Josh Rene was riding his motorcycle this past Wednesday. A guy in a pickup truck didn't see him and now Josh is gone. He leaves behind his wife, Bri, and four children.

Josh served on World Race staff, regularly leading us into the Lord's presence. He was gifted in song and in loving people well. His passing was a shock and a great source of grief for many.

Josh made a big impact on the AIM community, leading worship for multiple years before taking a position as a pastor at Journey Chuch in Florida. The outpouring of grief shows how much Josh was loved.

From Journey Church

Pastor Josh was much more than a spiritual leader—he was a source of encouragement, joy, and steadfast faith. Those who knew him describe him as a compassionate shepherd who poured his heart into every sermon, every worship service, and every moment of connection with his congregation. His music, prayers, and teachings created a sanctuary of hope for many, offering comfort during difficult times and inspiring individuals to strengthen their relationship with God.

From Allan Boehm (squadmate): 

Josh was such a rock to be around. Wherever he was I wanted to be. In just a moment you could go from being in tears because of a deep conversation to being in tears because you’re laughing so hard. Both his caring for others and his laugh were so contagious! I learned from him and followed him as we led worship together and he ended up giving me his guitar. A gift that I believe breathed life to my anointing and gave me the responsibility to lead others to worship God all around the world. Something that I continue to do to this day.

Seeing how much he loved Bri and how much fun marriage seemed to be with them gave me so much excitement and hope for the marriage I have today! I’m so grateful for his life and now legacy.

From Alan Shearman

Josh and his family spent three months with me this summer in Mias, Spain. He was open to receive fresh revelation …the most important characteristic was Josh’s ( and Bri’s) enthusiastic willingness to embrace fresh revelation and actually follow the cloud over the border .

He resigned safety and salary with thoughtful gusto . Plans were made and a house was sold.

He lived with gusto .

He took down several dead trees in the garden and made logs and worked for hours without a break. And when he jumped in the pool to join his girls , he leapt in the air , knees to chest and with a loud shout stormed into the pool .

For me, as I pondered , these are simple natural anecdotes to exemplify the whole man .

We were planning multiple avenues to seek to influence a generation.

From Ryan Otto

Josh was a true man after God’s own heart who was such a worshipper in Spirit and in Truth with great passion and love to lead others into a living encounter into His presence! He led people into an encounter and relationship with God through his words, songs, and life whether that was leading worship in a dirt field in Africa or preaching on a stage in front of thousands, Josh always stopped for the one to see them, care for them, and point them to Jesus.

He lived for his love of God, his family, and to give others a taste of the presence of God. He wasn’t just a man who talked the talk, but he walked the walk and lived out what he spoke and sang.

Josh was the real deal and I am honored to have known him, served with him, and get to call him my brother and friend.

Josh helped so many people find their “roar” in the Lord and now we know he is worshipping the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord’s in Heaven with all his might.

Someone once said what we do in life echoes in eternity, and Josh lived this out not allowing himself to settle for anything less than God’s best for his life.

I love you Josh and as I texted you last week, once brothers always brothers, Grace and peace until we meet again.

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Here are three of Josh's songs. I have them playing on repeat this morning.