My Buddy Ray

Ray Beloin has been one of my best friends since Sept. 2000. It was at that time that he helped my dad and I move into my first Chicago apt. As we carried things up and down the moving truck, I realized something: I had met this guy before(very briefly, in Thailand in the summer of 1997)! In July-Aug. 2005, I got to hang out with Ray in Thailand. We had some good fellowship together, and I was grateful to stay at his place. This trip, of course, was different. Though I'm no longer a single guy, it's still a blessing to hang out with this guy.

Ray was the first friend we got to visit with during our Thailand adventure. Here we are at one of the many Sizzler restaurants found in Bangkok.


A few days later, Ray invited us over to his place for caroling and dinner with folks from the church he serves with on Sundays. Here he is sharing his testimony with Thai believers and seekers.


Afterwards, we went to a missionary couple's home for some awesome desserts!


On New Year's weekend, we had a great time with Ray and some students who have kept in touch since my my own service in Thailand ended.


During our last Sunday in Thailand, we had a nice dinner with Cheri, David, and Noah Crook. It was great to see Cheri for the first time in 7 1/2 years and also get to meet her family (Gana fell in love with little Noah).


Please pray for Ray as seeks our Lord's will on where to serve in the future. Thailand won't be the same without you buddy!