I extend heartfelt gratitude to David for the example he gave to me of a true Christian and faithful minister of the gospel. Together with Kathleen, he showed Alison and me how to serve with humility, grace and courage, putting others before himself. He showed integrity, compassion and perseverance with people.
His joy in the Spirit bubbled up and overflowed, even in the most difficult times. I loved the way he always greeted me with a smile, and walked me to the end of the driveway as I was leaving.
I thank him for the way he modelled to me the lifelong learning and study that a preacher must do. He upheld both Word and Spirit. He taught me how to listen in pastoral situations, making space for silence.
All that I learned from David and Kathleen has enabled me to stay the course almost 20 years since I met them at Bushey. Alison and I consider it such a tremendous privilege and providence that the Lord brought them into our lives in 2003. Gratitude, love and deep affection are in our hearts for both David and Kathleen.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18