I had a conversation last week that reminded me of the absolute privilege and sometimes heartbreak it is to have relationships with our friends. We were talking about a recent loss they suffered through suicide. This was a very personal conversation that included the struggles they have had in their own life. Aspects of their story were like nothing I have ever heard before. Their openness, honesty, vulnerability, and willingness to share this traumatic part of their soul was humbling.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this conversation centred around a question I asked. “What does your current support system look like?” They answered, “Non-existent, I am my own support system.” I smiled and said, “Do you know that you always have me in your corner?” They smiled back and said they did know that. I was thinking about the verse in Ecclesiastes 4. “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
Another friend was recently sharing how they feel like a failure. Wondering if it was ever going to change. Another friend was struggling with work-related issues. They felt the crushing pressure of making the “right” decision. Another friend was struggling with keeping their faith first and foremost in their day-to-day lives.
Conversations as Tricia and I have a thousand cups of coffee with our MUPPET friends. (Many Under Pressure Pretending Everything’s Together.) In these conversations, we share the hope and peace that can only be found in Jesus. We share that God loves them and cares deeply for them. That his plan for them is far greater than anything they can imagine. We are the second person who is there to pick them up when they fall. They know they’re not alone.
Recently, I was sitting in a room with about 20 other people. One of my friends was in a conversation across the room. He stopped and called out to me. “David, who’s that group that you are with again?” I said, “The Quakers.” He smiled and said, “That’s what I thought.” The young lady next to him smiled at me, and they continued their conversation.
I love the fact that through our daily interactions and presence, we are Christ ambassadors in Ireland. We are representatives of Evangelical Friends Mission: Ireland. We are a living reflection of God at work in his kids.
Please continue to pray for our friends. Pray that they will have a transformational encounter with God almighty. Pray that we will have the words to speak and ears to listen. Pray for Ireland to become a nation that hungers and thirsts for righteousness. Thank you all for your continued love and care for us.
A couple of personal updates:
David has started working towards his MA in Transformational Leadership through the Irish Bible Institute and St. John’s University. This is both exciting and terrifying. Please pray for him in this endeavour. The 2025 softball season has begun. He and Jonathan play for the Wicklow Wolves. This is always a fun time. David continues to stay active in the arts community.
Tricia has been working with the Teaching Council of Ireland to get her teaching license here renewed. It is a very slow and difficult process. Please pray for patience and for a favourable outcome. She has also been working diligently on learning Irish. Not an easy task for sure.
Both David and Tricia have been dealing with a few health issues. We have been working with our Irish Doctors to sort this all out.
On a positive note, we have had sunshine for a few days recently. That makes everything better.
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