Family who lost son ‘believes in the power of forgiveness’

Josiah Sisson, 9, was struck by a car on Christmas night and died two days later

Nine-year-old Josiah Sisson died in hospital two days after being hit by an alleged drunk-driver on the evening of Christmas Day.

Josiah was out with his family looking at Christmas lights in the south Brisbane suburb of Springwood. He was rushed to hospital but died two days later, after being taken off life support.

Josiah’s father, Karl Sisson, who is the pastor at Potters House Church in Redbank Plains, has indicated the family believes in the power of forgiveness.

“They’ve got a lot of support from the church friends and family, but nothing can replace losing your son.”

Peter Field is the pastor of Potters House church in Strathpine and oversees Potters House churches in QLD and NSW, has been acting as a spokesperson for the family during this difficult time.

“The family are grief-stricken,” Pastor Field told Eternity. “They’ve got a lot of support from the church friends and family, but nothing can replace losing your son.”

Pastor Field told Eternity that one of the pastors of a Potters House church went to visit the driver on Wednesday evening to invite him to church.

The Sisson family simply want to say that they believe in the power of forgiveness.

“Sin is what caused this,” said Pastor Field. “We’re all sinners and we all need Christ.”

In a media statement earlier this week, Pastor Field said, “On behalf of Pastor Karl Sisson, [the family] simply want to say that they believe in the power of forgiveness.”

“As Christmas is about Jesus Christ being born and coming into the world to bring forgiveness, they believe in the power of forgiveness and they’re now processing this and moving forward,” said Pastor Field.

Pastor Field thanked the hospital on behalf of the family, and asked that their privacy be respected as they process this tragedy.

Josiah is being remembered as an “incredibly happy-go-lucky, joyful little boy,” said Pastor Field.

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Pray for the Sisson family to be well supported as they grieve.