Pastor and radio broadcaster dies

USA (MNN) — Ray Ortlund, a beloved pastor, author, and
radio broadcaster — who touched the lives of millions — went to be with the Lord Sunday July 22. He was 84.

Ortlund bravely endured the complications of pulmonary fibrosis, an insidious
lung disease that also claimed the life of Campus Crusade Founder Bill Bright.

Two public memorial services are planned.

The first service will be at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian
Church in Newport Beach on Friday, July 27, at 1:00 p.m. A second service is
scheduled for Lake Avenue Congregational Church in Pasadena on Saturday,
July 28, at 10:00 a.m.

Family members, on behalf of Ray's wife, Anne, expressed
their sorrow mixed with joy in an email announcing the "home-going"
of their father and hero. "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."

The email gave a full rendition of Ray's last recorded
words, as his family gathered around him in his final moments of consciousness
with them: ""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 (Num. 6.24-26). Amen and amen!"

In lieu of flowers, the family requests continued support of Anne's service for
Christ through Renewal Ministries.

Ray and Anne founded Renewal Ministries after he led two of
the most prominent churches in Southern California. Together they authored more
than 25 books and traveled extensively throughout the world speaking on behalf
of renewal and revival among God's people. For 19 years Ray was the speaker for
the "Haven of Rest" radio broadcast.