Who Betrayed Jesus With A Kiss, Leading To His Arrest?

Youth Pastor Widow Grapples With Painful Truth

Two weeks after the tragic passing of Jarrett Booker, a youth pastor in New Hampshire, his wife took to Facebook to share a heartfelt message amidst allegations of child sexual abuse and her husband’s suicide. In her post, Rachel grappled with a rollercoaster of emotions, acknowledging the profound impact of sin while extending prayers for those affected by her husband’s actions.

Jarrett Booker, a 37-year-old pastor at Nashua Baptist Church, sadly took his own life on November 27, just two days after being dismissed over alleged sexual abuse of minors. This occurred during an ongoing police investigation into the accusations.

Rachel poured her heart out in the Facebook post, describing the past weeks as tumultuous and emotionally overwhelming. She acknowledged the devastating nature of sin, expressing deep sorrow and prayers for everyone impacted by the situation. Admitting that her husband faced inner struggles, she also recognized the harm caused by his actions. She shared the difficulty of coping with unanswered questions while finding solace and hope in the support of their church, family, and friends.

Quoting from Ephesians 2:4-6, Rachel highlighted the abundance of God’s mercy and love, emphasizing the enduring hope found in salvation even amid the distressing circumstances.

Following Jarrett’s passing, Nashua Baptist Church issued a statement on November 29, acknowledging the complexity and pain of the situation. The church leadership firmly condemned all forms of abuse, promising transparency and unwavering support for the victims.

The decision to terminate Booker’s employment on November 25 came after an internal review uncovered evidence of misconduct. The church initiated this review following “credible allegations” of sexual abuse against minors, leading to a formal criminal investigation confirmed by Sergeant John Cinelli of the Nashua Police Department.

Initially, the church refrained from disclosing details of the allegations to protect the integrity of the legal process. However, they later informed their congregation, pledging to provide updates as new information emerged.

Jarrett Booker had been an integral figure in the church for nearly a decade, actively engaging with teenagers and leading worship music. His obituary revealed he was adopted at 18 months old and is survived by his parents, wife, son, and other family members. He was widely respected and cherished within the community.