A small book for people who are experiencing suicidal emotions, or for those offering them counsel

Suicide is not new, but its acceptability and even popularity are quite new. Statistics indicate that more than 101 people take their own lives every day. However, those who work in the field of crisis intervention also testify that a significant number of suicides are preventable provided help is available. This mini-book will help you to recognize the warning signs of suicidal thinking and increase the possibility of giving hope to a suicidal friend before it’s too late.

Intended Readership:

• Family members / friends of people going through trials and difficult circumstances
• People who counsel those who suffer
• People who feel overcome by life
• Those who counsel people who are suicidal
• Pastors, chaplains, counselors, school counselors and emergency responders

Chapter Titles:

• Introduction
• 1. What is Suicide?
• 2. Suicide and Scripture
• 3. Help Your Suicidal Friend
• 4. Hope for the Hopeless
• Conclusion
• Personal Application Projects

Where Can I Get Further Help?

About the Author

Bruce Ray, pastor of Juanita Community Church in Kirkland, WA, has been a pastor for 45 years and has also served as a Police, Fire & EMS chaplain for 25 years. Bruce is a graduate of The Master’s College, Reformed Episcopal Seminary, and Police & Fire Chaplains’ Training Academy.

Endorsement

My Friend is Suicidal, by Bruce Ray
Deborah Howard

A friend’s recent suicide prompted my reading this book by Withhold Not Correction's Bruce Ray. What an excellent book on this delicate and dangerous subject of suicide.

Sensitively written, this book delivers what it promises. “This booklet will address suicide prevention and intervention,” it says on page 7. And it does! It describes the warning signs which usually precede a suicide, as well as things to do and things not to do in our attempt to help.

This book debunks myths and misconceptions about suicide. It lists the most common reasons given for resorting to such a violent and misguided option, as well as addressing the only true reason—“There is ultimately only one reason why people commit suicide. Most of them have not lost their minds, but all of them have lost hope,” (pg 19).

It points the one who is losing hope to the only source of true hope—Jesus Christ, and instructs us how we can possibly help when someone we love is suicidal, giving solid, concrete steps to consider. And Bruce Ray knows a thing or two about this. He has served as a police, fire and EMS chaplain for almost 25 years, and has been a pastor in Washington for 45 years. He uses some of his previous experiences to bring his points home in a realistic, factual way.

I encourage everyone to buy a copy of this book. I plan to purchase several to use as an important tool in my counseling toolbox. May GoDeborah Howardd use this book as a means to save lives and renew them through the instruction it gives to those who want to help someone who sees no other way around their pain. -