Over a year ago, Wycliffe New Zealand’s then Council chairman, David Hope-Cross, died.   David served Wycliffe on the Council for over five years, and had battled with illness in his last few years.  He was often amazed at the work of Bible translation, particularly Vision 2025 – a 20+ year goal.  In David’s business, a long term perspective of three years surprised others who looked for immediate gains.

Paul Garratt, fellow Council member, who also knew David in business said of him: “David was a man of God who stood out from the rest of his business associates.  His high standards and expectations of staff meant he encouraged everyone to aspire to higher levels of performance.  David’s Christian testimony shone through his other significant business achievements.  Our only regret was that God loaned him to us for just a few years.  We sure miss David’s insight and ability, but his influence remains.”

John Bennett, former Chairman of Council, reiterated:  “He was a Christian gentleman with a real ‘love’ for his Lord and as well as being a first class role model – his opinions were always well considered, quietly given and thought provoking.”
 
Our current Chairman, Tom Scollard, also remembers David’s rare qualities: “His ability to weigh up situations and speak into them in such a way to bring clarity was a mark of this man and his deep desire to do things well with integrity.”

May his example linger long in our memories and may we aspire to the standards and values which he so tenaciously upheld and promoted. It has been a privilege for us all during our earthly sojourn to have known David, his leadership and wisdom. We look forward to ‘the day we shall be re-united’. What wonderful promises our God gives us in Jesus Christ.