Don Dowling's Blog

Don's Blog

“He was not a religious man but simply followed the way of Jesus.”

These words, were spoken by Heather Buys as she described her husband, the Reverend Chris Buys.

The Rev Chris Byers, who died suddenly this week, was the minister of the Margaret River/Augusta congregations and it was an enormous shock to the Uniting Church Community to hear of his sudden death. One person described it as brutal. Chris was a wonderful man who served in a number of Uniting Church congregations after emigrating from South Africa.

On Wednesday Kay and I attended the memorial service at Margaret River where we along with a large number of people from the community and the congregations, remembered and celebrated his life. What struck me more than anything was that Chris was a very practical Christian. In the eulogies we heard many stories where he ministered to people in very down to earth ways. He served weekly in the local school canteen, he taught English to overseas students who were working in the vineyards, he worked on farms helping farmers with their daily tasks, and there were many more examples …

In all of these things we heard a very clear message that Chris loved his Lord and wanted to demonstrate his faith to the many people with whom he made contact. It reminded me that in the end all we are called to do is follow the way of Jesus.

We thank God for the life and witness of Rev Chris Buys and I am glad he reminded me to simply follow the way of Jesus.

Sunday 23rd August – 10.00am. Causing offence – A Reflection on the offense of Jesus. Rev Don Dowling

Thanks for reading.

Don