“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) Hi Fighter, I remember as a young Christian – still a teenager – hearing a woman preach on these words of St Paul (reprinted above) to the church […]
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Hi Fighter, It’s Father Dave, and I am feeling weary as I pen this week’s update. Energy levels ebb and flow for all of us – I know. I’m at a low energy point today. Coming to terms with the fact that this may be my last year in parish ministry is something I’m struggling
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Hi Fighter, Dave here – back from Syria and finally ready to debrief the experience. It was my eighth trip to Syria in the last six years, and it’s been remarkable to see how the country and the people have evolved over that time. Back in 2013, I’d look out from my hotel room in
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Back from Damascus Read More »
Hi Fighter, Father Dave here, and I’m on the road to Damascus (more or less). To be exact, I’m starting this quick update on board a flight from Abu Dhabi to Beirut, at which point we’ll hopefully find a bus waiting for us that will put us directly on the road to Damascus. It’s been
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
On the road to Damascus Read More »
Hi Fighter, It’s Father Dave, and I’d appreciate your prayers. For any who don’t know, my family is having a rough time at the moment. Ange and I are not currently living together. Two weeks ago, Ange and my son, Soren, moved to an adjoining suburb. My youngest daughter, Fran, stayed with me. It’s been
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Hi Fighter. I hope you’re having a great Easter, I know Easter Day was weeks ago but in our church calendar we are still in Easter season. It can’t hurt to keep the celebration of life and hope going a bit longer. For me this Easter has been one of great highs and great lows
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Hi Fighter, Here we are, at the end of Holy week. As begin to write, it’s still Friday, and the images of our wonderful Good Friday service are still fresh in my mind. Even so, it’s been a busy and emotionally-draining week for me. Years ago, what always exhausted me this time of year were
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
The light shines in the darkness Read More »
Hi Fighter, It’s Dave, touching base again, and this week I’m not happy. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, and I know I have a lot to be thankful for – a healthy family, supportive friends, and a wonderful church community. Even so, when my fight was cancelled last Friday night just before I was
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Hi Fighter, These are dark days. We’ve seen the most horrible face of bigotry on display, and so close to our own shores. I’m referring, of course, to the terrible massacre of our sisters and brothers at prayer in the Christchurch Mosque. Yes, the crime was committed in Christchurch, New Zealand, and that’s not exactly
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Christians and Muslims can be friends Read More »
Hi Fighter, It’s Dave, checking in from Binacrombi. I’m down here just for the one night, touching base with the team here and making a new friend. I’ve included a pic of my new best mate below. If you haven’t made it to Binacrombi yet, this guy is another good reason to come. He seems
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Back into the Ring Read More »
