I Am Learning To Be a Bishop
Part II
While I could be sidetracked this week with the news of our work in
Australia, I am reminded of the faith of my bother in Christ, Rev. Gary
Raymond. Gary has been told by doctors that his time is short, yet he
inspires all around him to not just live for today but always. It is not
my choice or wish to discuss with others their death, that is a call
that only God can make, but in the reality of life we must exercise our
hope with those who are facing an untimely death.
Gary is a minister of another denomination and was received as a
watch care member into the Anglican Faith on Easter Sunday of this
year. With all that is facing him from liver cancer, and the doctors
prognosis, I gave him a charge, that he will preach at the local parish
of Good Shepherd Easter Sunday, 2007. Why did I do this when all
others around him think otherwise? I believe in the mighty miracles
of God, and until he gives His final call, I shall live in hope for my
brother and minister, Gary.
During our Synod 2006, Gary, who owns a popular restaurant in our
area, fed our delegates. When we requested the bill, we were literally
run out of the restaurant. He would have none of it. He, as he put it,
was blessing us as God has blessed him.
Below is Gary's testimony. I share it with you this week. Perhaps
from his words wherever you are, you can find strength.
The words of Gary Raymond:
Here's the story of my path to faith... Many of us often hear stories of
drug addicts or alcoholics that have had a spiritual awakening in
their lives, that have led them into a life of serving the Lord. Well mine
is quite the opposite. I was a young man at the age of 19 when I
accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I went on to study for the
ministry, and became an ordained minister at the age of 24. I labored
as youth pastor, associate pastor, and eventually pastored a church
for several years to the age of 34.
I was married with three wonderful children, a daughter and twin
sons. My ministry came under attack, and my home, and I found
myself waking up one morning without my wife, my children or the
church.
I blamed God for taking all this away from me, my anger led me
astray, and within the next ten years I went from the pulpit to a
$1000.00 a day cocaine habit. After losing everything I owned, facing
life in prison, I reached as we addicts and alcoholics call rock bottom.
I turned to the only One that I knew could help me, and that was
Jesus. In the following pages of this site, I, with the Lord's help and
guidance, will show you a 100% recovery program that works, if you
obey what the Word says about alcoholism and drug addiction. This
is God's program, it's not your way, or AA's way, "It's God's way."
May the Lord lead you and guide you into the truth, for you shall
know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Rev. Gary Raymond
Episcopal Visit: Christ The Savior Anglican Church, September 10th
Watch how you go this week.
+Hartley
acwarchbishop@aol.com