Hello, my name is Stuart Ray. I’m excited and honored to be the new Executive Director for The Guiding Light Mission.

First, I would like to give you a little background about myself and my family. I am a Christian and I married my hometown sweetheart Anne 37 years ago. We have three wonderful adult children, Jonathan, Alison and Kristen. God has blessed Alison and her husband Seth with two children, Sladen and Clune, our grandchildren.

I have been in the Grand Rapids community now for about 35 years. My early business experience includes building a successful chain of forty-two restaurants employing over 2200 individuals. As a result of that enterprise I had first hand exposure to the social issues facing our community. I became involved with various organizations such as the Institute for Healing Racism, The Urban League, In His Image, Home Repair Services, Work Force Development Board to only name a few. Additionally, I had the opportunity to help create the first charter high school in West Michigan as it was very apparent that our youth and adults were capable of learning at a higher level, but the educational systems were not fulfilling the needs of the individuals. While these are great experiences to bring to the work at hand, in reality, it is not about me but about seeking God’s vision for the Mission as we join together in writing the next chapter in Guiding Light Mission’s wonderful story of service.

I am eager to personally meet as many of you as possible. The Board has graciously scheduled two open houses at the Mission, the first on June 3^rd and the second on June 16^th, both from 2 – 4 pm.  If for some reason these dates conflict in your schedule, I welcome you down to the Mission whenever it is possible. You can enjoy chapel, lunch and a tour. I can be reached at 451-0236.

Thank you for all your spiritual and financial support over the years. It’s because of your generosity that great things happen at Guiding Light Mission -- chapels and meals twice daily, overnight stays, emergency food, day shelter from the streets, Bible based recovery and more -- and ultimately, hearts are changed and lives restored. Given the opportunity to join this team, I look ahead with hope and confidence as we continue to make real our vision of being a God-glorifying ministry that exemplifies His mercy and truth.

Stuart Ray