For those of us who could not attend Colin Ray’s Memorial Service in Australia, here is the cover of the program. The background is a photograph of his hospital room wall, covered with drawings from his many visitors. Colin kept things colorful!
Below is part of the sharing of Sue Fairley, CFOI President, at his service. She quotes CFOers from around the world and their words that were sent when Colin stepped into heaven. Enjoy this journey with our beloved brother and this wonderful family!
“Today as we meet here, this worldwide family of CFOI is joining us in prayer. Many of them were really shocked and saddened at Colin’s sudden passing but in true CFO spirit they were able to look through the sadness to the One who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Within a few minutes of Colin’s graduation to glory I emailed the International Board with the news and since then there has been a constant flow of beautiful emails to Gweneth and their family. I want to share some of these with you because they sum Colin up really powerfully and give you an idea of how much he is loved from as far away as East and West Africa, Latin America, North America, South and East Asia, Europe and our own Region the South Pacific.
From Goel in the Philippines: Colin has been an inspiration to all of us here in CFO Philippines and East Asia Region ….his purest intention was to empower leaders throughout the world. As the song goes – he is a jolly good fellow which nobody can deny. We praise God for Colin’s life. Thank you God for in Colin we saw Jesus – so real, so loving, embracing and kind.
From Johnson Thomas in India – Colin was such a great personality of God with prayerful insights and foresights. This great earthly loss is a great heavenly gain.
Pamela (USA) wrote: Our Council Ring wishes to thank you Gweneth for being the exact helpmate God planned and provided for Colin throughout his years as CFOI President. The seeds he planted shall bring glory to God the same way his good works of light shone so brightly on the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ….. May the presence of Christ’s Holy Spirit given by the Father be EVER SO CLOSE during the coming days.
Erika from Europe – I have had some very profound experiences with Colin in different places in the world – Warsaw, Tuscon, Amsterdam and different International camps. …..I remember his ease with all different kinds of people including the disabled, his humour and his fun with language. His relationship with God was real and contagious.
Joy Bolin from USA writes: I can see Colin giving tours of heaven to newcomers who follow after him. Everyone could see the love of Jesus in the twinkling of his eyes.
Dan from Peru – Colin dreamed large…. You taught us all to “come along” never leaving anyone out. You taught me so much of how to dream large casting a vision larger than life itself. You taught me that everyone is equal and everyone deserves a chance. You spurred me on in the valleys of tough times always with a smile and a pat on the back. You have left a legacy across the world and thousands will remember the great Colin Ray.
Karl-O Hass from Germany wrote: Now Colin is with God in His kingdom of never ending SHALOM. May the power of this peace reach out to fill you Gweneth and your family in the days of sorrow and missing Colin.
Noella (Perth) Amongst so many other things he taught us to pray in colour. Now Colin is praying in colours our eyes are yet to see or imagine. What a legacy he has left of God’s love and creativity.
Frank Rigg from New Zealand said: In New Zealand the kauri tree represents height, strength and suppleness. It was used by the early settlers to supply sailing ships with their masts. When a prominent figure dies we often use the term “a great kauri has fallen”. Colin was a great kauri. His work and influence will be remembered with tremendous gratitude here and throughout the world.
Colin and Gweneth have been my encouragers, my mentors, (Colin has actually mentored me since I was 15 years old) my prayer support and my problem solvers but most of all Colin has been my great mate. I am really struggling to come to grips with a world without Colin in it and I can only imagine how much Gweneth and their family are struggling with that as well.
There is now a huge hole in the worldwide family of CFOI and no one will be able to fill that because there was and always will be only one Colin H Ray. I count myself privileged to call him friend. I will miss you Colin but I am so glad that you are now teaching the angels how to do creatives and especially how to do Devotion in Motion which is a special part of the daily program of CFO camps. Colin knew that physical co-ordination was not his greatest strength and yet he became an extraordinary leader of Devotion in Motion. I thank the Lord for all that Colin has done to strengthen and expand CFO around the world and especially for his contribution to our own local ring.
Peace to you all, as we remember Colin, and all those who have gone on to glory and who now cheer us on!
