International Crusade             And                       Radio Evangelism

I  CARE Inc.

Reaching The World

Message from The President 

  Dr. O. Ray Williams

May 14, 2008

Is it because there is more to do than ever before? Or is it because I’m getting old and slow? Because we don’t have enough help? Someday I’ll get those questions sorted out. Meanwhile there continue to be more demands than energy, and more opportunities to serve than time to walk through all the open doors.

I love what the Scriptures say in Proverbs 10, “The fear of the Lord prolongs the days of man.” And, “The hope of the righteous shall be gladness.” That offers an explanation for the fact that I am immensely enjoying life, laughing more; and cannot find any reason to back away from both calling and opportunity.

The ambulance we talked about in the last letter is sitting in our driveway, in the process of importation for use in Vizcaino (Baja). The 5,000 lbs of canned goods flew out the door of the warehouse, and Travis Caywood (Rick Caywood Min.) brought us 38,000 lbs more, giving us opportunity to share with several other ministries, and feed hundreds of hungry little children. 44,000 lbs are coming next week. I am praying the Lord will help us pay for the diesel fuel for that load, so Travis will be able to get home

Last week three complete dental modules left our warehouse and crossed the border into Mexico where Jerusalem Evangelical Ministries ( Alberta , CAN) is building a clinic. The 25 tons of building materials are down to a few tons now, but they have built several homes and churches in Mexico . The hospital beds in the warehouse are asking to be delivered to Mexico as well. The beds may have to wait a while. A load of toys for children is in the 23 foot box trailer, waiting to be unloaded..

The National Day of Prayer (May 1) had a new component this year. A prayer flight with a Christian pilot and a prayer team was launched over the Capital city of every state of the U. S.  I was honored to be chosen to fly the 2008 AZ flight and choose the prayer team. Rev. Billy Britain and Rev. David Power were powerful airborne prayer warriors.

We just received an email yesterday from one of our “little kids” from Mexicali (who is now a big, wise, anointed Pastor-Leader-Teacher further down the Peninsula ). What amazing success, vision and fruit! When we have opportunity we’ll translate and share that letter. Their churches and their disciples have multiplied and exploded.

Last month I promised I would share a bit about Utah . We continue to move forward, and have some important business, educational and governmental agreements and relationships in place. We now have 12 60’ doublewide mobiles on the way to the ranch. We have enough steel for a 25’ by 100’ building, a new machine to manufacture our own concrete block for our buildings (courtesy of Colibri Block Machines), and the use of a farm tractor to begin to put down crops. A Utah architect has offered to create plans for our construction projects. We will still need a well, a dump truck, a backhoe, a concrete mixer, and of course, a ton of cash. A seed company executive has grabbed the vision and shared immense energy, knowledge and confidence with us. I continue to believe that we really can change the face and effect of incarceration in the United States .

 Carol is feeling better and has more strength and more smiles than at any time in the last few years. Your prayers have been powerful and effective.

 This summer has a lot of ministry on the schedule including leadership training seminars in a few Mexican Churches, encouraging the Churches in Baja and Sonora, a couple of medical clinics in Mexico, filling for a couple of vacationing Pastors in Yuma, and a grand daughter’s wedding in Washington.

 May grace (God’s desire to flood your life with joy and provision) fill your life today. We give very happy thanks every time we remember you, your love, your faithfulness, and your sacrifices for us. May God multiply His care for you, as you have done for us.

 Please know that we love you.

 Ray

 O. Ray Williams, Pres.

I Care, Inc.

February 13, 2008

 “And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, …. and saw these things…. They perceived that this work was wrought by our God.” Neh. 6:16

 Nehemiah was thoroughly fascinated with the things God was doing for his people. Even his critics were totally convinced that it was God, far beyond the ability of man.

 Life, schedules and ministry have been far more demanding than our strength can handle. When Caleb was 85 years old he said to Joshua: “The Lord has kept me alive. I wholly followed the Lord my God. As my strength was then, even so is my strength now.” We have somehow sensed that extraordinary strength from Above, and are just as amazed as Caleb and Nehemiah.

 On our way to Mexico City Robert Fitts and I landed in Fort Worth and spent a couple of delightful days in fellowship and ministry among his House Church disciples and with my cousin, Gene Williams. We also landed in Hamilton, OH, near Cincinnati and spent time with Tim and Kristen MacDonald, (Pastor, Missionary and business people) who are deeply involved in the transformation of their city. They have purchased a 60 room Civil War complex where a great deal of Kingdom labor will be done in the coming years! Robert and I had opportunity to tour and pray over that amazing complex, that historic city and that wonderful couple.

 Before flying from Columbus , OH to Mexico City we left the plane at Robert Downing Airport in Coshocton , OH for 10 days where the world’s most skilled and gifted aviation mechanics lovingly ministered to the airplane and to us. We were blessed by their immense love, generosity and prayer for us and for the plane. May Heaven smile abundantly upon MMS Aviation, and CEO, Dwight Jarboe!

 In the Churches of Mexico City Pastor Cesar Rodriguez, his staff and our entire team from Hawaii , Arizona , California and Utah flowed like a sweet river and ministered life with a joy and hope that will never be forgotten. They have all grown incredibly, matured, built beautiful buildings, and sent pastors and missionaries far and wide. We did 25 services in 8 days, each one unique, each one powerful, and each one fruitful. Robert did four two hour training sessions to prepare six teams who are now in the Mother Church, each 2 hours one day per week, doing what they are calling, “Divine Healing Clinics.” Last Sunday two entire unrelated families who came off the street to be ministered to during the daily clinic, came forward to receive Christ as Savior; then asked that their children be dedicated to Christ, then and there. Carol and I will be back there in late March for the annual Easter week ministry.

 Since arriving home the days have been filled with ministry, an ordination service for two new Pastors, a good bit of time in hospital visitation, a memorial service for our long time colleague, Sarah Rowe, a required FAA flight review, and a couple of days in the San Diego area as Carol and I celebrated our 45^th anniversary.

 While I was away our daughter Jamie flew to Yuma and our son Steve took a few days off work. Together with Carol and a couple of friends they remodeled our kitchen and the master bedroom and bath. It is spectacular! They did a fantastic job, and caught me by surprise. I walked in the door and thought I was in the wrong house!

 Next week we will go to northern CA to retrieve an ambulance donated by Assist International, (arranged by Bob Arrington) and 5,000 lbs of donated canned goods from Healthy Harvest (arranged by Rick Caywood/Chihuahua Connection.) It’s good to have godly friends.

 Your powerful and faithful prayer and generosity, joined to God’s calling and faithfulness, have created an extraordinary strength and excitement which causes even our enemies to say; “This is a work that has been wrought by the Lord!”

 Thank you.    IN CHRIST,

 O. Ray Williams, D. D. Pres.

A brief overview of 2007

• Ministered to Pastors and Christian Leaders on three continents
• Preached in dozens of Churches in several countries
• Gave many tons of new building materials to Mexican Churches
• Gave many tons of food to needy families
• Participated in numerous free medical clinics for poor families in Mexico
• Organized and hosted small animal clinics in San Luis-El Golfo
• Made many trips to Utah to build a 640 acre rehab ranch
• Flew successful over water search for drowned fisherman
• Gave 4,054 new toys for Christmas
• Gave away considerable medical equipment and supplies
• Monthly support to Pastors in Africa, Mexico & Philippines
• Supplied 2 new concrete block machines to Peru earthquake relief
• Ongoing training and discipleship of Pastors and Missionaries

 And an overview of the past few days:

 “You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance”.  Ps. 65:11 NIV

November 12, 2007

 “Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty!” Rev. 15:3 Forty one years ago today Carol and I were launched into fulltime missionary ministry. A 41 year long stream of daily miracles has followed, and I am still surprised and fascinated every single day! Walking with Jesus and being a little, almost imperceptible part of His Kingdom has not even begun to grow old.

 Your trust in our calling, your faithfulness and generosity toward us, and your love of being a part of what we do has always been the engine to our ability to go forward. It is not possible to express how much we love you and how much we appreciate your fellowship in the Gospel.

 I stopped by the Humane Society office in San Luis , Mexico , October 26^th, working on this year's round of veterinary clinics in Mexico . The Director, Dr. Sergio Diaz, knowing that I was also taking a load of food to the children's feeding center in El Golfo, alerted me that I was going to walk into a tragedy in El Golfo, 60 mi south of San Luis. A fishing boat from El Golfo had capsized in the Sea of Cortez . One fisherman was rescued, one body was recovered. A third was missing and presumed drowned. The boat was missing. At the request of the Mayor of El Golfo (a long time friend) I took off from the  Yuma Airport alone early Tuesday morning, landed at Mexicali International Airport , and ran into difficulties immediately. I had all the necessary papers, except my passport. It is now required to fly both into Mexico and to return to the U. S.  Several important people at that airport came to my rescue; and Mexican Immigration gave me a six month multiple entry visa, even without a passport.

 I called the Mayor of El Golfo on my cell phone and gave him an ETA. There is no airstrip there, so at the promised arrival time he sent police cars to block off a mile of the highway so I could land. We did a debriefing and strategic plan for the search. The brother and the next door neighbor of the missing fisherman climbed into the plane with me. I took off from the highway, turned toward the ocean and went about 60 miles southwest about 1,500 feet above the waters of the gulf. We knew where the accident had taken place, and they thought that the currents would have caused it to drift toward the southwest. From the accident site I started making circles about a mile wide, gradually widening and moving toward the S W. About 12 to 15 miles from the site, 700 feet above the water, in a 30 degree banking turn, both men screamed at the same time...."There, there, there!!!" The bow of the boat was visible about ten feet below the ocean surface, and visible for about three seconds on each pass. It was a completely miraculous find. We marked it with the GPS, and soon saw the body floating close-by. I flew  to the Baja side of the Gulf and landed at the San Felipe Airport. We again called the Mayor of El Golfo on the cell phone. He immediately sent three boats toward those GPS coordinates. We sat on the San Felipe Airport two hours, cranked up the plane and rendezvoused with the boats over the top of the sunken boat. We went back to San Felipe Airport to await word. An hour later the Mayor called me and said they had recovered and identified the body, and confirmed it to him by radio.  They sent a larger boat to try to recover the sunken one. I handed the phone to the brother, Mario, so the Mayor could break the news. He had been really brave until that moment. The Comandante of the airport saw through his office window what was happening and came to cry with us. His tears and presence, completely without words made a painful moment become consoling and tender.

 It was so late in the afternoon that the Comandante could not approve the 30 minute flight plan to take them back across the Gulf to El Golfo. Mexican law does not allow single engine flight at night without an instrument flight plan. San Felipe is a visual only airport, and it would have required a night time flight over water and a landing on an unlit surface off airport. He is a really kind gentleman, but said, "No way!" We found a car to drive them back around the northern tip of the Gulf. I spent the night in a hotel in San Felipe, had breakfast with a Pastor who was one of my seminary students 20 years ago, and a medical doctor who is an Elder in his Church. I flew home alone, direct from San Felipe to Yuma International Airport . Carol delivered my passport to the U. S. Immigration office at precisely the same moment I was getting out of my plane on the other side of their building. They were forgiving and understanding. I felt incredibly honored to be trusted that much by both Municipal and Federal Officers in two countries.

 Carol and I will drive to Salt Lake City on Thursday to officiate the 25^th wedding anniversary celebration for Pastor Bernardo and Nubia Gonzalez. They have people from 20 or more countries in their Church. Their Bible College is now accredited and has over 50 students. They have made us proud. More about Utah next month.

 We have paid about 1/3 of the medical which ultimately totaled $25,000.00. Thank you again.

 May joy fill your heart and Christ filled laughter brighten your countenance,

 Ray Williams

August 1, 2007

             May the joy and sunshine of Heaven smile upon your day. We remember you so often and give thanks for your love and friendship. We are blessed every time we remember you.

 The good news from here is that Carol suddenly began to be stronger, more encouraged, and more creative with each passing day. She has once again become energetic, creative and fascinated with life. My tears in recent days have all been for joy and gratitude for what I am seeing. The Lord has done a great thing, and, in spite of a year and a half of misery, we are still going forward, and busy about life and ministry. The bad news is that the out of pocket medical expenses exceeded $20,000.00. That may take a few years to zero out, but we did it once before and survived.

I took the first load of building materials to Utah , met with the farm co-op in Lucin Valley for the first time, and brought back a large load of donated toys for the Christmas programs. We are hoping to build the first building on the Golden Spike Rehab Ranch soon. The cost of that will be about $100,000. May the Lord pour out from His store house. I still believe that we can change the face and the results of incarceration in America .

The anniversary service at La Casa Del Senor in Mexicali was spectacular again. I am so amazed at the hand of the Lord on that congregation. I have recently made two flights down the Baja Peninsula for medical clinics and ministry. The volunteer doctors cared for about 300 patients. Many of them prayed to acknowledge Jesus as Savior.

Last week I made the longest trip I have made to date in the Bellanca 260. Chet Chetkauskas (a Board member of Golden Spike Rehab Ranch) and I flew a total of 23 hours over a ten day period, and ministered to Catholic Leaders in Wisconsin . Chet is a good pilot and very helpful with the radios and navigation. He made my job a lot easier. God is doing an amazing thing in that community and parish. What beautiful people, with hungry, joyful, and responsive hearts to the Gospel!

While in Wisconsin we also attended the world’s largest gathering of pilots and airplanes at Oshkosh , WI . There were thousands of planes of every imaginable use and origin, and hundreds of thousands of people who love and use airplanes. The flying was spectacular, the airplanes were gorgeous, the seminars were really helpful, and most of all, the missionary pilots I met and fellowshipped with for three days were the finest examples of wisdom, integrity and compassion I have even been around. The place is addictive, in a good way, and I may try to go back next July.

Thank you for your care for us; so deep and for so long. We will never have the ability to tell you how much we appreciate you, and how important you are to us. I am grateful that God knows your love toward us, and ours toward you.

IN CHRIST,

Ray

March 5, 2007

            Three years before Jesus said “Go into all the world and makes disciples,” He made the statement, “Come unto me… …learn of Me… I will give you rest…my yoke is easy.” (The King James does not use the words “make disciples”, but eight other English language versions in my library do.)

            It is useless and pointless to make disciples unless we first come to Jesus, sit at His feet, learn to be worshippers, and become His disciples. The New Testament word for disciple (mathetes) simply means to be a learner or a follower. When Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men,” He implied a much grander occupation. They followed immediately, and all the way to the grave. May our own response and allegiance be no less than theirs.

            February was a very full and delightful month, and March is asking for the same opportunity. Carol’s African ticket was about to expire. She was not able to use it last March when she became ill. British Air was kind enough to refund and rewrite that ticket as two round trip tickets to London. We spent our 44^th anniversary in Bristol, England, and Cardiff and Chepstow, Wales.

            Immediately after our return from the United Kingdom, we joined Chet and Lyn Chetkauskas and Rev. Joe and Ruth Wesley to spend two incredibly wonderful days in San Felipe, (on the Baja Peninsula), and two more days in El Golfo de Santa Clara, Sonora, Mexico. Pastor Salvador and La Gran Comision in San Felipe are planting two daughter congregations in the central part of the Baja Peninsula. In El Golfo we spent a good bit of time with the City Fathers in an attempt to improve their medical outreach and public health facilities. I preached for Pastor Francisco Gonzalez on Sunday morning, Feb. 25.

            Yesterday, March 4, I had the unforgettable privilege of dedicating Elizabeth and Ruperto Partida’s 6 week old son, Edgar Josue.  He is the grandson of Loreto Mayoral, who was my dearest friend and ministry companion in Mexico for 21 tears. A day does not pass without remembering the most godly and humble man in history. Little Edgar has a legacy like few other children on earth. I preached the morning service of Sublime Gracia, for Pastor Mario Delgado. We are so privileged, and so blessed to be a part of the lives of such precious people. The calendar for the rest of March is filled with exciting opportunities to serve and minister.

Next weekend Carol and I will meet our daughter Jamie, and her husband, Scott at the Spring Training complex in Peoria, AZ to attend at Mariners’ game, and have lunch together. Carol and I will continue from there to Durango, CO to be with Pastor Mike and Barbara Webb, who Pastor a Vineyard Church in CO. Mike has traveled and ministered with me a lot through the years, in several countries, and I have preached many times in his Church. He is about to resign that pastorate after 25 years or more in the same Church. They both have a heart for missions, and spend a lot of time in Asia. Mike holds some patents and has a lot of skills in the area of aqua- culture and water purification. His abilities and inventions will be really helpful to us on the ranch project in Utah. Barbara teaches High School Spanish. They will travel to Mexico City with us on March 31, and minister all of Easter week in the Churches we have helped establish and nurtured in that huge city for more than 20 years.

            On the 23-24-25 of this month, together with Chet Chetkauskas, I will fly our plane to the San Quintin Valley on the Baja Peninsula to serve with a group of volunteer ophthalmologists from California and Colorado who will do eye surgeries and prescribe and provide eye glasses to the very poor indigenous farm workers of that area. El Buen Pastor Hospital has a dirt airstrip, and hosts that clinic three or four times a year. I fly workers in, and serve as translator, Chaplain, Evangelist and consumer of donuts and diet Coke.

            We love you and pray that health and laughter be a major part of your lives every day.

IN CHRIST,

            O. Ray Williams

January, 2007

 Years have wings, and each one flies off into history. 2006 is now archived in permanent ink into the great book of time. We may someday read that book and have great laughs, pleasant memories: Maybe some painful recollections. But, history cannot be changed.

            2007 is still unwritten, perfect, clean, and filled with incredible potential, power, and opportunity. King David wrote the key to fruitfulness in 2007; “It is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord, that I may declare all His works.” Ps. 73:28   My sense about 2007 is saying to my heart that God is beginning to speak to the Church about closeness instead of activity; About joy instead of intensity; About valuing each other instead of seeing mistakes and faults. Jesus said, “The pure in heart shall see God.” The proper use of the present moment somehow brings with it a revelation of God, and a bit of eternity tied to it.

The Christian Veterinarian group was with us again Dec 13-20. They did the 5th annual vet clinic in San Luis, and 3rd annual in El Golfo de Santa Clara . They did about 60 small animal surgeries, and gave good evidence of Christian love. The governments of those two cities have become our great friends, and present our work before the community as something of value. The children's Christmas party in Nogales had 300 kids, San Luis 400, and El Golfo 1,100. In the Mexicali Valley we hosted 6 pastoral families and sent toys and food for their congregations. El Golfo is asking for a volunteer ophthalmologic group.

             In spite of the most trying and painful moments of our lives in 2006, we still had opportunity to bring many people to Christ, to see miracles of healing and provision, and to encourage hundreds of Pastors and dozens of congregations on four continents. There is an incredibly joyous expectancy in my heart regarding 2007. My prayer is that God be in charge of time, leading, provision and opportunity; and that I be in charge of being obedient, grateful, and happy.

             This month I will take a team to Mexico City . Next month Carol and I will be in Wales .

             May 2007 bring you good health, good friends, good laughs, good food, and a peace so deep that every new day of the year begins with an overwhelming desire to give thanks to the Creator God who plans to hold your hand all day, every day.

           O. Ray Williams

November 1, 2006

 A thousand? A million? How many things do I have for which I am grateful?  Few could possibly be more important to me than the Bible I saw my Father reading frequently in the latter years of his life.  My siblings were kind enough to tolerate my desire to own that Bible. I keep it in a special place, but sometimes I read it. I did today. And I found these words underlined: “I will betroth you to me in faithfulness and love, and you will really know me then as you never have before.” Hosea 2:20 Living Bible (Read it again and let it sink in.) Isn’t that amazing? Redemption and forgiveness were God’s initiative. He chose. He joined. He revealed. To be in His presence is awesome! To know I am His friend and companion has become a breath taking revelation to me.

 Carol is so much stronger and healthier. We are so very blessed. In the last few weeks she has taken several ministry trips with me, and I am enjoying her company in a special way. For instance:

Oct. 3-4 we flew to southeastern Arizona to speak for a banquet honoring a couple for 50 years of totally unselfish, Christ honoring service. It was a humbling, anointed, and sweet experience; like being asked to sit at the feet of the Master.

On Oct. 13-14-15 Carol and I (along with Gene and Trish Williams from Ft. Worth, TX) drove down the Baja Peninsula to minister to Missionaries and staff who live  to serve others at Campo Cristiano, and ask for nothing in return. We drove to the port city of San Felipe and spoke to, prayed for and clapped for 20 new believers who were baptized on the beach. The next morning several hundred excited, beautiful and happy people filled The Great Commission Christian Center of San Felipe, and ate like hungry little birds as I taught out of the Book of Acts. At least a dozen new people received Jesus that morning.

Oct. 26-27-28 we flew to N W Utah, met with an agricultural consultant, and looked at additional property with an eye to grow beyond the 640 acres we have named the “Golden Spike Treatment Ranch.” Letters of Agreement and Letters of Understanding are in hand from several important government agencies, educational institutions and businesses, which allow us to continue toward housing 240 sentenced inmates, hungry for a transformed life and a productive future. We still move forward by faith; and faith allows us to confidently see way beyond what material limits are able to envision.

 In September I flew to Salt Lake City to minister for Pastor Bernardo and Nubia , to clap for the success of their congregation and Bible College , and to joyfully administer several weddings for couples who have come to know Jesus and begun to understand the importance of righteousness in their walk with God. Eight couples celebrated their wedding feasts together in a massive and gorgeous hall. What a party that was!!

 November and December and January calendars are filled with fun and exciting ministry, mostly in Mexico . We will also coordinate and host the Christian Veterinary Mission small animal clinics in San Luis and El Golfo , Sonora . They will help us with the toy distribution to the Pastors of the San Luis and Mexicali Valleys . Last year the number of toys was down considerably from previous years. We are praying that people will remember that very poor families see the love of Jesus through that in a way and at a moment in which their hearts are tender and open.

 We continue to give tons of beautiful new windows and building materials to Pastors, Churches, Missionaries and needy families. As of today we have a wonderful, powerful forklift in the warehouse. It was a gift from a local business. They even filled up the fuel tank and delivered it to us. Today I did more work in 30 minutes at the warehouse than I had been doing without it in three hours.

 Please know that we love you, and that we are so grateful that this month your love and generosity have allowed us to celebrate our 40^th year of consecutive, full time missionary ministry (3 part time years prior to that). We have labored in 40 countries on five continents; planted, pastored and built many churches, homes, schools clinics, hospitals and feeding centers throughout the world. The reward belongs to you, because of your faithfulness and sacrifice.

 Joyfully fulfilling The Great Commission

 O. Ray Williams

August, 2006

             Every stage of life brings its own lessons. Childhood taught me carefree dependence. Adolescence taught me hope, vision, potential. Adulthood brought industriousness, hard work, serving and lifting others. The white haired time of life is teaching me perseverance, and, a return to the carefree dependence of childhood. For the last 40 years I took certain pride in “carrying my own weight, and more;” It seemed that “being busy about ministry makes one worthy and accepted;” I thought “numbers, results, and visibility are convincing and impressive;” Guess what!   I’m learning that “Through much tribulation we enter the Kingdom of God .” (Acts 14:22)   And that “…He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6)

             In recent months (since April) I have stayed close to home. I have only ministered a few times a month. I have only crossed the border a few times. Carol and I have both learned that nursing is not my strongest gift (but I’ve done my best.) In March, while I was on the African continent, she took four units of blood. Her surgery last month, and the two subsequent procedures were successful. She’s recovering, gathering strength, beginning to get out of the house, and spending a few hours in the office. Her blood counts are now normal. Hospital stays, frequent doctor visits and tons of paperwork may now be a thing of the past.

             What would appear to have been the least productive and most expensive time of our lives, has in fact taught us how faithful God is. Whether we are running at highest possible human velocity, or sitting barefoot at home with nothing on the calendar for a  week; He doesn’t forget who we are, or where we are. “Be still and know that I AM God” (Ps 46:10) has taken on a new, sweet and peaceable meaning for me.

             Discipling, counseling and encouraging Pastors are the things that have not disappeared during this time. Cell phone minutes and coffee shop visits for prayer and teaching are a constant. And that seems to be where I feel most productive in ministry.

             In the next few weeks the pace will be increasing. Speaking events and ministries are scheduled on both sides of the border. Travel will be on wheels and on wings.

             During more than four decades of ministry we have never attempted to raise money for our own ministries. We have, during all that time been willing to trust the Word that says: “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” That Word hasn’t changed. Neither has our commitment to faith. What has changed, (and we are praying that it will correct itself quickly) is our level of support. A Missionary can be effective to the extent that he can be mobile. He can be mobile to the extent that support will allow him to be.

             We continue to send monthly checks to several Pastors and Missionaries in various parts of the world, in spite of the frustrating and embarrassing fact that my salary is now more than three years in arrears. I am amazed at what we can do without income. But I am often heartbroken at what we cannot do for Missionaries, Pastors, hungry children and needy families; and how much it would help them if we could. Some things can only be done with sufficient income.

             When I was 19 I said to God, “I will be faithful to you, if You will be faithful to me.” I actually heard the voice of God answer. He said to me; “I will be faithful to you, if you will be faithful to Me.” He has been. And we have been.

              Best to you. IN CHRIST,

             O. “Ray” Williams

May 23, 2006

Some questions can go a lifetime without being asked. i.e. “What is a chain?” Two minutes ago, for the first time in my life, I looked up the meaning of ‘chain’. It is: “A flexible series of jointed links used to pull or to transmit power.” Why did I want to know? Because, this morning I have a greater understanding. Ten days ago Rick Caywood left Central Texas in his truck and 53’ reefer trailer. In Modesto , CA he picked up 44,000 pounds of donated canned goods, and brought them to our warehouse in Yuma . We couldn’t pay him for the food or the fuel (we were able only to contribute a few hundred Dollars); but Rick didn’t ask to be paid…..he asked only to be allowed to serve. The next day Pastor Manuel Castro brought his truck and 43’ trailer to our warehouse to carry all 44,000 lbs. to Mexico . A Pastor in Nacozari , Sonora , Mexico called Pastor Castro and said, “Because of the miner’s strike there are 1,000 families in my town with no income, and no food. I need help!” Federal officials in Mexico granted permits to transport 5 tons of the food to Nacozari. Donors paid for Rick’s diesel fuel; an AZ Church paid for Pastor Castro’s fuel. You allowed us to be there with the warehouse and the connections …. And now I understand what a chain is, and does. The children may never know, but they will never forget.

             We will make 24 payments of $1,777.00 for the 640 acres in Utah , and have a clear title. How incredible is God’s faithfulness!! We have begun to seek funds and donations for the first buildings, water system, electrical power, leveling for the airstrip, and a thousand other things. We still don’t know where it will all come from, but we do know that the United States of America will become a better and more peaceable place because we will begin to change the nature and effect of incarceration in this country.

             The 9^th anniversary of La Casa Del Senor in Mexicali was powerful and delightful. On June 11 I will also minister the 15^th anniversary of Iglesia El Rio, here in Yuma . Pastor Cota was a little kid in one of our village Churches in Mexico , and now a big, powerful man, both physically and spiritually in Yuma , AZ. Pastor Bernardo has two weekly TV programs in Salt Lake City , 52 students in his Bible College , and a 24 hour prayer chain. One of the benefits of getting older is to see the work and the fruit of  your disciples.

             Carol’s strength is improving. She has two leaky valves and an enlarged chamber in her heart. She also has a hiatal hernia for which a laparoscopic surgery will be scheduled soon. Thank you for your prayers, generosity and concern for her well being.

             I am in the process of returning to a single engine airplane. I have signed a purchase contract on a Bellanca Viking, a fast, honest, very reliable aircraft which rarely comes on the market. The seller is giving up flying because of his health, and selling both of his airplanes. We have used the twin engine Cessna for the last 6 years, but the cost of operation, maintenance, and insurance of a twin is a lot higher. The Bellanca will allow us to be more efficient and predictable in our travels, both in the U. S. and in Mexico . Pray with us that we will quickly be able to sell the twin.

             You are a continual source of joy and encouragement to us as you pray and give so faithfully. We appreciate your friendship and partnership more than we can express.  We love you.

             In Christ,

             O. Ray Williams

March 7, 2006

            “We are laborers, together with God…” (1 Cor. 3:19) Being a laborer is not an unusual thing. We know how to labor, and we see laborers by the hundreds every day. What is so amazing to me is that God considers us to be His partners, and He sees Himself as a laborer.  After Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath, and the Jews decided to kill Him for that, Jesus answered and said, “Heretofore my Father worketh, and I work.” He used the common term for work, and implies that even though it’s the Sabbath, the Father’s work can never cease. When he was only 12 years old, Jesus understood that: “I must be about my Father’s business.” Why would He honor us with that same calling? Not because He needs us, certainly. Perhaps it is because we look like Him. We are made in His likeness and in His image. That’s why you are so good looking!

            On Saturday, 3/11/06 Carol and I will fly Phoenix, London, Lagos, Benin City. We will do a school for pastors, minister in Churches, and officiate the launching of the Rev. F. I. Omobude Foundation. (And, of course, celebrate Pastor Felix Omobude’s 60^th birthday.) That foundation will become the endowment for the Christian university we have always dreamed would exist in southern Nigeria, on the 400 acres where we prayed together and called it into being many years ago. It is already functioning in a small way.

            Two weeks after we return we will leave again for Mexico City to do an Easter Week conference there. I think this is the fourth consecutive year the Churches there have honored us with that invitation. How blessed we are to be able to serve.

            Someone recently asked me the question; “Ray, have you come into a bundle of money?” The answer is, “No.” We have the same daily struggles we’ve always had, only in a multiplied form. My salary from I CARE is more than three years in arrears. But, we cannot walk away from God’s call for lack of money. We still live day to day, and still see amazing and sudden answers to prayer. Thank you for your generosity, which helps us to continue to be servants; Servants by choice, servants for life.

            Fulfilling The Great Commission,

            Ray

January 31, 2006

Have you ever identified with Job? …even for a brief moment? He certainly grabbed my attention this morning. “My life is going fast, like a ship under full sail, like an eagle plummeting to its prey.” (Job 9:25 The Message) The positive statement there is that we’re going somewhere, we know where we are going, and we are quickly closing in on the target. The downside is that life may turn out to be shorter than we would like, and that some dreams may be transferred to the next generation. However, as Tevia said in Fiddler On The Roof, “But, on the other hand, maybe that’s not so bad.”

We now have 640 acres under contract in N W Utah. Planning and Zoning in that county has recommended approval of the prisoner rehab project. Together with our attorney I will present the plan to the County Commissioners on Thursday, February 16. PLEASE join us in prayer for that approval. With all my heart I believe it could ultimately change the face of incarceration in America , and the destiny of thousands of families.

The last few months have allowed us to see the hand of God move in amazing and spectacular ways in Churches from Utah to Mexico City . The ten day leadership conference in Mexico City earlier this month was by far the best in the 20 years we’ve been ministering there. On Dec. 11 we officiated the first graduating class of the Bible School in Salt Lake City , and just before that the 5^th anniversary of the Church.

 The 4^th annual Christian Veterinary small animal clinics in Mexico did 70 or more surgeries, saw many more animals, and shared the Gospel with many open and grateful hearts. There were six veterinarians and twelve vet students from all over the United States . Some of the young people discovered that being a servant in Jesus’ Name is the most delightful experience of life.

Carol and I will be going back to the African Continent for a good part of the month of March, at the invitation of Gospel Light Ministries. The mother Church now numbers many thousands of members, there are 100 or more daughter Churches, they have opened their own university, Christian school, Seminary, medical clinic, and have oversight of a leper colony. This will be our first trip there in six years. We are concerned about the cost of the trip ($4,000), and would really be grateful for your prayers and help if the Lord allows. Home, health care, airplane, and travel expenses have been painfully high.

Immediately after Africa we will be back in Mexico City for the annual Easter week conference. Our ministry team there earlier this month consisted of a Colombian Pastor, a Czech Missionary, a Mexican attorney and myself. I am praying and seeking to put together a team for Easter.

Well, I hope you can see that we are still having fun and keeping our foot on the accelerator. Carol had to leave her job because of her injury last September. Her left shoulder is healing, but very slowly, and with a lot of pain. We would be very grateful for your prayer for her. Prayer is never the wrong thing to do.

May 2006 bring abundant bread to your table, joy to your heart, laughter to your lips, and friends to your side.

Please know that we love you and thank God for your friendship each and every day.

Fulfilling The Great Commission,

            O. Ray Williams

September 16, 2005

            Greetings. May your heart be filled with joy, your lips be filled with praise, your wallet filled with finance, and your table filled with wonderful delights. We pray this promise find reality in your life; “The blessing of the Lord that makes rich and adds no sorrow at all.”

            In Mark 7, Jesus had done a really strange thing; He put his fingers in a deaf man’s ears, He spit, He put his finger on the man’s tongue, and suddenly, the man could hear and speak plainly. NEB says there were people who saw it, and; “Their astonishment knew no bounds.” They said; “All that He does, He does well…!” For months I have been echoing their sentiment. I am constantly and totally amazed at this miraculous life that keeps unfolding before us like an exciting book titled; “All that He does…”

            Since I last wrote to you I have lost track of the trips and the miles. They accumulate so quickly! The last three weeks alone have watched 12,000 kilometers of our tracks (footprints, tire prints, and wings) cross five states of the U. S. and four states of Mexico teaching, preaching, celebrating, and totally amazed that we could have the indescribable privilege of being Kingdom Ambassadors.

            This weekend we will be part of a fly-in medical clinic on the Baja Peninsula . Last weekend I ministered several sessions of a Missions conference for a very large Pastor, who was a little boy in one of our village churches in the 70s. The week before, in Mexico City , I did a wedding for a very dear Pastor friend who was widowed several years ago; preached several times in his churches, and did a leadership training session.

            How many trips have we made to Utah this year? Not a clue. On one recent trip I ministered the fifth anniversary of Pastor Bernardo and Nubia Gonzalez’ Church. We ordained them as they began the work. How mightily God has honored their labors!

            The owner of the Utah ranch property has tentatively accepted our offer. We hope to take possession of the most beautiful ranch on Earth (a mini-version of the Grand Canyon ) very soon. Where will the first million Dollars come from? Where ever it comes from, it will be labeled “miraculous.” Please join us in passionate prayer that we may be able to obtain that property, take in the sentenced prisoners, and hear THEM say, “All that He does, He does well!” Surely God does not give a vision without the provision.

            Pastor Salvador’s Church in San Felipe (which we recently mentioned to you) has had so many new people come to Christ they are having to add an additional Sunday morning service. Later this month they will take 35-40 married couples for a renewal and discipling retreat, at a seaside resort.

            We know clearly where we have been in our 39 year missionary faith walk. We remember so many of those amazing moments of miraculous provision. We can see much further forward than we can reach, but that doesn’t stop us from reaching. Faith will always attempt to reach even beyond what it can see…..but, my faith is seeing transformed lives, transformed families, a transformed penal system, and a transformed society. We will never stop reaching for that, even if the Lord gives us another 39 years.

            Not surprisingly, this summer has been one of the times in our lives which has required a day to day, and moment by moment faith for both direction and provision. The needs are far greater than our supply. The invitations and opportunities are far greater than our time and strength. We are still as amazed as those people in Mark, Chapter 7.

             Fulfilling The Great Commission,

                                                 Ray

June 1, 2005

             In my personal devotions this morning, as I watched the sun rise, I read these words from Habakkuk the Prophet; Hab 2:2-3 “Write the vision, and make it plain……..., that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (KJV)

      Why do I immediately become uncomfortable when God says; “Wait”?  As if He somehow doesn’t understand that my life is rushing by. As if God’s plan and purpose depended on my ability and strength to make it happen. With my most serious face I say to God; “But I already learned that lesson about patience!” And I still hear His cute little chuckle. Then He says to me, things like; “The secrets of success are hidden inside the ability to wait.” “Patience is not a passive and indifferent thing….it is your highest strength.” “If you learn to wait well, you will also learn to persevere. If you learn to persevere, you will still be able to walk into your life’s greatest moments.” We expect to leave a lucid and recognizable trail as we walk into life’s greatest moments.

 As the potential funders of the dream which will transform the lives of former drug dealers, thieves and misfits in Utah are wrestling with what they can do, and must do, to make it happen; my ability to foresee the destiny of those misfits forever changed; and their families finally able to have a dream continues to grow each day. Their dream has become our task. It is no longer invisible and impossible; it is just as real as if we held it in our hands. Waiting becomes a little easier.

 Pastor Bernardo and Nubia Gonzalez asked me to join them in Salt Lake City the last week of April. We ordained them five years ago as they began to plant their church. We met with Homeland Security at the Federal Building in Salt Lake on April 29 to request a status change in their visas, to allow them to become permanent residents, and to continue to pastor in Salt Lake. It was granted immediately, and with such favor and grace that we were all speechless. Last Sunday, at a special event, they had 1,200 in attendance in their church. The Gonzalez family is native to Colombia , South America .

 On May 5-6-7-8  300 or more leaders of the various congregations of The Great Commission Christian Centers in Baja California, Mexico gathered at their cold, windy 25 acre mountain camp ground. We ministered around the theme, “Walking into your calling.” It was perhaps the most enjoyable and productive preaching I have done in a long time. The presence of Jesus was so intense, and so holy, we spent long periods on our faces in the sweetness and the fear of God. One of the most humbling moments of my life was in noticing that many of the visionary, perceptive and anointed leaders of that organization were my seminary students 20 years ago. They are making a difference.

 I want to thank you again for your continual prayer, encouragement and financial support for I CARE, Inc. Without it we would not be eye witnesses and hands-on participants in what may well be the greatest moment in the history of the Kingdom. I cannot imagine doing anything else for a living. To say that “We are blessed” would be the most gross understatement of my life. I pray that you somehow be able to feel our love, our gratitude, and our excitement about touching this generation with hope. Believers have an endless hope. Unbelievers have a hopeless end.

 Fulfilling The Great Commission,

 O. Ray Williams

April 1, 2005

             “…I will never stop doing good to them; and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and I will plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.” (Jer 32:40-41) While I recently studied through the book of Jeremiah, those two verses grabbed me by the throat and seemed to give me a new and larger understanding of just how much God wants us to be happy, to be prospered, to be faithful, to be fruitful, and to see and understand our destiny. Not only does He take joy in pouring His goodness all over us; He also pours the fear of God into our hearts to inspire faithful obedience. And, as if that were not enough, He plants us in the land of His choosing and sticks around to be the gardener.

             We saw that fruitfulness last week. At 3 AM on Tuesday Carol and I arrived home from Mexico City. Centro Cristiano Cuitlahuac is almost 20 years old now. I have done at least two ministry conferences a year in that congregation since the beginning, and several of her daughter churches, and have watched the faithfulness, the fruitfulness, and stood amazed at the growth of numbers and vision. Carol preached a powerful 6 AM Easter sunrise message at the Mother Church; and at the 10 AM Easter service, as I finished the message and gave the invitation, I was awestruck as I watched 100 or more people immediately stand to their feet and say, “I’m ready for that change. God, make it happen in me!” A young lady walked to the microphone on Sunday morning and gave a powerful testimony: “I came a few nights ago as a visitor, in a wheel chair. God touched me and raised me out of that chair. I came back today to say I am walking on my own, and I give God thanks for His mercy and healing power.”  

 The Great Commission Christian Centers of Mexicali and San Felipe now number seven congregations in those two cities. Next month I will minister their camp meeting in the mountains of the Baja Peninsula. Their theme is, “Walking into the Calling of God.” When we planted that Church 20 years ago we envisioned world impacting ministry, but in all honesty, it’s like living in a dream world. I am starting to understand the Apostle Paul’s praise statement in Ephesians….”Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the Church!” Those ‘little kids’ we started with are literally changing the world!! I know that we’ve been in the middle of it from Day One, but I still feel like a fascinated spectator.

On Sunday Carol and I will minister the monthly “Confraternidad de Iglesias”, which means the Fellowship of the Alliance of Churches, in the Mexicali Valley. Many of the attending churches and Pastors are among the 16 congregations we planted and built during the ten years we lived there. Some pastors are still in the same churches thirty years later.

            The business plan and the detailed vision for the ministry to sentenced prisoners in Utah are now in the hands of a group in New York. They have committed to helping us find funds for both the three thousand acres and the buildings to house that ministry. We may be able to lease a home and open a women’s half-way house almost immediately, even before having the funds for the properties. It is a huge vision, even for visionaries. It is a monster step of faith, even for people who have always lived by faith. To quote Ronald Reagan, (one of my favorite human beings) as he stood before his party’s convention and asked them to bow as he prayed; “I am terrified to do this, but I would be even more terrified not to do it. So, let’s do it together. I will not do it without you, and I cannot do it without God.”

             As you can hopefully see, I am both excited and humbled by the things God has put on our plate and said, “Go for it!” You have been such a huge part of what we are able to see accomplished within The Kingdom. Carol and I are so deeply thankful.

             May Heaven smile upon your day, and grace rain upon your life.

             Fulfilling The Great Commission,

             Ray

             O. Ray Williams

See More Pictures on the ICARE at Work page

February 5, 2005

             The annual ministry conference in Mexico City was cut short by a couple of days because Carol’s Father suffered a stroke and a brain aneurysm, and was air-evac’d to Phoenix . I was able to get almost immediate flights to L. A. and Yuma . He was in the hospital for a  month before going into cardiac arrest.  We buried him on February 15th.  Please pray for the family.

             After a similar medical emergency with Pastor Cesar last year, his churches in Mexico City are leading many people to salvation, and growing immensely. Cesar’s health is recovering nicely.

            In the last several months I have made many trips to Utah , where we continue to work with ranchers, real estate brokers, judges, and state officials in an attempt to accelerate the formation of  the desperately needed I CARE Rehabilitation Centers. Chaplain Richard Green, Pastor Scott Ferris and I have spent a lot of time and money, with the expectation of being able to transform the lives, families and futures of  repeat offenders in the Utah Justice system. We are praying for, and looking for finance to purchase 2,000 or more acres to establish the center. Staff and workers are ready to start.

 The annual small animal clinic was held in San Luis, Mexico Dec.16-17. This year there was a second one in a community on the Sea of Cortez , 70 miles south of San Luis. There were 30 people, including 8 veterinarians and 11 or 12 veterinary students from 8 states of the U. S. All of the students and one of the vets were from the Christian Veterinary Fellowship at Auburn University . Dr. John Kruckeberg from Columbia , TN was the medical coordinator. They saw 300 animals and did 60-70 surgeries on dogs and cats, and one fighting rooster. The rooster belonged to the town drunk, a real character. The rooster was named, "Amigo." Several animal owners found Christ as Savior.

 The Veterinary group helped in the toy distribution to the Pastors in the San Luis and Mexicali Valleys . This year our numbers were down a lot. We gave 2,300 new toys, and had a great time of fellowship with a few of the Mexican Pastors. The Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights before Christmas were spent in El Golfo de Santa Clara , where the second clinic was held.

 On Sunday before Christmas the group was in service in two local churches in El Golfo. I took 12 of them in a borrowed van to San Felipe, in the state of Baja California. San Felipe is 45 miles from El Golfo, directly across the Sea of Cortez . To get there, however, we had to drive 150 miles each way. We commissioned a church planting team that The Great Commission Christian Center of San Felipe is sending to Spain; and in that service received a special $1,300 (Dollar) offering for their journey.

 I continue to do several Spanish language radio programs each week, minister frequently in the Churches we have planted, and give regular financial support to many native pastors and missionaries in Mexico , Cuba , and the Philippines .

 We are considering invitations from several countries and continents. Obviously, we cannot accept them all, nor do everything we want to do, but we want to bless as many pastors and churches as we can, while we can. We would be grateful for your prayers for wisdom, for guidance, and for provision. Our only limits are time, strength, and material provision.

 The annual inspection is overdue on N871, the airplane we use for the ministry. The cost of that will be around $2,000. N871 is grounded until we get that done. As soon as it is finished we will begin to make moves toward selling or trading it for a single engine aircraft, more suited to some of the short, rough, ranch airstrips we use, both in Mexico and in Utah .

 Thank you for your care for us, and the compassion you show for the lost, the last, and the least. You are allowing us to celebrate our 40^th year in missionary ministry.

 Still fulfilling The Great Commission,

 Ray and Carol Williams

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O. Ray Williams    928-783-1124

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