Sunrise"I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’" [Lamentations 3:20-24. NLT]

This is an especially meaningful quote from God’s Word for us as a family at this time. The last few weeks have been very traumatic for us. Nicole’s mother passed away very suddenly just before Christmas and our three teenage children were involved in a serious car accident on New Year’s Day. 

We thank God for his incredible grace during this time, as well as for the support, care, and prayers of our friends and church community, which has been nothing short of amazing.

Life is not always fair, but God is always good.

18 thoughts on “Fresh Mercies

  1. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I really feel for you and understand. Tough times are never easy, but God’s gracious love, family and friends help to strengthen us and see us through. God’s love never fails. You are so right Mark. Life is not always fair, but God is always good. Take care. Love and hugs to you all.

  2. Dear Mark & Nicole,
    Just cannot begin to imagine what you and Nicole are going through now. But as parents ourselves, we can understand the anguish and anxiety both of you feel over your children.
    We pray that God’s peace be with both of you and that He heals completely all your children, both emotionally and physically.
    For we know, God answers exceedingly abundantly above all we can imagine, ask or think.
    God bless all of you.

  3. Dear Mark and Nicole
    I’m so sorry to hear that Nicole’s precious mother has passed away, and that your 3 teenagers were involved in an accident. I really hope they are recovering. I also hope the both of you are OK, as it is very stressful, going through these things.
    Love and prayers from Eileen

  4. When everything in your life goes wrong all at once, God is doing something BIG and AWESOME!!! Beautiful things are about to be born. Be encouraged and look up, my friend.
    “For ever, O LORD, Your Word is settled in heaven”. – Psalm 119:89

  5. Mark & Nicole,
    Firstly, Nicole, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mum. I pray you find some comfort in the knowledge she’s with her Lord.
    Secondly, as a parent my heart goes out to you for your children. I pray for a speedy recovery for them all.
    Your all in my prayers.

  6. Mark & Nicole,
    Firstly, Nicole, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mum. I pray you find some comfort in the knowledge she’s with her Lord.
    Secondly, as a parent my heart goes out to you for your children. I pray for a speedy recovery for them all.
    Your all in my prayers.

  7. Dear Mark and Nicole,
    Your continued focus on God’s goodness despite your circumstances sets a truly admirable example for all of us. We’re praying alongside you and trusting God for his healing and providence.
    Capt Michael Yim and family

  8. Dear Mark & family,
    Our prayers are with you and your family. The scripture you quoted above is so true, only He can truly understand what you are going through.

  9. Dear Mark & Nicole,
    We too had reason to visit that particular trauma centre last year when my husband came off his bicycle on Beach Road. I’ve prayed you through each treatment room and guess that you too prayed for the other relatives you saw as you waited. You probably stopped to look through Melinda Cole’s pictorial story in the passage. She is a friend of the family – a real miracle.
    My prayer for you is that you will find the peace and quiet confidence in the Lord that He blessed us with at that time. He is SO good!
    And Nicole, lovely woman that you are, isn’t it a gracious gift that you are so tenacious!
    Much love from our family…

  10. Thanks for everyone’s kind words and support. Two of our children are home recovering now – sore but on the mend. Our second son, Ashley, should be home today or Monday. Appreciate your prayers.

  11. “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today… the Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Reading this in EX 14:14 yesterday, it has made me realize that when we come face to face with things we have no control over, the Lord just stands by our side and says the battle belongs to Him. When we go through an experience as if we have been thrown out of a plane and are free-falling, how good is that tug of the parachute. May the Lord be your parachute today and bring your family through this difficult time totally unscathed. Our prayers are with both of you Mark and Nicole.

  12. Dear Mark and Nicole,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Africa. We are sorry to hear of your sudden loss Nicole and serious event with your children. We’re standing in the gap with you in prayer and faith for a full recovery, physically and emotionally for you all.
    Your Friends,
    Royce, Elizabeth, Sophia and Dominique

  13. Hi Mark,
    Our prayers and love is with you and your family. We pray that you will feel really tangibly the closeness of His presence as He walks with you through this difficult time.
    All our love,
    Bec & James

  14. Hi Mark, David here (dad of Joel Furniss) and as we have been away I just heard of the news of the New Years accident.
    We are so shocked at the run of tragic events in your lives, but I know that the love of our saviour and support of family and friends will get you through it all and give you hope.
    You will be in our prayers.
    Cheers,
    David

  15. Thanks once again for everyone’s care and concern. We really appreciate it. Ashley came home yesterday, much to our delight. All are on the road to recovery now and will be fine in due time.

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