Hope is essential..

Life demands a reason and an explanation

Sometimes the day-to-day can gather a momentum that seems almost insurmountable. Yet another day is coming around the corner bringing its own challenges, meetings, questions, burdens, and busyness. I think that's in part the genius of God's 7 day weekly cycle that we can expect a rest and day of fellowship is always somewhere very close. But even with this acknowledged our concern is often larger than that. If we seek to zoom out a little we want to know how we can have a sense that all this effort is worth something, or going somewhere. We want some.. hope.

How much more when we're facing dire news? It was so encouraging to have Cam share something of his journey through cancer with us at 8:30am last week. We have the privilege of considering both hope in the face of severe trials and the prospect of death as we host Dave McDonald here on Saturday night. 

As a pastor, author, and cancer survivor Dave brings a unique mix of experience and theology, insight and authenticity. Dave will talk of cancer, he will share of fears and doubts and worries. You needn't think it's been easy. As a bonus we'll also have the chance to hear from Dave's wife (Fiona) on what's been like to be a spouse and supporter on such a journey too. Through it all we'll get a sense of the unmistakable and unique hope of the Christian faith. A hope that sounds a lot like these 2000 year old words;  

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV11)

I look forward to seeing you there at 7pm. 

Hear more about Dave's journey in an interview for Lung Cancer Australia: https://youtu.be/5PW84BoBIuM?si=G8ugsO3ZAoP3o_rD

Grab your tickets for the event this Saturday night here: https://www.trybooking.com/DJPJE