Former Johns Creek Baptist Pastor Dies

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Johns Creek, GA -- The beloved founder and former pastor Johns Creek Baptist Church has died.

That’s according to the church’s Facebook page, which announced the news of the Rev. Bill Self’s passing.

“The noble struggle of Bill’s battle with ALS ended this morning, as he was surrounded by the comforting and undying love of his family,” the church said Saturday.

Self’s diagnosis with the disease, commonly referred to Lou Gehrig’s Disease, was made public in aMay 2015 blog post published on the church’s website.

Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a ”progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord,”according to the ALS Association.

According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS often starts with muscle twitching and weakness in one’s arm or leg or slurring of speech. The disease eventually affect a patient’s ability to control the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe.

Self retired in late 2012 as senior pastor at Johns Creek Baptist Church after decades of service. Funeral arrangements for Self are pending, the church added.

“Even now, as Bill is welcomed into the eternal embrace of the One he served so faithfully for so many years, we continue to lift up his family; and pray that the Peace that passes understanding will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” the church said.

Return to Patch for updates.

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Image via Johns Creek Baptist Church