Ray Evans
1. How did you become a Christian?
A friend at school shared the gospel with me and then offered me a Derek Prime evangelistic booklet. As I read it during Easter 1975 I was converted. As the saying goes, if God could save someone like me and like that, then He can save anyone.
2. What lessons have you learnt since that you would want to pass on to a younger Christian version of yourself?
I wish I had Tim Keller to listen to – such a great Biblical and doctrinal grasp linked, always, to rich gospel grace through the ‘gentle and lowly’ Saviour. Some of my early influencers were so concerned with the Sovereignty of God that the Saviour was a little lost sight of.
3. How would you describe your prayer life?
I was, thankfully, encouraged in the rhythm of ‘the quiet time’ and that has stood me in great stead. As I have aged, it has been heartening to have time to ‘go deeper’, albeit slowly. Praying with my wife has always been a great help too. But I do wish that I worshipped more heartfully. 4. Which two or three Christian books apart from the Bible have most influenced your faith?
Tough one – I love reading! Bonar’s God’s Way of Peace is always a refreshing gospel reminder, and has steadied my soul during trying times. Edith Schaeffer’s L’Abri often brings me to tears as I see God marvellously take His work forward. Her Affliction is pastorally brilliant.
5. Who or what have been your biggest Christian influences?
I had the privilege of listening to great preachers – Dr Lloyd-Jones, Dick Lucas and Tim Keller are three that stand out. The Schaeffers were a great help, as were the Reformed teachers of earlier years – Warfield, Machen and Murray. And C.S. Lewis, of course.
6. What are the main challenges you believe
Christians face today?
Keeping an evangelistic prayerfulness, passion, and confidence in the gospel. Not being moulded by this world with its powerful cultural influences.
7. What encourages and what discourages you?
Churches of all ages and stages wanting to be faithful and fruitful. Young leaders with plenty of gospel energy. When Arsenal, England (any sport) and Bedford Veterans Hockey Team win (yes, still playing!)
The West turning away from the Lord and His word.
8. What makes you laugh?
Our eight grandchildren – in the most delightful way.
9. What would you want to say to the wider evangelical world?
Stott’s ‘double listening’ is really important – we must communicate the unchanging gospel to an ever-changing world, with total confidence in God’s word, the riches of His grace in Christ Jesus, and the power of His Holy Spirit to bring ‘many people to glory’.
10. Which Biblical person do you most look forward to meeting in glory and why?
Every child knows the answer – Jesus!
And a distant second may be Adam. What grace he must know as he surveyed the total disaster of the Fall but saw the rescue plan of God unfold. I’d love to ask him about the extremes of his experience and see the amazing joyful wonder he must now experience.
