Reflecting on Dr. Ortlund's Passing

The Asian Access family mourns the loss of Dr. Ray Ortlund who was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday evening, July 22. Ray played an invaluable role in the life and mission of Asian Access. During the 25 years that he served on the board, Ray was an inspiring role model for every person in the Asian Access community. He was a friend and pastor who loved God, loved people and loved life. . .

Ray was an exceptionally gifted pastor, writer and broadcaster. He will be best remembered for the great leadership he provided to Lake Avenue Congregational Church where he served as senior pastor to a dynamic church that included many leaders from Fuller Seminary, World Vision, and The U.S. Center for World Mission and a host of other leading evangelical institutions. His books and radio broadcasts were enjoyed by readers and listeners across the country and around the world.

Though he was involved in public ministry that touched thousands of lives, Ray is probably most appreciated for the “life-on-life” impact of his ministry. He had the ability to make people feel as if they were the most important person in the world when they were with him. He was wise, godly and joyful. To spend time with him was a great gift. One of our Asian Access board members, Phil Foxwell, often commented that it was worth it to him to fly halfway around the world three times a year for board meetings simply to have the privilege of sitting across the table from Ray Ortlund for two days!

Indeed, it was a great privilege to know and to work with a person of the stature of Ray Ortlund. In a very real sense, he embraced and embodied all that Asian Access is about. Our vision is “to see a vibrant community of servant leaders with vision, character, and competence leading the church across Asia.” Ray was much loved and admired by young pastors across Asia who he helped to develop and encourage when he had opportunity to minister there. Now, that Ray has gone to be with the Lord, we want to honor his life and extend his legacy by redoubling our commitment to train a new generation of leaders in Asia who will be servant leaders with a commitment to being disciple-making pastors and being those who joyfully and compellingly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

-- Doug Birdsall