Ron Hafer

Name: Ron Hafer
Position: University Chaplain
Education: Biola, B.A., 1961; Talbot, M.A.C.E., 1975.
At Biola since: 1966

1. What do you do in your job? Oversee undergraduate chapels and give pastoral care to the Biola community

2. The five (or so) most influential books you've read:
•   In The Name of Jesus- Henri Nouwen;
•   Kingdoms in Conflict- Colson;
•   The Measure of a Man- Kent Hughes;
•   Mere Christianity- C.S. Lewis;
•   Spirit of the Disciplines –Willard.

3. An influential person in your life? My father and his godly example.

4. Why are you at Biola?   I love Biola; my life was changed as a student here. I have this strong desire to make a difference for God's kingdom... and can't think of a better place to invest my life.

5. A guilty pleasure: I love to bake my little body on the beaches of Hawaii without any sunscreen.

6. Your testimony (in 200 words or less): My dad was an alcoholic & the family was really dysfunctional. Dad was a fighter, drinker, smoker, cusser, a violent man. He came to Christ when I was 12, and the change was so amazing the entire family trusted Christ the following year.

7. What book you would insist your children read? Through Gates of Splendor (the story of the Quito martyrs)

8. If you could relive any part of your life, what part would it be, and why? The early years of my marriage; I was pretty arrogant and self-centered, and would like to have a do-over with my wife and children.

9. What is the most difficult choice you’ve ever had to make? Concluding my time at Biola. What made it difficult? It was hard because I love so much what I do. What factors helped you make that choice? God simply made it plain that it was time to conclude.

10. What is the most risky thing you want to try doing? Hilda and I might attempt a short-term mission project in Australia.

11. What are five things you are most thankful for in your life right now?
•   Salvation,
•   Meaningful ministry,
•   Health,
•   My wife,
•   Kids / grandchildren.

12. In difficult times, who would you most want praying for you? My wife and parents.

13. What was the greatest peer pressure you felt as a teen/college student?   To take the road of popularity vs. living by strong Christian conviction.

14. Do you think it is possible to live with no regrets? Yes, I believe a person can love Jesus and walk in the Spirit throughout his life... I regret that I've often fallen short of that goal.

15. What is your definition of success? Do you consider yourself to be successful? Joshua 1:6-8… When I have walked courageously/strongly with God in control, choosing to let God's Word dictate what I did, where I went, etc... then I was successful. I'm afraid only God can determine what chapters of my life have been successful.

16. How much is your self-worth and identity determined by your job and your success at it? It should not matter that much, but I'm afraid much of my self-worth and identity is based upon my ministry at Biola.

17. What are the most important things you look for when choosing a church? A loving congregation who will overlook my faults; strong Bible teaching; strong emphasis on the Great Commission.

18. What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen? The birth of my children and grandchildren.

19. What are the 3 questions you most want to ask God?
Why He created Satan;
How does election/predestination work?
When is Christ returning?

19. In what areas of your life is it most difficult to trust God? Probably at the time of my death.

20. What does contentment mean to you? How close are you to that, now? I believe it means "let not your heart be troubled....neither let it be afraid." I experience a lot of contentment in my life; I don't really desire anything.