Ray Family Update from July 2022

Dear Praying Friends,

We are living in interesting times to say the least. However, perspective can greatly change your attitude and actions. When saints focus on the world around them, they become discouraged, disgruntled, and discontent. When saints focus on God and His goodness, they remain encouraged, thankful, and hopeful. With these things in mind, I have never been more aware of God’s goodness in my life. Each meal, I am reminded that God provided the means to obtain the food and likewise the availability of that food to be obtained. How thankful I am each time I put gasoline in the car that God provided the funds to have the car and pay for the fuel to get me where I need to go. Each house payment and electric or water bill that gets paid, I am reminded that it is God that made that possible. I do not say this to suggest that people who are struggling more than I am are somehow sinful, forgotten of God, or void of His blessings. Rather, I say this as a praise to God for drawing my attention to Him and to His provisions creating thankfulness and hope in my heart rather than discouragement.

Another area where I can see and appreciate God’s faithfulness is in His help and enabling in preaching. Those who know me best know that I have, at times, experienced great torments of mind before and while preaching God’s word. While I appreciate the humility and gravity accomplished as a result of this struggle, I have often, like the apostle Paul, prayed for the removal of this thorn in the flesh. I do not know what the future holds, but I do not want that to hinder me from praising God in the present. Over the last month or two, I have found God’s grace to be sufficient in the face of rising fears and anxiousness. Numerous times, God stopped my fears before they reached a climax and gave me joy and confidence in their place. It is hard to explain to people what it is like; but, if you can, imagine fearing the thing you love to do most in life. Nevertheless, God deserves all the credit and glory for helping me and I want to give Him just that!

This help from the Lord could not have come at a better time. Over the last two months, it feels like we have been on the road just as much as we have been home. For a pastor, this means everything left undone while out of town has to be crammed into the weeks you are in town. For a family, this means all the yard work and housework left undone has to be made up. The month ahead does not look any lighter with all of our regular ministries starting back up. Thankfully, between the two busy seasons, our family will have a short time of vacation to visit with some of our friends in Illinois. We are truly praying for a great time of refreshment in hopes of returning home recharged and ready to go again for the Lord.

Speaking of the month ahead, there are several things for which I would like to ask you to pray as well as consider if the Lord would have you to be involved in any way. Our local outreach ministries resume the beginning of August. We need all the participation we can get from those who call Antioch home. For those who do not live locally, we covet your prayers. Additionally, Bible Institute classes resume on August 15th. Brother Jonathan Judy will continue a verse-by-verse study of Genesis and Brother Nathan Hollingsworth will teach verse by verse through Philippians. [Hint: There may be a bonus class.] These classes can be attended in-person by those who live locally, but virtual attendance is also available for those who cannot join in-person. All of our classes are free of charge and therefore accessible to all. Even if you do not plan to attend, we welcome your help via prayer and letting others know about the availability of such classes.

Next time I write, I hope to make an appeal for help with various ministries connected to our church. Some of these ministries will only be able to be fulfilled by people who attend the church, but others could be helped by involvement from those of you who love and participate in our ministries from afar. We have several major and numerous minor projects that need to be completed before we move into the 2023 calendar year. Some of this will involve computer skills and work, some will involve construction skills and work, and some will involve plain old-fashioned people skills and work. PLEASE PRAY ahead of time and see what God would have you to do.