Ray Family Update from February 2015

Dear Praying Friends,

“My grace is sufficient for thee.” The words of 2 Corinthians 12:9 have never been more real to me personally than they are at this moment. Our God is so faithful that He personally prepares trials and troubles for our own well-being. If we only spent the amount of time seeking His face concerning the purpose of our difficulties that we spend trying to avoid them, we would find God’s grace lovely and sufficient in the heart of our storms. In fact, we would see that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We would glory in our infirmities “that the power of Christ may rest upon” us. Over the past few months, God has tested me and my faith time and time again. I wish I could say that I have always passed with flying colors. Like Jeremiah of old, there have been times in my heart where I have said, “I will not make mention of him [the LORD], nor speak any more in his name” (Jeremiah 20:9a). Shortly thereafter, I would again see a longing in my heart to step behind the pulpit of Antioch Baptist Church and preach the word. Thank God for His faithfulness!

Not Quite What I Expected

When I took the pastorate, I had an idea of how my ministry would go. One day I would write, but not then and not now. I would spend twenty plus years in the Bible studying and in the pulpit preaching and teaching. I would get my doctrine and practice to be exactly what it ought to be and then, and only then, would I put pen to paper in an effort to help others accomplish the same. I am now reminded that God’s plan is not always our plan. If nothing else, this month has served as a confirmation of that truth. I have probably preached fewer messages this month than any other time in my pastorate and yet it seems as though every day is spent writing. Do not misunderstand. First of all, I still have a longing in my heart to preach God’s word. Secondly, I do not write because I feel qualified to write. I do not write because I feel as though I am a writer. Much like a burden to preach, I feel a burden to write. What started as a desire to write gospel tracts has grown to a heart for putting Bible-believing materials (doctrinal and practical) into the hands of God’s people.

What I Now Expect

Our church has suffered greatly over the past few months. Several folks have left, oftentimes with little to no explanation. I hurt deeply for those who have stayed. It has felt as though we would about recover from one wound only to incur another. Yet, for some reason, I expect things are about to turn in our favour. Just as God has a plan and purpose for every individual, He has a perfect will and calling for each local church. I expect we will soon get a greater understanding of God’s purpose for Antioch. In a general sense, I expect to preach, teach, counsel, and write. In a more specific sense, I expect to affect people for the cause of Christ by doing these things out of a charitable heart. I expect us to rejoice with some prodigals and see some elder sons melt in conviction under the preaching of God’s word. I expect to endeavour to find the balance between truth and love and do my best to demonstrate that to folks hungry for something different than what they have witnessed of Christianity up to this point in their lifetimes.

If you will recall, I also started my ministry with expectations. Expectations of which God has in many ways altered, broadened, and hastened, but in every way surpassed. Though I truly expect the things I just reported, I am also willing for God to rewrite the history I am yet to face. If He deems it best to allow me to fall on my face trying to please Him, I will gladly be humbled, so long as my humility brings Him glory and honour. Truth is, I don’t know what to expect other than the fact that the God who called me to this ministry is faithful and that He did not bring me into this wilderness to die. He brought me out to take me in. With Moses I say to the Lord, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence” (Exodus 33:15).

Prayer Requests

* Pray for the flock of God at Antioch. These are some of the finest folks I have met this side of eternity. Pray that God will compass them with favour (Psalm 5:12).
* Pray for stability and unity amongst the people as well as power and wisdom upon their preacher.