Andrew Ray

RTW Connection: Josiah Project Team 8
Current Ministry: Priest-in-Charge, Fox Chapel Episcopal Church
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Q: Do you have any recent stories of God transforming a young person's life?
A: I recently went to maximum security prison with others from my church to join a Kairos ministry team for a weekend. I had the opportunity to minister God’s love and forgiveness to young men who had committed terrible acts of violence against others. Most of these men will be in prison for 10 years to life. While on this weekend, some men experienced God’s love and grace for the first time in their lives. One man cried for the first time since his childhood because of his overwhelming sense of God’s love. After the weekend one prisoner said, “I may be in prison for life, but I’m free in Jesus.” I had the privilege of leading some of them to the Lord and I am grateful for God’s grace which loves and forgives even those who have committed horrendous crimes.

Q: What does your current ministry with young adults involve?
A: I am the Priest-in-Charge, so the whole church is my responsibility, but one of my main focuses is our youth ministry. I supervise two youth interns who work closely with our Parish Youth Committee as we plan an organize youth events. We are currently seeking to hire a new youth minister at Fox Chapel Episcopal Church. Do you know a good candidate? Are you interested? Contact us through our website: www.fcec.us
 
Q: What specific training, skills & wisdom from your time at Rock the World are you applying to your current ministry?
A: As a parish priest, I am doing relational ministry all the time. I find that Rock the World’s emphasis on relational ministry, discipleship, and empowering others for ministry effect me on a daily basis. My ability to understand culture, challenge others to greater levels of discipleship, and enable new ministry all come from my background with Rock the World. My Josiah Project summer doing youth ministry in North Dakota on the Standing Rock Reservation also helped me to learn perseverance and that God can do more than we can hope or imagine when we rely on his strength.