying with support.
“Praying for you. So sorry to read of your loss. Grateful for the eternal mercy and grace of Jesus,” he said.
“May the Lord grant you great peace and the assured hope of the wholeness of his resurrection,” added Malcolm Yarnell, professor at Southwestern Seminary.
“I am so sorry … praying,” said Todd Gray, Kentucky Baptist Convention executive director.
NAMB President Kevin Ezell flew to Texas to be with the Pruitt family and gave a statement to Baptist Press.
“In his short time here on earth, Titus endured great suffering but brought so much joy to those around him,” Ezell said. “His smile and personality lit up the room. Shane and Kasi gave him a home filled with love, faith and laughter. They are grateful Titus suffers no more, but the whole family will miss him terribly. Please keep the Pruitts in your prayers.”
Sign up for our weekly edition and get all our headlines in your inbox on Thursdays
Spent early years in Ugandan hospital
Four of Shane and Kasi Pruitt’s six children joined their family through adoption. One of the children, named Praise, had lived practically his entire life in an Ugandan hospital due to health complications before coming home with the Pruitts in the spring of 2015.
Their son was given a new first name, Titus.
Shortly after Titus arrived at the Pruitt home, Kasi Pruitt wrote about how God used her son to “constantly remind me that this life is but a moment, and a fleeting one at that. I pray for healing for our boy all the time, but the amazing reality is that one day healing will happen for Titus.
“It may or may not be in my timing but one day, either on this earth or in eternity, it will happen, and it will happen completely.”
‘Forever grateful’ for time together
Shane Pruitt, a frequent speaker at student camps and other events, pointed to Titus over the years as an example and source of strength.
“Without a doubt the strongest and most resilient person I know,” he posted March 13 on his son’s return home after another surgery.
On Instagram, Titus’ mother reflected on her son’s life.
“The brightest light, biggest smile, most swag, and the absolute strongest person I have ever known. He experienced great suffering with great joy,” she wrote.
“… Being his Mom for the last 10 years has been nothing but a privilege!! He has made everyone in the Pruitt Pack better.”
Shane Pruitt said the same in his post on July 25.
“Please continue to pray for our family and especially our other kiddos as we have to learn a new normal without our Titus. We will be forever grateful for the 10 years the Lord gave us with him.”
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.