Near to the Broken-Hearted

This book is a help not only for grieving parents but also for those called to help bear with them the burdens of such loss. And that call is for all of us. | A wonderfully helpful, honest and practical resource for all who grieve the loss of a child, and for those who want to support them. Dan and Anna have walked this path and their writing combines authentic first-hand experience with profound spiritual and biblical wisdom. | This book is a beautiful example of the sharing of Christ’s comfort (2 Corinthians 1 v 3-6). It is friendly, warm, clear, deep, personal, challenging and immensely practical. Not only is it a great resource for grieving parents, it should be read by all Christians who want to be prepared to walk alongside the brokenhearted in their church family. We urge you to read it. | Navigating the waves of grief can be overwhelming, especially following the loss of a child. In this vulnerable, honest, sensitive, and biblically rich book, the Martins help fellow sufferers deal with their sorrow. They show over and over again that lamenting is good, but it is not the end. Even in the loss of a child, Jesus is near. | Those enduring the excruciating pain of child loss don’t need empty promises and hurtful clichés, but words that breathe hope and comfort into their shattered world. This is what Near to the Broken-Hearted provides—giving space to acknowledge what’s been lost and grieve what may never be, yet also to find comfort in Christ’s presence and the hope of what’s to come. | This steady and faithful guide will lead you to the word of God, it will assure you of the character of God, and it will comfort you with the purpose of God. | This book is so practical, thorough and encouraging. I wish I had had it when I lost my daughter to cancer several years ago, as I had to wade through so much of this alone. Read it with an open heart, and let hope wash over you. | Dan and Anna live in Gateshead, North East England with their three children. Dan is one of the pastors at Grace Church Gateshead, an independent evangelical church. Anna is a part-time Urgent Care GP. In 2019 their son Jed died aged 3 weeks old. Their experience of the Lord’s grace to them in that time gave rise to the book, Near to the Broken-hearted.