... you can't, but I CAN!
Interview with BPI student Ilvars Ieviņš (see his profile), 2009.

Tell us about yourself and your family!
I smile often and try to live my life joyously. At the same time I have a strong sense of responsibility and serious attitude to life. I was born in Tilza, Latgale region. I moved to Riga to start my studies at Latvian Academy of Sport Education. Upon graduation from the Academy I worked as a public school teacher for several years. During the study years I attended a church. Once at a youth night I met a girl named Ketrina and in 2000 we got married. We have been the members of Matthew Baptist Church for four years now. God has blessed us with two sons, David and Daniel. We enjoy singing together, playing guitar and actively spending our time together. Our boys are full of energy and so are we!
Presently our life and ministry is in Ropaži where the Christian camp centre Norkalni is located. We work on the development and improvement of Norkalni. Through this ministry, we have experienced many challenges and blessings in both the matters of faith and daily life. I could say that God has particularly worked in us so we would be able to accept ever greater challenges from Him, for example, my studies ar Baltic Pastoral Institute.

How did you come to faith in Jesus Christ?
I have had faith in God since childhood - my parents attended a church and my grandparents would hold short devotions which included reading of God's Word and singing songs. But during my teenage and young adult years I lived a wordly lifestyle. Only because of God's grace 10 years ago I went to recollections where some pastor preached about the devastating effects of sin, importance of confession and holy life. I was touched and prayed to God saying that I did not want to live the same way and asked Jesus Christ to forgive my sins. At that moment I felt as though a heavy rock was lifted from my soul. It was a turning point in my life, the beginning of my life with Jesus. My life changed radically - different values and interests, newfriends and a new understanding of life. Of course, since then life has not been perfect; there have been difficulties, I have stumbled, made wrong decisions. But God has worked through all of that to form me. Often when asked how I am doing, I respond: It's tough, but all is well because Christ is with me.

Who are the people who have been the most important in your life and faith?
My grandfather has been a great influence on my spiritual life. My first impressions about God came from him. His life priciple was "Pray and work!" He was always either working, or praying, or reading his Bible. Even on his death bed he was quietly praying. I believe that because of his prayers I am at this place in my life. Of course there are many others who have been important influences or have helped me in many ways - my dear wife, parents, my brother Peteris and the Bishop Peteris Sprogis. I am thankful to these people and - all glory to God!

What is your calling? What kind of man God has called you to be? What are you called to do?
Once I read a book where the main thought was that the best career for a man is to become a good father. I agree - unless God calls you to be and do more. I used to think that professionally I am called to be a teacher, then - to be a manager. These are great and necessary professions but God spoke to me: harvest is ripe, workers are few. When I doubted my abilities and skills God responded saying, "I am glad that you can't, but I CAN!"

What would you like ot accomplish in next 10-15 years?
We would like to have one more or several more children. After graduating from BPI, with God's help, I would like to plant a new church, or better - several churches and serve there with everything God has given us. More specifically, we are praying and thinking about starting a chruch in Ropaži. I would like to continue working for the camp ministry centre Norkalni because I believe that camp ministry and church planting can foster and support each other.

Why do you study at BPI? Why right now?
I am thankful to our Bishop Peteris Sprogis for his courageous faith to set such important goals and establish BPI. Without them, many men would still have not responded to their calling. I think BPI has great foundational principles - Contents, Competence, Chacter and Culture. If all four are put together and integrated, the result should be great. Why I am at BPI right now? The answer is simple - God calls me and it is an amazing opportunity to start responsing to His call through BPI. During the Introductory course at BPI I understood more clearly my calling and the value of church in God's eyes. There I also was challenged to be a real man, in the best meaning of the word.

How can we be praying for you and your family?
Pray that we will always desire, as the author of Psalms says, to dwell in the house of the Lord, to behold His glory and worship Him in His holy place! If we are in close relationship with our Heavenly Father then the other things will be given to us as well, and in the end blessings will flow!