25 years ago, a young man in Latvia sat at a computer, far from any church aisle, and quietly gave his life to Jesus on the prayer page here on The Ranch website.
His name was Andris Sproġis.
25 years later… we finally got to talk! The conversation was so rich, I asked if we could meet again this week to record his story, not only from long ago, but also from recently, as Andris has gotten a whole new burst of faith. I’ll let him tell you about it.
Here’s the link to our conversation. I hope you’ll watch! I’ve also included some highlights below, but hearing it from his own lips… it’s golden! Enjoy!
Highlights:
What if one quiet moment—alone at your computer—could change your eternity? In this episode, Eric Elder reconnects with Andris Sproģis from Latvia, 25 years after Andris put his faith in Christ—not by walking an aisle in church, but by encountering God through a website and a simple prayer page. From deep introversion and fear to renewed faith through a global worship moment on the Baltic Sea… this story is filled with honesty, healing, and hope.
👉 If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit the “expected” way of coming to God, this conversation is for you.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & 25-year connection
01:29 – Growing up introverted in an altar-call culture
02:29 – The inner struggle: wanting to respond, but unable
03:39 – The pressure grows — and the example of Nicodemus
06:45 – Childhood faith summary & moving to the capital city
08:55 – The “pull of the Father”
10:27 – The turning point: life not going as hoped
12:39 – The stunningly beautiful Christian girl & coming to God
13:55 – Coming to God out of “selfish ambition” — and why that’s okay
15:07 – Discovering The Ranch website
16:20 – Coming to faith privately — and then publicly
18:38 – Marriage, ministry, and early church involvement
20:56 – Drifting spiritually while doing “all the right things”
22:35 – COVID and a wake-up call
25:26 – Meeting Jules Riding at the Christian artists’ camp
26:46 – The Baltic Sea worship moment: “I Found Grace”
28:53 – Helping a stranded musician — and rediscovering purpose
32:22 – Returning to church and rekindling faith
33:45 – The men’s event in Holland: breakthrough and freedom
37:27 – Confession, healing, and seeing yourself through God’s eyes
40:14 – Overcoming fear and people-pleasing
42:41 – Encouragement: “Don’t lose hope”
43:02 – Prayer for those feeling stuck or isolated
46:59 – Eric reflects on the original email from Andris
52:22 – “Take the next right step”
54:04 – Closing thoughts & Jeremiah 17:14
🔑 Key Quotes
ANDRIS:
“Don’t lose hope… the Father’s pull is strong, and He’ll come for you.”
“God is not only about your eternity. He also wants to redeem your humanity.”
ERIC:
“I’m so thankful God works 24/7, even while I’m sleeping.”
“Take the next right step.”
♬ Song
“I Found Grace” by Jules Riding
https://youtu.be/9SYrIR4mGIQ
📖 Scripture Highlight
“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One I praise.” — Jeremiah 17:14
🙏 Watch the Full Episode
Watch the full conversation to discover:
- The surprising role a website played in someone’s salvation
- The moment on the Baltic Sea that reignited faith
- How God uses even reluctance and fear to lead us forward
- Why “the next right step” might be all you need today
👉 Don’t miss this one! Here’s the link again:
https://youtu.be/UCVz2gnHTBc
Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Reply to write to Eric. Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.