Beautiful::Africa

Today, we continue with our interview of Ray Haakonsen, executive director of Beautiful Gate Lesotho, and author of a new book entitled An Arrested Heart. We submitted a few questions to Ray to get a bit more background on the book. Part one of our interview was was published last week, here’s part two of what we learned:

Many people have great skepticism about hearing the voice of God today. What can you say about hearing the voice of God after your personal experience?

RH – I can only speak from my own experience in this regard and can say, without doubt that I have “heard the voice of God” in various ways. I think it’s a “spooky” or unbelievable thought that God actually speaks to man today. However much of my journey has been forged by my belief that God has led me to walk in a certain direction.

When you first were called to missions you said you felt called to “go” but did not quite understand what that meant (pg. 134 P3). In hindsight of answering this call what do you now believe it means to “go”?

RH – I believe some Christians are reluctant or even fearful of “going” as called by God. However as I have walked out “in faith” I have come to realize that God has created us all with different giftings and motivations and he wants to use this diversity in each of us to share a very basic yet powerful message of His love for mankind. To “go” very simply to me means to use who God created you to be to play your part in introducing God and His love to whoever we may have contact with. I love the saying “Share the love of God with as many as possible, and if you need to, speak!” It’s all about being obedient to His call as He won’t lead us to something that is going to be beyond what we can handle.

In mentioning your time in missions there was a lot of moving around. Many families today will not consider the option of missions because of having a family. Despite the obvious challenges that you stated in your book what are some of the advantages of having a family in missions?

RH – The advantages far outweigh the challenges for sure. We all shared in the faith journey together and our children learned a number of lessons living in a missionary home. They have learned to adjust to different living conditions and dealing with different people (adapt or die). They have also learned to be more thankful for and aware of the value of what they own and have perspective of what is important in life. I like to believe this has helped them to be more aware of those less fortunate than themselves and have a heart to consider others whilst living their own lives.

There is clearly a slow yet beautiful development of your faith in Christ throughout your life as you stated a clear struggle with confidence even after your “arrested heart”. For those that know you today we see a very warm spirited and confident man of faith. What would you say was the breaking point that allowed you to release your pride and lack of confidence over to Christ?

RH – To be honest, I am still acutely aware of the issue of pride in my life. I think we should be proud of certain things in our lives, but if it is something that takes glory away from God then it should not have a place in us. I try to stay aware of this, even today. I was confident for periods of my life, then lost it before I met Christ. I am certainly much more confident today but it’s different in that my confidence is rooted in my understanding of who I am as God made me. Again self confidence is not a bad thing, but the realization that I am “wonderfully made” (Psalm 119) has grown as I have walked with God, developing in me a desire to be the best Ray I can be.

Has your family read the book? What have their responses been?

RH – My 3 biological children are all busy reading it now and they all say they are thoroughly enjoying it. They obviously know much of the story but not many of the stories within the story and are apparently finding out more about their Dad as they read. Sue, my wife, obviously knows the whole story but is also intrigued to find out some of the very personal things I have shared, so they have all excitedly received the book.

What was the most surprising thing you learned in creating your book?

RH – I guess the most surprising thing was that I really did have a story to tell that people would find interesting. It has me realizing that we all have some kind of story that can uplift others or that they can relate to. Our lives are meant to be lived to touch others. I was also surprised at the finished product, realizing that I did have it in me to actually become an author!

What would you like your readers to walk away with after reading An Arrested Heart?

RH – I would hope that they would walk away realizing one of a number of things. Firstly that nobody, and I mean nobody, is beyond being used of God if they choose to submit to him and obey what he requires of them. I trust the book would inspire, encourage and challenge and speak into people’s hearts, leaving them with a sense of hope for the future.

Anything specific you would like to say to your readers?

RH – Get and enjoy the book. I believe it will help you to be prepared to step out beyond what you are able to do yourself, because when you do this, it gives room for God to show just how much he wants to use you and show how great He really is. Live your life to the full and don’t regret one day.