On our annual trips to our church we had Ravi Zacharias and one of his sermons on KTIS 900. He spoke in a language that was understood by all four of us. He still is the greatest Christian apologist of this century. He is the reason so many of us continue to be fervant in our faith.

Christian apologist, evangelist, author.

He was considered by many to be one of the most influential Christians of his day. At his memorial service US Vice President Mike Pence said, "In God gave us the greatest Christian apologist of this century."

He was raised in a nominally Anglican home in Delhi, India and considered himself an atheist up until his unsuccessful suicide attempt at age 17. As he lay in a hospital bed, words of Jesus from John 14 were read to him: "Because I live, you also will live."

These words inspired him to surrender his life to Christ and he vowed to leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of truth.

At age 26 he became an itinerate evangelist with The Christian and Missionary Alliance and was ordained in 1980.

In 1983, Billy Graham invited him to address a gathering of over 4,000 evangelists in Amsterdam.

In 1984, he founded Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), the purpose statement of which states "The primary mission of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries is to reach and challenge those who shape the ideas of a culture with the credibility of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Distinctive in its strong evangelistic and apologetic foundation, the ministry of RZIM is intended to touch both the heart and the intellect of the thinkers and influencers of society through the support of the visionary leadership of Ravi Zacharias.

Our vision is to build a team with a fivefold thrust of evangelism, apologetics, spiritual disciplines, training, and humanitarian support so that the mandate of I Peter 3:15 might be fulfilled: to set apart Christ in our hearts as Lord and always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within us, with gentleness and respect, all for the glory of God."

RZIM has grown to a global team of nearly 100 speakers with offices throughout the world in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Africa, the United Kingdom, Spain, Romania, Turkey, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Austria, Germany, Macedonia, and Switzerland.

He frequently said that he wanted to "help the thinker believe and the believer think." He earned a Master of Divinity degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and taught at the Alliance Theological Seminary in New York.

He received 10 honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of his public commitment to Christian thought.

As an international speaker and prolific author, his defense of the Christian faith reached millions.

He hosted the radio program Let My People Think that was syndicated to over 2,000 stations in 32 countries. He authored more than 30 books including A Shattered Visage: The Real Face of Atheism, Can Man Live Without God?, Jesus Among Other Gods, and The Grand Weaver.

His books have received multiple awards and have sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide. In 2004 his ministry established the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and launched Wellspring International, the humanitarian division of the ministry.

In 2014 The RZIM Academy, an online apologetics-training curriculum, was created.

In 2017 the Zacharias Institute, an apologetics training facility, was established in Atlanta, Georgia. His numerous speaking engagements around the world included many secular universities, the Lenin Military Academy in Moscow, the White House, the United Nations, and Angola Prison in Louisiana.

He was noted for answering the arguments of skeptics with gentleness and respect, giving the reason for the hope that he had, but recognizing that at the other end of the question was a person made in the image of God.

He said "I have reminded myself over the years that behind every question is a questioner and behind every questioner is a network of assumptions, hurts, struggles, and often prejudices."

The prisoners of Angola prison built his coffin. He wrote in Seeing Jesus from the East, "These prisoners know that this world is not their home and that no coffin could ever be their final destination. Jesus assured us of that."

In 2018, he told the story of standing with his successor in front of Lazarus's grave in Cyprus. The stone simply reads, "Lazarus, four days dead, friend of Christ." Zacharias turned to his successor and said if he was remembered as "a friend of Christ, that would be all I want."

Joni Earickson Tada once said that Grief is like a permanent disability that one needs to adapt to as part of their healing process

# Embracing the Journey of Grief: Insights from Joni Eareckson Tada

And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.Romans 5

Grief is a universal experience, and yet it often feels profoundly isolating. When we think of loss, we can feel an array of emotions that can be overwhelming and confusing. Joni Eareckson Tada, a remarkable woman who has faced life's challenges with courage and grace, describes grief as a "permanent disability" that we must learn and adapt to on our journey. This analogy resonates deeply, as it emphasizes that grief is not something we can simply overcome. Rather, it is a complex emotional process that requires time, understanding, and support.

Living with quadriplegia, Joni has a unique perspective on the notion of disability. She understands that for many, including herself, adapting to a new reality is a continuous journey filled with highs and lows. Grief, in many ways, mirrors this experience. The loss of a loved one, a relationship, or even a way of life can feel like a significant disability that alters how we engage with the world.

The journey of grief is not linear; it often involves navigating through various stages and experiencing emotions that can be difficult to articulate. Just as someone with a physical disability learns to adapt to their new circumstances, those who are grieving must also develop new ways to cope with their loss. This might involve seeking support from others, finding new routines, or even embracing spirituality. Each person's journey will look different, and that variability underscores the importance of patience and kindness—both towards ourselves and others.

As we foster our own understanding of grief, it is vital to remember that it is okay to feel vulnerable. Vulnerability allows us to connect with others who may be going through similar experiences, providing a space for empathy and support. Sharing our stories and emotions can help mitigate the feelings of isolation that often accompany grief. In Joni's words, it is through our struggles that we can find resilience, allowing us to adapt and even grow in the face of profound sorrow.

In conclusion, embracing the journey of grief may not be easy, but it is an essential part of healing. Just as we would learn to navigate life with a disability, we can learn to navigate our grief—acknowledging its permanence while shaping our responses to it. Let us remember that it is possible to carry that grief alongside finding joy, connection, and purpose. As we walk this path, let's extend grace and support to ourselves and each other, honoring the transformative power that our experiences can bring.

If you are struggling with grief and seeking resources or support, please reach out to Griefshare.org and find a inperson or virtual group nearest you. Remember, you are not alone on this journey.

When sudden death turns our world upside down

Finding Light in the Darkness: A Journey of Healing

Once upon a time, in a small town filled with friendly faces and familiar places, there lived a woman named Sarah. She was known for her bright smile and the infectious laughter that often filled the air around her. But one fateful day, the winds of her life shifted dramatically when she lost her husband, Mark, to a sudden heart attack while he was at work. In an instant, her world turned upside down, and the life she had known slipped through her fingers like grains of sand.

In the days that followed, Sarah found herself wandering through a fog, grappling with an overwhelming sense of disbelief and loss. Mornings became the hardest, as memories flooded her mind. The home that once echoed with their shared joys now felt unbearably silent. In her pain, she sought answers, often staring up at the heavens, asking, "Why?" But silence greeted her, leaving her heart heavy with questions and longing.

Despite the turmoil swirling within her, Sarah remained determined to seek solace. It began with her attending church every Sunday—a ritual that had once brought her joy. The sacred space echoed with familiar hymns and the soft murmurs of prayer, but now, it served as both a refuge and a reminder of what she had lost. Though her heart felt shattered, each service offered little glimmers of hope, inviting her to believe in a love that transcended even the deepest sorrows.

In her search for healing, Sarah also turned to her therapist, a kind Christian woman named Laura, who gently guided her through the maze of grief. Their conversations often started with tears, but they gradually shifted towards the power of hope and resilience. Laura encouraged Sarah to embrace her pain rather than hide from it. Through heartfelt discussions, they explored the beauty of cherished memories while allowing the heaviness of loss to rest alongside moments of gratitude. Laura would often say, “In our brokenness, we find God’s grace shining through.”

Encouraged by Laura's support, Sarah began to open her heart to her pastor, Mark’s closest friend, Pastor James. Together, they shared conversations that delved into faith, grief, and the promise of renewal. Pastor James helped Sarah reinterpret her questions, guiding her to seek understanding in the experiences of others who had walked similar paths. He reminded her of the verses in the Bible that spoke of God’s presence in times of trouble, allowing her to find a new perspective—a hope that did not erase her sorrow but coexisted with it.

As time passed, Sarah leaned more on her close circle of girlfriends, who, recognizing her struggle, rallied around her. With endless cups of tea, late-night talks, and a few laughter-filled road trips, they reminded her of the warmth of friendship. They shared stories, both bittersweet and uplifting, fostering a sense of community that helped mend Sarah’s fractured heart. One particular evening, as they gathered for dinner, Sarah felt a spark of joy she hadn’t experienced in months. It was in these moments that she began to remember not just what she had lost, but also the love and support that surrounded her.

Through her journey, Sarah learned that healing isn't a linear path—it's filled with beautiful highs, devastating lows, and unexpected moments of light. She still had questions, but rather than seeking immediate answers, she found solace in the process of discovery. With every church service, every session with Laura, every chat with Pastor James, and every laughter shared with her friends, she was slowly piecing together a new sense of self.

And then came a day when, amidst the warmth of her community and the gentle embrace of faith, she sensed the stirring of hope. It was no longer a distant flicker but a steady flame within her. She began to understand that while grief would always be a part of her life, it didn't have to define her. There was beauty to be found in the world still around her, in the love of friends, the support of her church, and the tender memories of Mark.

In her heart, Sarah carried forward a message: grief can transform and evolve into hope. While she may never have all the answers to her 'why' questions, she found peace in knowing that love transcends even the deepest pain. Life, with its uncertainties, still had a purpose. And so, with courage and faith, she stepped forward, ready to embrace the light that awaited her in the sunrise of each new day.