#33 Why are all my friends such GOOD liars?

Behind the scenes of a surprise party!

On Saturday, 16th September, my wife and I, were heading to my parents' to celebrate the launch of my book, Parallel Faith, with a simple meal for us four. Upon entering their converted barn cottage's driveway, I noticed what seemed to be a friend's car nearby. I mentioned it to Leah, but she brushed it off and changed the subject.

Suddenly, things felt odd.

When my parents came out with a tray of cocktails and crisps, suggesting we start the evening at the end of their garden, my suspicions grew. A sense that things were amiss was brewing faster than the tea that I would have normally been greeted with. A few minutes of oddly mute conversation passed as my suspicions deepened.

Nothing could prepare me for what followed….

All of a sudden, significant people in my life started to emerge from the house, beaming with smiles. As if that all wasn't enough, my daughter, Nyah, now living in Cornwall, who I didn't think I would see until Christmas, ran out of the house into the arms of her father who up until that point had held his emotions intact.

It turned out Nyah had been in the area all weekend and had even spent time with the rest of my family on a local outing. That morning, she sent me fake beach pictures from St. Ives to throw me off.

That evening, I realised my friends and family were very very GOOD liars. Almost too GOOD!

Earlier that week, I'd been with my friend Ben during one of our usual jacuzzi sessions (see this post for details). He kept me in the dark. Another friend, Mark, went mountain biking with me during the same day, grabbing a quick meal with me, before changing into a party outfit at my house, all in preparation for my own surprise party. Still, I remained clueless. After the event, I checked my diary, and saw the words "LEAVE FREE" with a secret emoji 🤔 beside it. Yep, I still didn't catch on.

Clearly, I don't pay enough attention to what's happening around me!

The evening turned out to be one of the most unforgettable of my life. I felt both loved and launched at the same time.

Leah had arranged a grand spread of pulled pork, American-style slaw, and beer bread with a glass of prosecco for all. The pinnacle of the meal was the now legendary Parallel Faith Cake, perfectly shaped like the book. The creators of "IS IT CAKE?" would have been proud. Check it out below (yes, it is cake!)…

After 2 hours of laughter, tears, encouraging words, and an impromptu interview with a book sale, everyone left with copies of Parallel Faith and a slice of 'book cake.' It truly felt like the book had officially been launched into the world.

It took me 48 hours to unpick all the lies, deceit, trickery, and brilliance that had led to that surprise moment.

Later, Leah recalled her experience of plotting the evening saying, "I wanted to celebrate Dave's Parallel Faith launch and mark the beginning of his publishing journey. The secret calls, food plans, and gathering of his favourite people paid off - his reaction was priceless!"

No Surprises for God

Though I may have been fooled by my family and friends, what is less of a surprise to me is how many people are already responding positively to the message of the book. I believe this is not because of me, but because the message to “go make disciples” is right on God’s heart for his church at this time.

In the last few weeks, I've shared about Parallel Faith on podcasts, in radio interviews, at my online book party, and through numerous conversations. You'd think discussing the same thing repeatedly might grow tedious, but quite the opposite is true. I get the sense that prophetic momentum is building.

Next weekend, my book tour commences, and I'm excited to start helping more people confidently feel like they can initiate journeys of discipleship with others. My humble prayer is that people would catch the call for themselves. Would you join me in this prayer?

A FREE GIFT FOR YOU…

To celebrate over 20,000 reads of my substack, I wanted to let my brilliant Substackers, (is that a word?) be among the first to try this free Bible Plan from YouVersion. It is already going down well with those who are doing it with their friends! 

A free six part YouVersion Bible Plan is out now.

For those looking to find purpose and meaning as a Christian, this study delves into what authentic discipleship really means today. It explores learning, loving, living, and looking like Jesus, highlighting how being a follower of Christ provides a powerful means of fulfilment beyond the religious treadmill. By walking parallel alongside others on their faith journey, anyone can fulfil their purpose by embodying Jesus’ love for the world.

Each day contains a short devotional to read or listen to followed by scriptures to study. 

Day 1 | Following Jesus With Purpose

Day 2 | Learning With Jesus

Day 3 | Loving Like Jesus

Day 4 | Living For Jesus

Day 5 | Looking Like Jesus

Day 6 | Parallel With People

Search Parallel Faith in your Youversion Bible App or click the link here.

“There are so many issues why loving our neighbours can be difficult at times. Whether navigating differences, struggling with communication, or tackling conflicting priorities, we need a power beyond ourselves to keep our hearts strong when the Hollywood glow fades. Jesus taught us that out of our love for God would flow a deep sense of love for others. The Bible says we love God because he first loved us. What if your full-time job was to receive God’s love?” 

DAY 3 - Parallel Faith YouVersion Bible Plan

If you’ve not get grabbed your copy of the book on Paperback, Audible, or Kindle, why not get yours today?