GGHT

About Bishop
Robert E. Ray
About First Lady
Jacqueline Ray
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About Bishop Robert E. Ray

From the streets of West Texas to the mountains of Anchorage, Alaska

Pastor Ray was born and raised in Odessa Texas, where he was the first African American child to play little league baseball, and the youngest lifeguard.

He was born to William and Bertha Ray. At the age of 3 days old a minister came to pray for his mother. He looked in the bassinet and said, “Look at that preacher." The calling was on his life from birth.

William, a retired railroad worker and Bertha, a beautician taught young Robert and his 5 siblings that hard work is a virtue. They had to do chores as well as pursue employment outside the home.

Immediately after high school Robert enrolled in Odessa Junior College, after which he joined the Navy for 6 years.

After returning to Odessa he realized his quest for life was only beginning and this was not the place to get him there. He moved to Anchorage, Alaska June 1967. In the early 70’s he began professional racing, and had the first rear engine dragster in the state. This path took him to World Finals and Winter Nationals but not God. This went on for 7 years and he realized the void in life was for more than wealth and materialism.

He began to seek the Lord. All he wanted was to work in the church and be faithful to God and the minister. His pastor at Greater Deliverance saw the sincerity and dedication in him and his leadership ability and ordained him a deacon.

Church Growth and Relocation

Because of illness and other family emergencies his pastor had to relocate to the states but was in need of a new pastor. With 2 others to choose from he knew through prayer Deacon Ray was the man for the job. He was later ordained as Elder Ray. The Bishop of the organization saw what great work was being done in Alaska so in 1992 he was ordained Bishop.

His ministry began in a downtown area where prostitutes, drugs and violence were raging. This did not discourage Elder Ray. Many souls were won to the Lord. Drunks would stagger in and the presence of God would sober them before they left. Prostitutes would come and kneel at the altar. After many years of labor there the church relocated to midtown. By then Pastor Ray was tired with paying rent at astronomical heights so the search for a building to purchase was pursued.

In July 2001 a 6,080sq foot building was purchased in South Anchorage to accommodate the many ministries under one roof of G.G.H.T.