Ray’s Gift

Ray was the first person to welcome Debbie and I to Covenant Presbyterian Church when moved here from LA in 1984. His generosity of spirit and warm friendship is only one of many gifts The LORD gave him to give to others. He was an excellent role model to me in how to shepherd God’s Church. His serious devotion to the word and compassionate prayers for God’s people always encouraged me to press on. The thought of Ray seeing Jesus face to face right now delights my heart!

Quick story. When Pat graciously sold us her house Ray helped us with a yard sale. Later that night in the empty home, on an upper closet shelf I found one of those crazy self help books on getting rich quick called “Claw Your Way To The Top“ or something like that. When I tried to give it back to him he just said with an impish grin, “This is the gift that keeps on giving”. Over the next 20 years we “gave” it back and forth many times in many ways. An unexpected parcel showing up at work the day I started a new job. Hidden inside the vaunted Golden Reindeer at the CPC Christmas gift exchange. His look of childlike glee every time he “got me” made me laugh to tears.

We miss you Ray!

The good news is that you’re in glory and we’ll be reunited some day.

The bad news is I have no idea where that book is. :)