Hillsong's Stephen Harmon Dies of COVID

Stephen Harmon, a graduate of Hillsong College and the guest relations coordinator of Hillsong Church LA, has passed away early morning on Wednesday (July 21st). Harmon was 34 years-old and he passed away after contracting COVID.

Harmon had been part of Hillsong Church for eleven years after he was given a scholarship at Hillsong College in California at the age of 23. Harmon was tested positive for COVID in June. However his pneumonia only got "a lot worse"  last week. He was struggling to breath despite already receiving the maximum oxygen allowance.

Global senior pastor of Hillsong Church Brian Houston expressed his condolences. "Stephen was just a young man in his early 30's. He was a graduate from Hillsong College and a vital part of our church in California. He was one of the most generous people I know and he had so much in front of him. He would always turn up to our grandkids soccer games and he will be missed by so many. RIP."

Bobbie Houston shared, " Rest in glorious peace dear Stephen Harmon ... you were (and will always remain) a gift in our lives. Til that day when we are all reunited, we will hold you with great affection in our hearts."

Scott Ligertwood, husband of Hillsong Worship's leader and songwriter Brooke, wrote, "For the last year, Brooke and I have had the privilege of working alongside a group of very special people, to create something that has come to be one of the most important projects I have ever been a part of.

A few months ago Stephen came on staff to work alongside me on that project. He wasn't able to talk about it openly as he was under a NDA (IYKYK).

Stephen and I spent the last few months working extremely close. Most days it meant he and I working together, just the two of us, in a room for hours poring over scripture, researching and writing. He had almost a Rolodex memory when it came to the scripture (and pop-culture references).

He would come into work everyday and tell me that this was his "dream job".

Throughout our years of friendship he would share that he believed his life's mission was to teach.

In 6 days we will be introducing the world to the project we've been working on, and one that Stephen has played a vital role in shaping. And as we launch it, we will also be launching Stephen's legacy and the fulfilment of his dream to teach. I sit here this morning and as I connect these dots, I'm again reminded that God never works the way we think He will. Jesus taught that greatness is to serve. With that being the truth, I can wholeheartedly say that Stephen is greatness.

To all his friends who knew him best, trust me when I say, you're going to be so proud of him this time next week (as I'm sure you are of him now).

I sit here today acutely aware of the goodness of God in Stephen's life. Nothing is ever wasted in Him.

I miss my friend dearly."

 

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