Ray Ortlund Sr (1923-2007)

Ray Ortlund Sr. has gone to be with the Lord. Here is a letter from his family from the Renewal Ministries website:

Dear Family and Friends of Ray and Anne:

It’s both our deep sorrow and great joy to share with you the news of the home-going of our father and hero, Ray Ortlund. Like Jacob, Dad went off to heaven early Sunday evening having first admonished, loved on, prayed for and given his final benediction over his children.

For Mother and us it’s an inestimable loss—already we miss him beyond words. But for Dad it’s “Glory!” and finally—after a lifetime of daily service—the sheer joy of meeting our Lord Jesus face to face. Sublime.

Two memorial services are planned for Dad:

First, at Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA on Friday, July 27, at 1:00 p.m. A second service will be held at Lake Avenue Congregational Church in Pasadena, CA on Saturday, July 28, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers we hope you will simply continue your support of Mother’s wonderful service for Christ through Renewal Ministries.

For Mother and with much love in Christ,

Sherry and Walt Harrah
Margie and John McClure
Ray Jr. and Jani Ortlund
Nels and Heather Ortlund

P.S. Ray’s final words to us are a blessing for you, too:

“The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace (Nu. 6.24-26).
… Amen and amen!”

A news story can be found here.

Ray Ortlund Jr shares thoughts on his father here, and Dane Ortlund recounts some of the lessons he learned from his grandfather. John Piper offers an appreciation as well. These tributes are well worth reading.