Everything begins with prayer to God

Interview with BPI student Jānis Akmens (see his profile), 2008.

Briefly, what has been your journey to your present ministry?

My journey to this ministry begun a while ago, because everything begins with prayer to God. In my heart I felt desire to serve God, to do something, but did not know what exactly and how to go about it. After a short time I went to my pastor and said that I want to do something for the church. In my heart I was ready to do anything, whatever the pastor will tell me to do, any work completely trusting in God's grace and blessing. The pastor asked me to lead a group "Purpose driven life: 40 days with a purpose." I was not expecting something like that, but this was my first ministry in the church. So, my preparation for my present ministry begun - with prayer to God about ways to serve. So I want to say - all begins with true desire to do something and prayer to God.

How did your family receive your decision to respond to God's call to be a minister? 
In my family there are four of us - my wife Kristīne, sons Edijs and Kristaps. My wife works, Edijs is in fourth grade. Kristaps will start first grade in September, and will also go to Tukums music school. My wife is a great support to me both encouraging me and being my first critic. This year the biggest load lies on my wife's shoulders, because she has bigger responsibility since I have left my work, and have started studies at BPI, and I also work as a preacher at Kauguri baptist church.
This is the third month of studies.

What have you gained from your studies that would be practically applicable in your ministry in Kauguri?
I like my studies at BPI, I try to listen very carefully to the teachers, and to ask questions to teachers in order to find out more. The more I learn, the more I understand how little I know, and it stimulates me to study more. During these three months I have gained a lot, and I have gotten confirmation to my ideas and put that into practice right away at my church.
What are your future ministry ideas? 
My future plans are very simple - I want to be together with my family where God will call us to be, to be in ministry where God leads. I trust completely in God guiding me no matter if my ministry will be in Latvia or elsewhere.

What would you say to a person who doubts his ability and calling to go into pastoral ministry?

People who doubt their calling today would need to seek relationship with God more, to become more intimate with Him, and then all the doubts will disappear. Intimacy with God gives courage to do things that you have never done before.

What do you want to learn from other pastors, and what do you want others to learn from you?

I would like to learn from other ministers how to practically serve, to lead church. To pastors I would like to say - take to heart advice and suggestions that we can get from our church leadership and from bishop. Those who work jobs should obey their leaders in order to glorify God. I think that is the hardest because pastors are leaders themselves, and it is hard for one leader to listen to another leader. I have learned that working for 10 years in different military institutions. You have to obey the commander who has higher rank or higher position. Now my highest commander - general - is God, so I have to obey Him and complete the orders that He gives me - both those that are written in the Bible, and those that God chooses to give through other people.

You have gone to several missions' trips to Baskirstan. How did that come about?

It came as a result of prayer; before invitation to go to Baskirstan for about a month I prayed to God that I would like to go to Russia, and not to Moscow, but deeper into the interior. When after short time I received an invitation to go on a missions trip, I knew that the answer was YES.

What have you learned on these missions' trips?
I probably do not understand all that I have learned yet, but could mention that being on a team I realized how much power is in true Christ's love and in unity when working as a team. During the trip we were in difficulties together, and also had many moving moments. During the trip there is nobody else to rely on, only on God and your team members, and so you understand that there is no point in arguing. It is much more difficult to learn it at home; if you argue with someone, you can stop talking to them, or even start going to a different church. But when you are on a missions trip, it is not possible, so it is a character building experience...

What would you say to a person who doubts their need to go on missions trips?

To people who doubt the need for ministry or going on missions' trips I want to ask: do you doubt the existence of God?

What would you want to tell people during this year's Easter time?

On Christ's resurrection celebration I invite people to consider with all their hearts what Jesus did in order to redeem us from sin, doubt, all which is evil; that He suffered for us in order that those of us who believe in Him could live. I don't think we quite realize it yet.

How can we pray for you and your family? 
I want prayer that I would be able to pay back the loan to the bank that I took without thinking about the consequences, so now I am dependant on bank. This loan hinders me from ministering more fully. I would not suggest to anybody to take a loan from the bank, but to trust in God and His care and blessing without loans. Do not become slaves but live a life that is pleasing to God.