We Just Need Hope
Gideon* is an 89-year-old man who regularly attends our English Conversation Club. In fact, he’s been coming to Maják, our ministry center here in Brno, Czech Republic, for at least 10 years to practice his English. Personally, I can’t even fathom practicing a foreign language when I’m pushing 90 years old, can you?
The stories he shares are amazing, both to us Americans and to the younger Czechs who are listening. He recently told a story about being 10 at the beginning of World War II, and the dangers the war brought to his family! He’s shared story after story of life during the soviet occupation, life during the time of socialism here, life as freedom came forth again in the 90’s — and stories of now, when life is getting more and more difficult for him. Just a couple of months ago, we found out that Gideon’s* wife passed away.
Over the years of Conversation Club, we’ve had so many different conversations – some about weather and hobbies and some about deeper questions of life. We’ve even talked about his belief or disbelief in God. Gideon* believes that there must be “someone” who is bigger than us, but can’t quite put his finger on who it could be.
Before his wife passed, she had been having quite a few health problems. I remember asking him, “How is your wife doing?” and he answered that “it’s not so good right now.” Then he leaned in close to me and almost whispered, “We just need hope.”
In the hustle and bustle of the beginning of Conversation Club and Gideon* getting his coffee, I sensed that this was such a powerful moment. That Gideon* would let me in on this deep desire for hope felt special. There wasn’t much time for a long conversation, but I told him that we have hope for him, and he can borrow ours.
Gideon* continues to become more open about the difficulties he’s facing, and knows he won’t be around forever. We long to have more opportunities to share the hope of Jesus with him, that Jesus can make a difference in Gideon’s* life not only in eternity, but also now.
Would you pray for Gideon* today, and any others that you know who are in need of hope?
*Name has been changed for privacy and security.
BUT THOSE WHO HOPE IN THE LORD WILL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH. THEY WILL SOAR ON WINGS LIKE EAGLES; THEY WILL RUN AND NOT GROW WEARY, THEY WILL WALK AND NOT BE FAINT.
– ISAIAH 40:31