Meeting Evangelist Raymond Lentzsch – Encounter That Changed My Life Forever

I met the evangelist Raymond Lentzsch in February 1991 when I volunteered for two weeks at the Iloilo City port on the M/V Doulos.

The M/V Doulos was one of the ships Operation Mobilisation operated in fulfilment of its mission to share the Gospel worldwide.

I was 24 years old then and had just concluded my field research work. With no job opportunity in sight and wondering whether or not I should pursue my pastoral calling, I took the opportunity to become a port volunteer for M/V Doulos.

I recalled attending the orientation at the Baptist Center Church in Lapaz, Iloilo, with 50+ young professionals learning about Operation Mobilisation, the ship ministry, and the volunteer areas on M/V Doulos.

I was tasked to be an interpreter for one of the ship’s evangelism teams around Iloilo City and nearby towns to share the Gospel. I was assigned with Ray on day one of my volunteer days. We, M/V Doulos port volunteers, call him “Uncle Ray.”

I interpreted for Uncle Ray as he preached in the streets, plazas, Iloilo City Hall, the Iloilo Provincial jail, and marketplaces of Iloilo City. He often let me present a Gospel chart or explain the tract we distributed.

I got my “baptism of fire” in street evangelism through him because, as an interpreter, you also feel like you’re the evangelist. At the start, I was conscious that someone would recognise me, but as we went out daily, I got used to it and enjoyed my task.

I can’t forget preaching with him at the market in Santa Barbara, a 30-minute drive from Iloilo City. We had to stand on a vacant market table so the people listening would see us. We would stop each time the bells from the nearby Catholic church belfry began tolling.

His commitment to proclaiming the Good News is exemplary. He has always had a fire to preach and share the Gospel, taking opportunities when they arise and finding opportunities when they do not.

After that two-week stint, we corresponded through postal mail. In Ray’s letters, he encouraged me to become a pastor.

I have kept one of his letters throughout the years. Read Uncle Ray’s letter today to enjoy a great message from a devoted servant of God.

I reconnected with Uncle Ray through his Facebook account on 7 August 2010.

His one and only reply says:

Dear Jonan: Great to hear how you have pressed on in the work of the Lord, and I do recall those times you remembered when you translated for me. OM India has just published my book. If you’d like a complimentary copy, just send me your mailing adddress. Warmly in Christ at age 83, Ray Lentzsch

I did send him my mailing address, but I think he never managed to send me a copy of his book. I’m interested to read Ray’s lifetime ministry with OM and his accounts of his visit to the Philippines in 1991.

Working with Uncle Ray for two weeks in February 1991 changed my life forever. In June 1991, I enrolled at Central Philippine University’s College of Theology, taking a Bachelor of Theology, which marked the start of my pastoral ministry journey.

I am deeply thankful to the Lord for Uncle Ray and for all those who have inspired and supported me in His ministry.

I searched online and found this video about Uncle Ray by John O. Please watch and learn more about Uncle Ray’s life and ministry.