‘Jesus Calling’ Author Sarah Young Dies at 77: Sarah Young, the renowned Presbyterian missionary and best-selling author of the much-loved devotional series ‘Jesus Calling’ has died at the age of 77.
Young “passed away peacefully” on Thursday afternoon according to a tweet posted by Mission to the World, an organization where she served as a missionary.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sarah Young, MTW missionary and author of ‘Jesus Calling’ and numerous other devotionals,” Mission to the World tweeted.
Her memorial service is scheduled for Sept. 9 at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee.
Confirming Young’s demise, the president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Mark Schoenwald, said in a press release that it was “a joy and an honor to have Sarah Young as part of our publishing family.”
“Sarah was a remarkable woman who deeply loved God. Her words have resonated with people from all walks of life, and the global impact of her work is unparalleled,” Schoenwald remarked.
According to Premier Christian News, Laura Minchew, senior vice president of the Children’s and Gift Book Group at HarperCollins said Young “was a dear friend who will be deeply missed.”
“Through nearly 20 years of publishing with Sarah, I had a firsthand seat at seeing millions of lives changed through the Jesus Calling books,” Minchew said.
“Her books have met people in their darkest hours, taught children about Jesus, and changed lives for eternity. Knowing Sarah professionally and personally has been the privilege of a lifetime.”
The author’s death came days after Thomas Nelson Publishers announced that her physical health had deteriorated rapidly and called upon supporters to pray for the author.
“We received the hard news that Sarah’s health is rapidly failing,” stated Thomas Nelson. “We know that Sarah really believes in the power of prayer and prays for her readers every morning. Now, we have the precious privilege to lift up Sarah and her family. Please join us in prayer.”
Young is survived by her husband and fellow missionary Stephen Young, two children, and two grandchildren.