'Being There' by Dave Furman

Page Contents

1. Book Description
2. About the Author
3. Endorsements
4. Video Resources
5. Social Media Posts
6. Shareable Quote-Images
7. Blog-Header Images
8. Square Cover Images
9. Interview Questions

Book Description

Help for Those Who Help the Hurting

Everyone has friends or family who suffer from sickness, disability, depression, or the death of a loved one.

Oftentimes, the people who love the hurting also struggle in their own unique ways. They tend to suffer in silence and without much support from others. Writing from the unique perspective of one who needs extra help on a daily basis, Dave Furman offers insight into the support, encouragement, and wisdom that people need when helping others. Furman draws on his own life experiences, examples from the Bible, and wisdom from Christians throughout history to address the heart and ministry of those who are called to serve others. Deeply personal and powerfully pastoral, this book points readers to the strength that only God can provide as they love those who are hurting. Afterword written by Gloria Furman, the author's wife.

About the Author

Dave Furman (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) serves as the senior pastor of Redeemer Church of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He has been married to Gloria for fourteen years and they have four children.

Dave and Gloria had been praying and planning to serve overseas since before they were married. When they heard about the need for healthy churches to be planted on the Arabian Peninsula, they felt irresistibly compelled to go help, and moved there in 2008. Redeemer Church of Dubai was planted in 2010, and the Lord has brought people from over sixty different nationalities to worship Jesus together each week. It's a little taste of heaven every time the congregation gathers. The church has also started a pastoral training center to train leaders and plant more churches throughout the region.

Ten years ago, Dave developed a nerve disease and struggles with chronic pain and weakness in both arms. He's undergone four major surgeries and a dozen other procedures to try and provide relief, but nothing has ultimately worked. Dave's physical pain and disability have been complicated by seasons of dark depression and doubt. But Dave is not alone in his suffering, nor is he the only one who is affected by this long-term trial. In his kindness, God is teaching Dave, his family, and his church about the joy of comforting others with the comfort they've been given in "being there" for one another.

Endorsements

“When Jesus said that he came to serve and not be served, he must’ve had in mind the many people who help Dave Furman. This remarkable story provides soul-strengthening encouragement to those who daily bear the burdens of people like me and Dave, people who just need a helping hand, day after day. I intend to give Being There to the many people who are daily there for me, a quadriplegic—it’s a must read for any believer who desires to follow Jesus in a life of service to others.”
Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and CEO, Joni and Friends International Disability Center

“As a long-term chronic pain sufferer, a pastor to suffering people, and a friend of Dave’s, I highly recommend this book. It is deeply personal, painful, and, above all, hopeful, and I am so glad he has taken the time to share his experiences. This book will point professionals, husbands, wives, and the friends of those who suffer from long-term chronic pain to the glorious truths found in the gospel of Jesus. This is not a book that offers easy solutions, but instead brings Bible-centered counsel to bear on the dark moments of life.”
Mez McConnell, Senior Pastor, Niddrie Community Church, Edinburgh, Scotland; Director, 20schemes; author, Church in Hard Places

“As I think about the people in my world with chronic pain and ongoing difficulties, and about my awkwardness in knowing how best to walk with them, I can’t imagine a better guide than Dave Furman. Being There is filled with insight that only someone who has walked this road can provide.”
Nancy Guthrie, Bible Teacher; author, Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament Bible study series

"As we see in the Scriptures, suffering can create confusion and consternation. How are we to think rightly about darker times? Even more, how can we minister to those suffering and see them (and those nearest to them) in all their humanity to support and encourage? Dave Furman has served us well with Being There. It is an immensely practical book that is saturated with the truth of God’s Word. I have read many books on suffering, and Dave has some unique insights that will encourage your heart. So, whether you are reading this for you, or because someone you love is currently struggling, I believe this book will serve to lift up your eyes to your loving Father who knows your situation and hasn’t abandoned you!”
Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor, The Village Church, Dallas, Texas; President, Acts 29 Church Planting
Network; author, The Mingling of Souls

Video Resources

How We Can Best Pray for Our Hurting Friends

Advice for Those Helping the Hurting

Hurtful Ways to "Help" the Hurting

Why Did You Write a Book about Helping the Hurting?

A Surprisingly Unhelpful Promise for a Hurting Friend

What Those Who Care for the Hurting Need Most

What Is the Best Question to Ask a Hurting Friend?

What Is Hurtful about Playing the Comparison Game?

Social Media Posts

Facebook

Today is launch day! 'Being There: How to Love Those Who are Hurting' by Dave Furman is now available. Get it today: http://cway.to/2aVRvFT

'Being There: How to Love Those Who are Hurting' by Dave Furman has just released. Get your copy here: http://cway.to/2aVRvFT

Dave Furman’s new book 'Being There: How to Love Those Who are Hurting' is now available. Reflecting on his own experience with disability, this book is solid biblical encouragement for everyone who has hurting people in their life. Get it today: http://cway.to/2aVRvFT

Get a paperback copy of Dave Furman’s new book 'Being There: How to Love Those Who are Hurting' by Monday, September 5 and receive a free digital copy of the book plus an digital copy of his wife Gloria Furman’s book “Glimpses of Grace.” Find out more information here: http://cway.to/2aYH2VS

Twitter

Today is launch day! 'Being There: How to Love Those Who are Hurting' by @davefurman is now available. http://cway.to/2aVRvFT (click to tweet)

'Being There: How to Love Those Who are Hurting' by @davefurman has just released. Get your copy here: http://cway.to/2aVRvFT (click to tweet)

Don’t miss the new book by @davefurman called 'Being There: How to Love Those Who are Hurting.' Get it today: http://cway.to/2aVRvFT (click to tweet)

We must love the hurting not because they’ve done anything for us, but because of what Jesus has already done for us @davefurman #beingthere (click to tweet)

Because of God’s unconditional love for us, we can go forward and offer unconditional love to others. @davefurman #beingthere (click to tweet)

The Bible is not a Band-Aid, and we best not go around slapping our favorite Bible verses on suffering people. @davefurman #beingthere (click to tweet)

Sometimes hurting people just need a friend to be present who understands that this is a difficult time in their life @davefurman #beingthere (click to tweet)

Unless you’re Jesus, it almost never helps to tell someone that you know exactly what he or she is going through. @davefurman #beingthere (click to tweet)

Instead of promising deliverance to your hurting friend, remind them of the presence of God. @davefurman #beingthere (click to tweet)

The church should be the model of how a group cares for the hurting. @davefurman #beingthere (click to tweet)

The most important thing a pastor can do for the hurting is to consistently preach the gospel each week. @davefurman #beingthere (click to tweet)

Shareable Quote-Images

Note: To download each shareable image, simply right-click on the image to display the menu bar, and select the "Save Image As" option.

Blog-Header Images

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Square Cover Images

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Interview Questions

Suggested interview questions for Dave Furman:

1. Share what you went through when you learned that the nerve disorder you have in your arms wasn’t curable. What did that grieving process look like?

2. You say that after your diagnosis, you spiraled into a depression that left you disengaging from your wife and daughter. When did that darkness lift, and do you have any encouragement for people in that place right now?

3. What is the biggest piece of advice you have for caregivers? 

4. It can be overwhelming as a friend to know what to do for someone going through an extended time of grief or chronic pain. What are some ways people have helped you that might be useful for others?

5. What are some practical ways caretakers can find their strength in the Lord?

6. What does the example of Jesus teach us about “being there”?

7. There’s a chapter in the book titled “Whatever You Do, Don’t Do These Things.” What are some examples of things we shouldn’t be doing as we care for others?

8. How can the church come around both hurting people and those who care for them?

9. You write in the book, “If you’re going to help the hurting, your heart needs to be healthy. Your efforts in your own strength can go on for only so long.” What advice do you have for caretakers to remain healthy?

10. How is your physical health right now, and what is the Lord teaching you right now?