I came in contact with Ravi Zacharias’ work when I was doing
a research on a topic to share here at Evergreen Word of Life. As God would
have it, I was also going through a crisis in my personal life. I had so many questions
to ask but could not find anybody to ask. When I began to listen to Ravi’s
messages, like a candle wax before a burning flame, all the questions began to
melt away.
Something else happened. All the while, I knew that God did
not call me to enter the normal mold of the Christian ministries around me. I knew
that God called me into teaching and writing and to be a Christian apologist but
I didn’t know what it all entailed. Ravi Zacharias
International Ministries helped to open my eyes and sharpen this ministry
which I am doing today. I attended the Core Module Course about a year ago which
God used to further shape what He is doing in my life.
Ravi was an epitome of knowledge. He had a good command of
the English language and vocabularies. I learnt several names of scholars from him
from different areas of study – humanity, philosophy, anthropology, theology
etc. I began to study names like C.S Lewis, Malcom Muggeridge, G.K Chesterton
etc because of how he quoted from them. He was a scholar that had respect for
other scholars even when he disagreed with them. Most of his works in my study
include: The Logic of God, The Grand Weaver, Can man live without God
and Nabeel’s book, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. I can’t explain how he
could quote from hymns, poems and excerpts from several works from memory even
at old age, apart from the enormous grace that was upon him. The Poem by the
Elementary School Teacher made great impact on me:
He came to
my desk with a quivering lip, the lesson was done.
“Have you a
new sheet for me, dear teacher?
I’ve spoiled
this one.”
I took his
sheet, all soiled and blotted
and gave him
a new one all unspotted.
And into his
tired heart I cried,
“Do better
now, my child.”
I went/came
to the throne with a trembling heart;
the day was
done.
“Have you a
new day for me, dear Master?
I’ve spoiled
this one.”
He took my
day, all soiled and blotted
and gave me
a new one all unspotted.
And into my
tired heart he cried,
“Do better
now, my child.”
He taught me not to be afraid to reason and to question. From
him I learnt the reasonableness of the faith that we profess and how to be bold
to defend it before anybody no matter how hostile they may be with all
gentleness and respect. I learnt that self-protectionism is counter-productive
to Christianity. When the Christian teaching is brought out in the court of
ideas, it gives adequate answers to life’s problems in a way no other worldview can.
Ravi Zacharias was a Christian evangelist with passion for souls.
Like Billy Graham, he presented the Gospel of God’s love in a very simple and
uncomplicated manner. He was consistent. His burden for young people who are
inundated with atheistic beliefs made him to start the Refresh
Program which focuses on those entering College. He continually emphasized
on the virtue of humility as the vehicle upon which apologetics moves. Each time
he quoted 1 Peter 3:15-16, he would emphasize on the first part of verse 15 and
verse 16 which deals with our heart and our attitude. “In your hearts regard
Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who
asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness
and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are
slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” ESV. He said
that the world does not just want the Gospel that is heard, but the Gospel that
is seen, because oftentimes, our lives speak louder than our words.
Ravi, I am grateful that God brought me in contact with you and
your ministry. Thank you for the things you taught us during your lifetime. You are the inspiration behind the upcoming ministry area we are launching soon, Christian Apologetics: Difficult Questions, Adequate Answers. We
cannot but continue to do our part and to finish well as you have done. I conclude
this piece with a few stanzas from Richard Baxter’s hymn which the daughter
Sarah, said Ravi recited in January 4, 2020:
“Lord, it belongs not to my care
Whether I die or live;
To love and serve Thee is my share,
And this Thy grace must give.
If life be long, I will be glad,
That I may long obey;
If short, yet why should I be sad
To welcome endless day?
Then I shall end my sad complaints
And weary sinful days,
And join with the triumphant saints
That sing my Savior’s praise.
My knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of faith is dim;
But ‘tis enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with Him.”
Good night Ravi-Ji.
“Lord, it belongs not to my care
Whether I die or live;
To love and serve Thee is my share,
And this Thy grace must give.
If life be long, I will be glad,
That I may long obey;
If short, yet why should I be sad
To welcome endless day?
Then I shall end my sad complaints
And weary sinful days,
And join with the triumphant saints
That sing my Savior’s praise.
My knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of faith is dim;
But ‘tis enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with Him.”
Good night Ravi-Ji.
