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In this episode, host, deacon Tim Hopper (Shiloh OPC, Raleigh, NC) is joined by Becky Haney, a member of New Hope OPC in Bridgeton, New Jersey, to share her experience following the sudden passing of her husband Dave Haney—a man well-known and loved by many in the OPC—who died unexpectedly at age 56 in 2019.

Caring for widows lies close to the heart of diaconal work. Scripture is clear that God’s people are to support widows in their time of need. Yet many struggle to know how best to minister to them in their new chapter of life. This important conversation hopes to equip deacons and other church members to care more effectively by listening well, being patient and allowing a "wide berth" following this life-altering experience.

Becky's openness offers valuable insight and practical wisdom to help deacons, pastors, and church members care for widows with greater empathy and understanding.

Referenced in this episode:

• If I Should Die (produced by David Haney)
• What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts): (And How to Avoid Being That Person Who Hurts Instead of Helps) by Nancy Guthrie
• How Deacons Can Help: A Widow’s Advice
• Becky's Suggested Reading List

You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

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In this episode, David Nakhla speaks with Dr. Jim Berry, an elder at Reformation OPC in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Professor and Chair of the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at WVU’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. He’s joined by Mr. Rob Guss, an elder at Calvary OPC in Glenside, Pennsylvania, who shares his powerful testimony of God’s grace in delivering him from addiction.

Addiction brings with it deep brokenness. It can consume a family’s resources and, when discovered, often brings added pressure to the household—resulting in broken relationships, sadness, confusion, and other diaconal needs.

This conversation hopes to equip deacons to better understand how to walk alongside those caught in addiction—emphasizing the importance of presence, listening, and long-term counsel. A practical case study at the end offers a real-world scenario, guiding deacons through how to respond when someone confesses a struggle with addiction. The episode reminds listeners that while the path may be long and difficult, deacons are privileged to come alongside those suffering with lasting hope through the love of Christ.

Referenced in this episode:

Flesh and Thorn: Understanding Addiction as Disease Dr. James Berry; Ordained Servant June-July 2018

You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

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In this episode, host David Nakhla speaks with Elder Mark Agarkov of Kharkiv Presbyterian Church and OPC missionary Heero Hacquebord to get an update on the situation in Ukraine, now three years into the war. Mark shares about the ongoing suffering in the eastern region of Kharkiv—just 20 miles from the front lines—the support they've received from generous U.S. donors, and the deep sense of care they've experienced amid hardship. He also reflects on how many are being drawn to Christ through their suffering, the work that the ministry of the church is doing, and the lasting physical and emotional toll the war is taking. Heero provides updates on his family, his church, and the ongoing work of Crates for Ukraine, an initiative of the Presbyterian Church in America that continues to bring aid to those in need.

Referenced in this episode:

Listeners can find more details and make direct donations on the Kharkiv Presbyterian Church website: https://www.kharkivpresbyterianministry.com. There, you can also subscribe to receive their monthly updates. Alternatively, you can email Mark Agarkov, and he will add you to the list: mark.agarkov@gmail.com.

Additionally, here is the link to their WhatsApp group where they regularly post photos: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FhrlLtJWtdB4sjbizl3FaA.

Cratesforukraine.com, Heero's (easy) e-mail address ukraine.europe@me.com, and if you would like to get the Hacquebord's prayer letters and read older issues you can do so with this long link: https://us7.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=49d839383d86ec3614b01b767&id=7be70c1b6a.

Prayer Requests from Mark and Heero

Prayer Requests from Mark Agarkov (Kharkiv Presbyterian Church)

• For stable peace in Ukraine, along with lasting justice, national freedom, and the continued blessing of religious freedom.
• For Ukrainian pastors, elders, and ministry leaders—for courage, endurance, and faithfulness under pressure, as well as for more workers to meet the overwhelming needs of Gospel ministry.
• For prayer for spiritual revival in Ukraine, that the suffering of war would lead many to seek Christ and that the nation would experience a widespread turning to Jesus.
• For prayer for their social ministry, as needs grow while donations have declined. He asks that Ukraine would remain on people's hearts and that God would provide resources to serve both now and in the long recovery ahead.
• For safety, especially for families and children, amid frequent drone attacks and shelling near Kharkiv.
• For their summer trip to the U.S., that doors would open for them to travel legally, that the time would be fruitful, and that th

You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.