• I refuse to be discouraged
• To be sad or even cry,
• I refuse to be downhearted
• And here’s the reason why;
• I have a God who’s mighty
• Who’s sovereign and supreme
• I have a God who loves me,
• And I am on his team.
• He is all wise and powerful,
• JESUS is his name,
• Though everything is changeable,
• My God remains the same;
• My God knows all that’s happening,
• Beginning to the end,
• His presence is my comfort,
• He is my dearest friend.
• When sickness comes to weaken me,
• To bring my head down low,
• I call upon my Mighty God,
• Into His arms I go;
• When circumstances threaten
• To rob me of my peace,
• He draws me close into His breast,
• Where all my strivings cease.
• When my heart melts within me,
• And weakness takes control,
• He gathers me into His arms
• He soothes my heart and soul.
• The great “I AM” is with me,
• My life is in His hand,
• The “Son of the Lord” is my hope,
• It’s in His strength I stand.
• I REFUSE to be defeated,
• My eyes are on my God,
• He has promised to be with me,
• As through this life I trod;
• I am looking past all my circumstances
• To heaven’s throne above.
• My prayers have reached the heart of God
• I’m resting in His love.
• I give God thanks in everything,
• My eyes are on His face,
• The battle’s His, the victory mine
• He’ll help me win the race.

Gareth Callender

Gareth Callender was called home on 17th. November 2005. He was an exceptional young man full of Christian vitality. The following poem, which meant much to him during his illness, was shared during a service of thanksgiving for his life in West Church.

Griefshare is a group at West that provides support and encouragement for the bereaved.
Read more at: Griefshare