Jesus instructs in Mark 16:15 that we are to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
As Christ followers, we know this is our kingdom duty, but how many of us carry it out in our daily lives? And how fewer yet would have the bold courage to declare the Gospel in the face of death?
Jared Plesec is one of those few.
Photo Credit: Plesec Family
The 21-year-old Salvation Army worker was shot dead one Saturday morning in Cleveland while clutching his Bible and sharing the Gospel with his murderer.
His killer, 27-year-old William Jones, then continued on a carjacking crime spree that eventually ended in his arrest in Lakewood.
Jared had worked for the Salvation Army as a Bible study teacher for years, and died doing the thing he loved most: spreading the love of Jesus.
“Jared was an employee (youth worker) and church member of The Salvation Army Temple Corps Community Center in Collinwood. Jared died as he lived, sharing God’s love,” the Salvation Army released in a statement. “Jared passed away in full Salvation Army uniform with his Bible in hand leaving home on his day off to volunteer at The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle.”
According to those who knew him best, Jared’s final act came as no surprise.
He lived to “teach people who God was” and “to love and care for people” according to Major Daniel Alverio of the Salvation Army.