Hans and Delja Pruis
by Hans Pruis
We feel privileged to be allowed to play our role within Agape Europe. We’ve heard other leaders say this in the past, and sometimes questioned whether it reflected a deep conviction or a superficial statement. Some words are so easily said without a lot of meaning. But this really is what we experienced this year, and we truly feel privileged.
We are blessed in our 35 years of marriage and blessed with our children and grandchildren. That doesn’t mean it has been easy, however. For example, one of our daughters went through a rough time, as several of her school friends committed suicide. Quite scary, I must admit. But this led to some good discussions, and together we learned a lot.
Why do we share such personal thoughts in an end-of-the-year greeting? It’s because what happens in our private life has a major impact on our public life and ministry. If I were to meet you personally and ask “How are you doing?”, what would you share? Ministry statistics? The deficit or surplus in your personal support account? Troubles in your marriage or family?
Or would you mainly share how the Lord your God has blessed you in both hard times and joyful times? In Job 37:14 the Lord says: “Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders.” Isn’t that a great idea for the end of the year? Yet how often do we take the time to “stop and consider God’s wonders”?
Recently I (Hans) studied metaphors for the Holy Spirit, and afterwards, somebody asked what most caught my attention. Matthew 11:7 came to my mind, regarding John the Baptist: “Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John, ‘What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?’”
I think Jesus was basically saying that it wasn’t John who was so impressive, but rather how he was moved, or used, by the Holy Spirit (the wind). I doubt that John’s personal support was very good. He was also burdened by questions about his ministry. His earthly future did not look promising. But he was faithful. He made himself available to be used by the Holy Spirit, and he was bold in his witness. That’s what counts!
How are you doing? When you stop and look back, what do you see? Whatever it is, be careful to consider God’s wonders and celebrate God’s blessings in your life, without minimizing the real challenges.
During this coming year, we hope that all of us will be like “reeds swayed by the wind” . . . and that others will notice. That means we are not so much focused on our performance, but rather that we are eager to be used by God through His Spirit. If that’s the case, fruit is guaranteed, whether we see it or not.
We wish you a fruitful New Year!
Hans and Delja Pruis