Author: Dyfan Williams
ISBN: 978-1-78397-259-3
Pages: 154
Price: £8.99
PB 198x129mm
Genre: Biography, pastoral
Published by Bryntirion Press in association with EP Books
Dyfan Williams is currently pastor of Emmanuel Church, Leftwich, Cheshire. He married Caroline in 1991 and they have three children: Megan (1993-2003), Lloyd (1995) and Sian (1998).
To read My Sunflower Girl is to overhear the soliloquy of Dyfan Williams, husband, father, and pastor, as he walks through the dark valley where shadows fall around him from the death of his beloved daughter Megan. As in King David’s great psalm there is a confession of deep faith (‘The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want’). But at times these pages also become conversations between a bruised but trusting soul and the Lord whose presence holds him fast in the dark (‘you are with me, your rod and staff they comfort me’).
Personal loss is profoundly individual. Yet here, in the poetic soul of Dyfan Williams, you will find an honesty combined with faith, an understanding nourished by experience, and a compassionate and gentle pastoral wisdom. My Sunflower Girl is a profoundly moving testimony to God’s presence with his people in their darkest hours.
– Sinclair B Ferguson
Here is a father’s compelling narrative describing the unexpected death of his ten-year-old daughter Megan. The book is well written, factual and honest. Readers may soon find tears in their eyes as they read of the overwhelming grief and pain felt by parents and family in losing their precious daughter. Probing questions are asked in a prayerful and struggling submission to the sovereign providence of God yet in the context of the glory awaiting believers like Megan who trust in Christ. I urge you to read the book and share it with others too.
– Eryl Davies
To lose your daughter at the age of ten would leave one reeling with grief and crying out in anguish to God. The loss of Megan and the impact on Dyfan, his wife Caroline and their children Lloyd and Siân is deep, distressing and lasting but you will see God’s presence and faithfulness evident through the darkest of days.
… To have such a book written by a father provides an important perspective. Dyfan’s thoughtful reflections on Scripture and sensitive use of poetry ensure the pain of death and the parting that results are not minimised and yet he shows how strength, comfort and help were provided. … I would encourage you to read this book and be helped. You will not forget Megan, her loss and the Williams family, but it will also strengthen your hold on the one who is always with us; never leaves us or forsakes us and never lets us go. As your feet remain here on earth the eyes of your heart will be lifted towards heaven.
– Elinor Magowan, Women’s Ministry Co-ordinator FIEC