We are still basking in the afterglow of an extraordinary Men’s Day at Christ Church, Heiloo, a day that was filled with the presence of God, the power of friendship, and the deep conviction that we are called to stand together as brothers in Christ.
Brad Smith of Men of Valor laid a strong and godly foundation in January, setting the tone for what would be a truly transformational gathering in April. We were blessed to have Phil Knox of the Evangelical Alliance, evangelist, missiologist, and author of The Best of Friends and Story Bearer, lead us with great wisdom and grace. His teaching was a timely call to pursue authentic, Christ-centred friendships that don’t just enrich our lives, but expand the Kingdom.
Phil was joined by his best friend, Bob Retallick-Cheel, a gifted pop/rock music producer from Birmingham and the worship leader at their church. Bob led us in worship that lifted our spirits and touched us all deeply, especially when he performed a song based on a poem I had written, titled Then We Are Stronger.
This song, inspired by Scripture and Phil’s own writing, reminded us that we are not meant to walk this journey alone. When we link arms, when we lift each other up, we are stronger. That message resonated deeply, and many of the men left not only encouraged but also determined to intentionally cultivate godly friendships that will stand the test of time.
This is the heartbeat of what we’re building at Christ Church; a community of deep, authentic, Kingdom relationships. And we want to see this continue, grow, and bear fruit in every life we touch.
But we can’t do this without your continued support. We are so grateful for every one who so generously and faithfully support us.
But right now, our personal funds are running a bit low. If you’ve been encouraged by what God is doing here, through the teaching, the worship, the friendships being formed, and the lives being changed, would you prayerfully consider sowing into this ministry? Your support enables us to continue equipping the saints, hosting events like these, and walking with people in every season of life.
We believe in the mission. We believe in the church. And most of all, we believe in a God who is building something eternal, through people like you.
Thank you for walking with us. Thank you for praying, giving, and believing, but most of all, thank you for being our friends!
Then We Are Stronger
Verse 1:
We’ve all had those mountaintop moments
But life is not lived in the clouds
Most of our days we are wandering
Out on the plains with the crowds.
Verse 2:
But then there are those darker valleys
When we feel our life is all spent
When stumbling along in our blindness
We wonder where all our friends went.
Chorus:
When we are down, when we are out,
When we no longer know what life’s about.
When we call on our friends, on whom we depend,
Then we are stronger.
Verse 3:
When we are besieged by bereavement
And hard pressed on every side
Then we need our friends to surround us
Our trusted companions for life.
Verse 4:
The enemy prowls like a lion
Seeking those he may devour
Alone we are prey to his cruelty
Easily we're overpowered.
Chorus:
When we are down, when we are out,
When we no longer know what life’s about.
When we call on our friends, on whom we depend,
We are made stronger.
Verse 5:
But two or more can help defend us
Not one of us need be alone
A friend is a presence forever
A comrade who’ll never disown.
Verse 6:
If one of us falls by the wayside
Another can help us upright
We’ll run the long race to the finish
Together we will win the fight.
Chorus:
When we are down, when we are out,
When we no longer know what life’s about.
When we call on our friends, on whom we depend,
We are made stronger.
Ecclesiastes 4:10, 12; Proverbs 17:17; 1 Peter 5:8
Inspired by Knox, Phil, The Best of Friends, IVP, 2023.
© Johannes W H van der Bijl
In Christ our Friend and King,
Johann & Louise van der Bijl |
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