Aspiring world traveler, commended worker, elder, and the face behind BER’s social media
When Viji Roberts was a 12-year-old boy in Hyderabad, India, his Sunday school teacher pointed at him and said, “I want to speak to you after class.”
Viji was sure he was in trouble. But when his classmates left, the teacher said he had felt led to share the gospel with Viji personally—and he led Viji to the Lord.
Soon, that young disciple would study in Mumbai, marry a Christ-loving and musically talented woman, raise a son, Daniel, and work as a corporate trainer in the Middle East and Canada.
Today Viji is a full-time elder at New Life Bible Chapel in Mississauga, Canada, and a member of the BER core team. When you see BER on social media, you can be sure Viji is behind it.
This week, Viji—pictured above with Joyce, his wife of 29 years—shares about his life and his wrestling with God that led to a life of full-time ministry.
What do you love about your local church and your role as an elder?
I simply love seeing the transforming work of the Spirit in the lives of the people—to hear them bear witness to God’s goodness and see them grow in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. I am truly blessed to be part of this loving and God-honoring community of faith.
Describe your transition from secular work to full-time ministry.
For the longest time, I had felt the Spirit of God strive with me, but I just wasn’t willing to step out in faith. Then from 2005 to 2012, through a series of events and protracted illness that saw me on short-term disability twice, God graciously broke my resistance to enter full-time ministry. The day I submitted in obedience was the day I was healed to such an extent that I no longer needed the weekly nerve blocks and load of medicines. Our church bears witness to this incredible journey.
I am grateful, for God came after me “with unhurrying chase and unperturbed pace” to give me a second lease on life and an opportunity to serve Him. Looking back over the past nine years, I certainly regret the delay and doubt.
Who had the biggest influence on you growing up?
First, my Sunday school teacher, Sunil Lazarus, and then Charlie John, a visiting Bible teacher I met in Mumbai. Hearing Charlie expound the Word of God ignited in my young heart a love for the Word like never before. After all these years, the Bible continues to amaze me with its still-unplumbed depths.
What were you like in high school?
A dreamer. And being creative in a school that upheld academic excellence didn’t help. Thankfully, they had a great athletic program where I could expend my energy.
How did you meet your wife?
At church. We were both involved in the youth ministry and we liked each other’s passion for the things of the Lord.
Besides the Bible, what books have most shaped you?
Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning and The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. I am currently reading Acts 20: Fierce Wolves are Coming by Alex Strauch.
What is the biggest challenge of being an elder?
A total and complete sense of inadequacy in doing this great and wonderful work. Each answered prayer is an opportunity for praise to our God.
If you have a free Saturday, where will you be found?
Working on wood. I am not good at it, but my Master was a carpenter, so it feels like I am working alongside Him on a project (just my imagination, I guess).