Book | MANA SIRDSVĒLME

The book “My Heart’s Desire” reflects the deep longings of the author’s heart. It is a cry for a heart that mirrors the life of Jesus. This desire has developed over the course of fifty-three years of ministry. During these years, many experiences have contributed to the birth of this cry. Three of them have had the greatest impact.

The first event occurred when the author returned home from ministry and found his wife, Verna, weeping uncontrollably. Her simple explanation was that she longed deeply to know God more intimately. Her heart was filled with a yearning for Him. This stirred a deep unrest in the author’s own heart, leading him to seriously examine his relationship with God.

The second event took place when the author’s eldest daughter, Kay, announced that she wanted to leave Bible college and begin ministering to the “hippies” on the beaches of Northern California. The author was shocked by this idea, but Kay, who was not one to give up easily, said that she loved the hippies. Her father admitted that he did not. But she quickly replied, “But Jesus does.” That conversation created a deep conviction and motivation within him.

The third event happened when the author’s second daughter, Karen, was in the hospital, dying of cancer. A very insensitive doctor questioned her faith and made remarks that deeply hurt her. Her husband, Stan, and her father became very angry and wanted to confront the doctor. But Karen responded, “Remember, he’s only human.” In other words: “I forgive him — why shouldn’t you?” The author was deeply moved by the heart of Jesus he saw in her.

These family experiences brought a new understanding of who Jesus is and prompted the author to pray for a heart like His. Thus, the book “My Heart’s Desire” reflects the deep longing of the heart after God.