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What is the main theme of your recently published book “Surprised by the Father’s Plan”?
There are no limits to God’s capacity to surprise us. He has a unique purpose and plan for every person’s life. If we observe, listen and obey God, the course of our life can become very interesting and can influence others in a surprising way. My life has been very interesting - yet, God uses every one of us. If my book will serve as an encouragement and example to show that God gladly uses an ordinary person’s life, then, in my opinion, it will have been successful.
I worked on the book for five years. As I began to write - I recall thinking of young people, my children’s generation. When I was their age, reading autobiographies of various Christians truly inspired me. I asked myself – what has become of such autobiographies nowadays? Where are the examples young people could appropriate for themselves? I reasoned - could my book serve as a guidepost to young people who stand at the crossroads of life, to decide which way to turn. Could my book encourage and inspire them to begin the path of service, while reminding that God will always provide for His children?
One of the commentators of your book states that, “Once a reader picks up this book, he will not be able to put it down until he has read it.” Was the writing process of your book equally as uninterrupted and continuous?
A professional writer was my co-author. We wrote and re-wrote, again wrote and re-wrote – seemingly, we went through the entire book six or seven times. We carefully edited the voluminous material. It required six months to select and lay out the 250 photographs.
A different approach was needed for the Latvian version of the book. Writing in English, as an American - Latvian, I tell the Americans about Latvia in a way that to some Latvians possibly may not seem agreeable. Therefore, such lines were deleted from the Latvian version, and replaced by more expanded themes, that Americans would not have understood. In reality, there are many things Americans do not understand about Latvia. Therefore, if the English language version of the book were too specific, the American readers would skip the pages. Approximately 90 percent of the contents are identical; yet, differences are there as well.
On the one hand, the book is the story of your life, - but, can it also be considered an objective historic source?
Definitely, yes – and that is the interesting part. In the introduction I write about Latvia in the first part of 20th century, the Soviet and Nazi occupation years. The narrative continues about my family that experienced the occupation years. This is very valuable source material reference for those who do not have good knowledge of Latvia’s history. Over the years, we have invited approximately two thousand Americans to minister in Latvia, and this is the material they should read prior to arriving in Latvia. In turn, this material is valuable for the Latvian people, to understand how others view Latvian history from distance in time and space. A certain Latvian historian once told me, ‘it is interesting to hear Latvian history from an American point of view – one can learn much from this different perspective.’
Yet, the book does not address only the long past history. It also speaks about God’s work in Latvia during the latter part of 80’s and during the 90’s, at the time of Atmoda (Awakening) movement, when such significant evangelistic events as “Hope ‘91” and “Hope ‘99”, took place. The book also speaks about Latvians, who during the ‘90’s began to bring the Good News to the East, even though dominant progression of development was directed towards the West. Their reliance on God’s leadership and the fruitfulness of their efforts also represent the historic materials of the book.
Besides, the book is not only my story; it also contains the materials expressed in interviews of my Latvian friends.
Spiritually, Latvians still face a difficult developmental path
In his review of the “Surprised by the Father’s Plan”, Jānis Vanags says that “Spiritual revival of the society still is as exciting and difficult challenge to you as ever – more significant than ever”. In your opinion, is it possible to ever bring such spiritual revival to its conclusion?
That is an interesting question, because – on the whole, what is spiritual revival? To what extent is it influenced by historical and sociological factors? To what extent is it the work of God’s Grace? In late ‘80’s and in the beginning of ‘90’s, Latvians experienced a spirit of adventure, enthusiasm and receptiveness to everything Western, including Christianity. With this receptiveness, many truly committed their lives to Christ – yet many opened their hearts to anything Western. Can we call that a spiritual revival? In my opinion, no – I would call it a unique phenomenon.
Revival could be described as a special visitation of God in a concrete place and time, which is difficult to predict. My goal is not to always strive for revival, - I consider it more significant to influence changes. But, when God grants us revival and deeply touches hearts, the results of spiritual transformation over a period of two or three months are comparable to results of typical ministry over five to ten years. Such is the spiritual revival – concentrated work of God, with influence and fruitfulness. However, the revival does not continue for a long time, it arrives, and wanes after a short period of activity. In my life, I have felt it two or three times, - here in Latvia as well, a few years ago. I do not anticipate some particular moment of spiritual revival. However, it is important to me to work in that direction, inviting God’s people, representatives of various denominations and nationalities, in order to accomplish together what is not possible in seclusion, and to promote spiritual maturity.
What spiritual sphere factors are unique to Latvia and non-repeatable in the community of other Baltic and European countries?
In context of socio-geographical criteria, Latvia is unique with its national composition that includes a large share of Russian people. The country is very small, with population of only 2.3 million, and not particularly well off economically to boot. Sudden joining the European Union and NATO also are significant factors. President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga has gained an immense respect at the global level. The geographical location of Latvia makes it the heart of Baltic region, and Europe’s gateway to the East. I consider Latvia the greatest hidden treasure of Europe, although efforts are underway to discover this secret. The annual tourist population exceeds that of the country. Latvians are very intelligent, know several foreign languages, and are very creative. Outwardly, Latvians are handsome and beautiful people.
Spiritually, Latvians still face a difficult developmental path. Most of the churches are not growing numerically. Average age of the church members is rapidly increasing. In a very large part of the Latvian Christian congregations, there are fewer than three youths in attendance, and that is a tragic situation. Christians of strong faith experienced difficult trials during the years of the Soviet occupation. Now, that the situation has changed, churches have difficulty building bridges to youths, who have not experienced the Soviet occupation. Regained freedom in Latvia secures coexistence for a whole spectrum of spiritual currents. There is opportunity to practice the ancient Latvian paganism, Eastern religions, Western materialism, and, of course, worship the god of money.
What would be the possible solutions?
Of course, there is no single answer. In my opinion, various ways of partnership and cooperation with the West would be successful, by joining the areas of strengths of Western and Latvian churches, to accomplish jointly things that could not be done separately. Identification of the weak points of Latvian churches and efforts to improve them will not yield the hoped for success. However, identification the strong areas of the system, and efforts to strengthen them even more, will cause the strong areas to become more influential and effective, thereby influencing the entire system. How to implement this in practice? Concentrate on the young people. Provide them with encouragement, example, advice, training, and opportunities to express themselves and put into practice their ideas. Concentrate on development of leadership. One of the greatest problems in every sector of Latvian society, in business and education, as well as in the Church, is the lack of leaders. For their part, the best existing leaders are burdened with too many responsibilities and their energy is dissipated. This is a huge problem. The question is – how to train new leaders, so that they would be prepared for the 21st century, yet, at the same time, respect the current order in the church. The new leaders must be able to lead in today’s society; yet, tomorrow’s work cannot be accomplished with yesterday’s tools. It is important to find a way to give the new leaders relevant sense of belonging in church and society. John Stott, a prominent British theologian, has said that pastor must be an expert in both worlds – to understand the biblical world with a Bible in one hand, and the modern secular world with a newspaper in the other hand. It is important to build such a bridge.
What is the most significant task in maintaining in working order the most important bridge of all – the one that unites man and God?
Of course, the original bridge builder was the Lord. Demonstrating His infinite love towards us, He started to build the bridge - while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us on the cross. Even though sin separated man from God, Christ, by His death, built the bridge; the cross is the bridge. Man is invited to walk across that bridge in faith and repentance of his sins. But we must also witness to the world about the bridge between man and God, so that, those who need Christ would not look upon churches only as architectural monuments in the old city, but rather that activities in the churches would be alive, tangible, and pertinent to our days. That is the task of Christians – attract attention of the society where we live, not only by preaching about good works, but also doing them, thereby helping everyone to find the bridge, already built by God – the bridge man must cross.
Another commentary about your book says this: “Today we read many books about prominent people, whose lives go on alongside with an insignificant god. This book is about an insignificant man, who leads his life alongside with significant God. How does it feel – to walk through the life with awareness that you are that insignificant man?
Reflecting on that thought – it is not difficult to think of myself as that insignificant man, if we realize that our feet are made of clay, that we are weak by nature, and yielding to temptations can destroy our lives. On the other hand, I have no idea why God has granted me such an interesting life; I do not deserve it. I do not deserve the honors and awards. I would not have completed my book, were it not for many people, who unselfishly and even anonymously worked and helped me. The book contains six pages of acknowledgments of gratitude. If I receive recognition, then it should also be granted to my many helpers. Yes, I think I am that insignificant man, who has somehow managed to do well. Nevertheless, I realize that God has chosen to use me for some surprising plan, known only to Him.
While attending seminary some 27 years ago, I served part-time with a large church in Texas. There were fourteen pastors, of whom I was the fourteenth, the last, - the lowest. The senior pastor wrote a report about my life and service, addressed to the seminary. The report mentioned that I could be entrusted to serve only in the music ministry and nothing else, because I was said to have no abilities to lead and influence people. I was not suppose to have seen this report, yet it was shown to me at the seminary, and I felt very hurt. I was very angry, because I clearly knew that God has called me to Himself, to use me in some way. At the same time, I was aware that I have speech difficulties, lack of self-confidence, and fear of authoritative personalities – they are all natural fears. Yes, I know that I am an insignificant man.
How do you sense God’s protection?
First of all, He protects me from myself, from my human nature. I also have frequently sensed God’s safeguarding hand when, evidently, I walked on dangerous paths, for example, going into the Muslim world. I begin my book “Surprised by the Father’s Plan”, with a narrative from my life, in which God wonderfully protected me in 1985, during my first trip to Latvia. Even though I knew it was illegal, responding to requests of Latvian pastors, I had brought with me Christian literature and a few Bibles. Crossing the border, I was required to carefully document every Christian book I brought into what at that time was the Soviet Union, and certify with my signature that I will bring all of these books with me as I leave the country. While visiting in Latvia, I recall realizing - I must leave these books here, I cannot take them with me. So, I left not only all my books, but nearly all of my clothing and other things as well, and returned to the airport with an empty suitcase, except for a few souvenirs. Standing in line at the customs area, I shivered with fear, realizing that in my hand I held documents clearly indicating that I had broken the law. Then I simply prayed to God: “Lord, in the New Testament it says that you make blind eyes see. Today, Lord, I ask you to make seeing eyes blind!” As the line moved forward, I continued to pray. I saw how several people were searched and carefully inspected, but, when my turn came, the customs official just took my documents, did not even glance at me, and called for the next person. There! – That is what I call God’s wonderful protection. In the subsequent days I have experienced it again and again. I am not fearless, I fear many things, but God always protects me.
So, then God also surprises you in this way.
Yes, that is so, because I am not at all courageous. Although, in my opinion, - courage is not absence of fear, but ability to take risks, in spite of fear. I have noticed that God surprises me most of all, at times when I take risks.
What do you wish to say to the readers of “Svētdienas Rīts” (Sunday Morning) newspaper – to those who already have become acquainted with your book, and to those who are still considering reading it?
To those who have already read it, - if the book spoke to your heart, share it with others! But, even more significantly, prepare a list of things for which you are thankful to the Lord! If, with this book, I can help someone discover the fingerprints of the Lord in their lives, if I can push somebody closer to God, I would be very delighted. However, my greatest dream about the book is – that many, many young people would read it!
Charles David Kelley
• American Latvian with dual citizenship
• Founder and President of The Bridge Builders International (organization for partnership between Christians in USA and Latvia)
• Baptist pastor with over 30 year experience in ministry
• Married, four children
• Author of the recently published book “Surprised by the Father’s Plan”
“When I was my children’s age, reading autobiographies of Christians truly inspired me. Now I ask myself – what has become of such autobiographies nowadays?
“Courage is not absence of fear, but ability to take risks, in spite of fear.”
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