He was the most joyful man we have encountered in our home visits. We came to pray with him and his wife, to encourage them in their faith, but they blessed us more. Just getting to talk with them for half an hour was immensely encouraging to us.
This elderly couple has been married for 50 years, and they’ve been leaders in their village church since the “missionary days.” (French missionaries brought the good news of Jesus to this area about 70 years ago and stayed, spreading the gospel and building churches, for about 30 years.) They have made it their life’s work to encourage fellow believers and lead people to Jesus. If anyone in the community needs prayer they come to this man and his wife. These two have lived their lives in a way that shows Jesus.
This couple has been married for 50 years. That’s an accomplishment. Also, they have no children. That’s not normal here, where the primary reason men get married is to have children. After these two had been married for years and still had no children, this man was encouraged to leave his wife. He was told by friends to find another woman, one who could have children, and marry her instead.
But he said “No. That is not God’s way. I will stand firm in my faith and remain married to my wife.”
And so he has. The joy I saw in this man. The way he loves Jesus. The way he loves his wife. The way he encourages others to remain steadfast in their faith. It is beautiful.
In Matthew 25, verses 14-30, Jesus tells a parable. Three men were entrusted with talents when their master went on a long journey.
The first man was entrusted with 5 talents. He used those wisely, doubling them with time. When his master returned the first man was able to present him with 10 talents.
The second man was given 2 talents, and likewise when his master returned he had turned those 2 into 4.
The last man was scared he would lose the one talent his master had given him. So, he buried it. When the master returned the man dug it back up to present to his master.
The master was well pleased with the first two men, but quite angry with the last.
“I gave you that talent to put to good use! Not to hide!” The master exclaimed. So he took the last man’s talent and gave it to the first man, as the first man had proved himself worthy.
My teammate, Joey, was reminded of this story, and shared it, as we sat talking with the man and his wife. They have lived a life faithful to God, using what He has given them to serve Him, each other, and their community. Many times during our visit did they tell us to remain steadfast in the Lord. Their greatest desire is to see people give their lives to Jesus, to see the church grow through that.
When the end of our visit came they only had two prayer requests. The husband asked if we would pray that God would strengthen their aging bodies so that they can continue to serve him. The wife asked if we would pray that God would continue to strengthen their marriage.
50 years married, despite societal norms. A lifetime serving God. What an excellent example these two set.
