It is not often that this bulletin is dedicated to a former member of the Eagle Lake church of Christ, but it is not often that one like Ray Lloyd touches so many hearts, even among those with whom he did not gather every Lord's day and midweek study to worship God and learn more about His will. Ray Lloyd, our brother in Christ, passed from this life January 10, 2007.

Ray's life may be summarized by observing the spiritual applications made from the characteristics of little children. Jesus taught tremendous lessons by observing children. On one occasion, Jesus' disciples asked Him, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus then "called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven'" (Mt. 18:2-4, NKJV). On another occasion, little children were brought to Jesus so that He would put His hands on them and pray, but His disciples rebuked them. Then "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven'" (Mt. 19:14). Like all human beings, Ray, of course, was not sinless. However, he did exemplify the positive, spiritual qualities of a little child so valued in the kingdom of heaven. Truly, his "light so shined before men" (Mt. 5:16)!

Hunger for Knowledge Like a wide-eyed child soaking in every drop of his favorite interest, Ray always wanted to learn more. His primary interest was the word of God. He constantly read the Bible and related material. He also shared his knowledge with others, teaching an adult class many years for the North Jackson Avenue church of Christ in Bartow. Though the Bible was his main interest, every field was fair game for his sights in learning. He was well learned in history, geography, science, and many other fields. Second to the Bible, Ray loved learning about the beauty of nature. Some of his favorite television programming was found on the National Geographic Channel. As a child, he was enthralled with the beauty of butterflies and learned much about them. He was also very found of the wolf. Perhaps his greatest interest in God's observable creation was orchids. He was a long time member of the Ridge Orchid Society. He even took a trip to Ecuador to learn more about these beautiful plants. Ray absolutely loved to learn!

Imagination and Humor Ray had a tremendous imagination. When he was not reading books from which to learn facts, he read books that took him to such places as Middle Earth and Gate 9¾. Ray's sense of humor was perhaps stirred most at real life situations that were not meant to be humorous but were actually hilarious. For example, one year he traveled with me to the Freed-Hardeman Lectureship. He noticed a sign as we passed through rural North Alabama. The sign, probably donated, had the official "Pepsi Cola" logo, but was for a Church of God. The whole rest of the way, Ray chuckled when he thought of that, so much so that he insisted we stop on the way back to take our picture by it. So we did-Ray and I underneath the sign for the "Pepsi Cola Church of God"!

Kind and Gentle As the expression goes, Ray would not hurt a fly. Like a tender hearted child, he genuinely cared for people and was willing to go the "extra mile," even if it meant making his one-of-a-kind lasagna with pepperoni at someone's request for a fellowship meal! Ray's kindness is all the more remarkable when considering his childhood. Mean-spirited children would constantly make fun of him at school, yet Ray did not turn bitter nor hold grudges. He truly followed the example of Jesus, "who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Pet. 2:23).

Humble Disposition Though Ray had tremendous knowledge, he did not act like a "know it all." To be sure, Ray would kindly correct someone who spoke falsely, but he did not flaunt his knowledge, thinking he was better than anyone else. That same humility is what allowed him to obey the Lord and continue to obey Him. This humility, according to Jesus, is what makes one great in the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 18:4). Those who knew Ray knew that his motives, thoughts, and actions were from a humble heart. This kind of humility can only result from being focused on spiritual things (cf. Phil. 4:8).

Dependent Upon the Lord Like a little child who is dependent upon his parents, Ray depended heavily upon the Heavenly Father. Though this quality was observed throughout his life, it was perhaps best manifested in the closing days of his life upon this earth. Stricken with disease, Ray was able to speak frankly about death, trusting in the Lord, knowing that "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Ps. 23:4).

Ray's passing is much more difficult on those of us who survive, especially his parents, Larry and Jean, his brother, Scott, his aunts and uncles, and his cousins, some of whom were like brothers. For Ray, though, he is in a much better place, for he went to be with Jesus (Phil. 1:21). He was finally "carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom" (Lk. 16:22). He no longer suffers (cf. Rev. 21:4). His body now sleeps and his soul rests in blissful comfort (1 Cor. 15:20-23), awaiting the great Resurrection Day (1 Cor. 15:51-58; 1 Thes. 4:13-18). Knowing Ray, he would love to come back and tell us what he has learned over there. But he cannot. However, if we, like Ray, humble ourselves as little children, come to Jesus, and live faithfully, we will know what Ray knows.