I must admit, I'm a bit surprised to be writing this foreword. When Lou initially asked, I had just returned from two weeks of international teaching and training pastors, was working to finish my own book, and was emotionally drained. I asked my assistant, Suzan, to kindly decline, explaining that my schedule simply didn't allow me to even read the book, let alone write a forward.

However, a few days later, on a non-workday, I was at the office with my six-year-old grandson. As he worked on his homework over Chick-fil-A breakfast, I glanced at the letter and manuscript Lou had sent. While waiting for my grandson to finish his nuggets, I started flipping through a few pages, which quickly turned into reading. Before I knew it, 20-30 minutes had passed, and I was completely engrossed in the early chapters. I was hooked.

The subject matter resonated deeply with me. Not long ago, my best friend's son died by suicide. In my 40 years as a pastor, I've conducted numerous funerals related to suicide and have counseled many individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts or their families after such a tragedy. As I read Lou's pages, I realized how much I, even as a pastor, was uninformed and untrained on this critical issue. 

Like most reading this book, I am deeply concerned by the skyrocketing suicide rates especially among the younger generation and how they can be prevented. I was particularly impressed by Lou’s strong biblical foundation and real-life experience. Lou is a practitioner with a proven track record, having equipped thousands of military personnel and first responders with suicide prevention methods. Now, he's asking for my help to bring this vital information to the church, so we can be healers and preventers of this tragedy that not only brings death but often shatters entire families. To that, I couldn't say no.

​

I strongly encourage you to delve into this book. The stories are compelling and provide clear guidance on what to do and how to do it. The warnings and urgency serve as crucial reminders that people around us are often more fragile and struggling more deeply than we ever suspect. This book will equip you to not only recognize the signs of potential suicide but also to understand the circumstances that lead to it, even when no obvious signs are apparent.

Furthermore, Dr. Koon’s teachings are not complex. You don't need a PhD or to be a trained counselor to be a strategic aid in preventing suicide within your relational network. Despite the serious topic, a profound sense of hope is woven throughout the book, along with a powerful call for God's people to be the deliverers of that hope.

​

One concept that particularly captured my attention was this: suicide is not the result of wanting to die; suicide happens because individuals lose hope and feel utterly hopeless. The church—God's people actively living out their faith in community and showing compassion to others—is the HOPE of the world. We have an unprecedented opportunity to extend that hope to those who are losing it daily.

I urge you to read this book and put its principles into practice. Share it with others and use it as a training manual in your church, small group, or even your workplace. Lou is doing what good leaders in the church are called to do: equipping God’s people for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13). 

His expertise allows each of us to be better equipped to step in and help someone who might not be here otherwise -if we hadn't read this book, recognized the signs, or understood the circumstances that lead people to lose hope and consider taking their lives.

Thank you, Dr. Koon. I am indebted to you and honored to help get this important work out to as many people as possible.

​

Chip Ingram
Founder/CEO Living on the Edge
Author of The Invisible War: What every believer needs to know about Satan, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare