Dr. Gus and Louise Prinsell

I started writing this a while ago but it has just taken me a while to post it. Earlier this semester, our chapel message was brought by a couple from the Houghton community by the name of Dr. Gus and Louise Prinsell. I have known the Prinsells for a while now and have found them to be some of the sweetest and most endearing people in our little community. They shared their journey through life together and the wisdom that they had come to in that time. They shared with us a simple yet beautiful relationship with God, and expressed their thankfulness for each day that they had been given. 

    One thing from this chapel stood out to me and I have been reflecting on it for some time now. Before the Prinsells came up to the podium and spoke, our Dean of the Chapel made some introductory remarks so that everyone would know who they are and in these remarks he stated that “you can normally find them in the back of the chapel holding the back wall up.” When he said this everybody laughed and Dr. Brittain explained that this was a reference to the fact that they have faithfully attended every service since they have been a part of the community. But I wonder if there was not something else implicitly meant by that statement. I thought to myself how true it is that they really do hold that wall up, and not only that wall but the chapel itself. Now I am not remarking about the structural integrity of Wesley Chapel because I am quite sure that the walls are not in danger of falling down. But I thought to myself how true this statement was because we owe so much to these two people and many more members of the community who pray so hard for our college, for our staff and students, and who are always there for us like two grandparents with an over abundance of grandchildren that could never claim all of their love. It is people like this who add to the richness and strength of a community like this, and we are indebted to them more than I think we could ever know. 

    So it is on this note that I implore all of those who will read this to take this into consideration, to be thankful for those who are the silent prayer warriors of our communities, and to encourage you to seek out people like the Prinsells in your own life and community, realizing that these people have so much love and wisdom to offer if we would only stop to listen for a moment or two. Thanks be to the God of grace for the rich treasures that he bestows upon us, and God bless the Prinsells.