One of God’s great gifts to us is the influence of godly men and women who touch our lives in powerful ways. For me one of those special servants is Ravi Zacharias. Apologist, evangelist, and author, Ravi has faithfully ministered to millions over his 46 years of traveling the globe proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ. I can honestly say that God has touched my life through his, and it was with great sadness that I learned this weekend of the terminal cancer that will take him from us.

His daughter, Sarah Davis, has posted an update at rzim.org where you can read the latest news. In her letter, she expressed appreciation for the love and concern shown to the family during this difficult time. She also noted their desire to spend whatever time is left to them as a family. Most of all, she acknowledged the goodness of God and the peace of knowing her dad’s legacy will continue to inspire others to serve Christ.

Raised in India, this 17-year-old skeptic was rescued by grace on a bed of attempted suicide. The words that broke into his heart at that time were from John’s gospel, when Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live.” The light of that truth led him to trust Christ as Lord and Savior. Thinking of his background reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s conversion in that, like Paul, Ravi was a chosen vessel.

At 74, there is perhaps no other man that has traveled further in defending the faith than he. His mission, in his own words, has always been to help thinkers believe and believers to think. His goal has been to remove “all the obstacles that stand in the way so the questioner can take a direct look at the cross of Jesus Christ.” It is his consistent passion to share the gospel, not just apologetically, but with deep concern and compassion, that has been such a blessing to me over the years.

I ask you to please remember Ravi and his family in your prayers. Pray that God’s marvelous grace will strengthen and sustain them now, and in the days ahead. Pray for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries as they face the future without their founder. Pray that God will bless the time he has left with his loved ones and grant them the peace that passes understanding.

Thank you, Dr. Zacharias for your faithful example, your passion for the truth, and for your brilliance in defending the faith once for all delivered to the saints.