Ray Ferris

I have been blessed to be a part of a Christian family all of my life. My dad and mom (Jerry and Pat Ferris) were called to the ministry when I was only one. We (Dad, Mom, Cass, Randy, and I) moved to a small community up in the Northern part of the Lower Peninsula, a little place called Ocqueoc. There at the Ocqueoc Baptist Church my life was started. I was given opportunities to sing in church at a very early age. The first song I remember singing was "Mansion over The Hilltop". That song still has special significance for me today. There were many opportunities for me to sing in local talent rallies and at camp, as well as other church gatherings. I gave my life to The Lord at age 6. Shortly after that, I was baptized in Lake Neddy by my Dad.

The only music training I had was sitting next to my mom in church. She would sing the different parts and I would follow her. The only part that was hard for me was bass. It continues to "give me fits" to this day, although sometimes on Sunday mornings I can actually hold my own (Dave Pickering is my witness to that). After being in Ocqueoc for thirteen years, our family moved to the thumb area of Michigan to Cass City. It was a hard transition for our family. I struggled with leading a life for the Lord during my high school years. I tried, as many young teens do today, to walk the fence between Christianity and the world. I had an indifferent attitude toward life, and that unfortunately included the church. My life was entirely focused around sports. There was not a lot of room left for anything else. After graduating from High School I started looking for a college to attend. My parents encouraged me to go to a Christian college. I agreed to go one year. I chose to go to Grand Rapids Baptist College. It was there that I met Bonnie.

Fun Facts about Ray: I enjoy coaching and playing soccer and basketball. I play golf but I'm not a "fanatic" like Don and Dave. I love to sing and "hang out" with my friends. I enjoy camping, spending time at the beach or sitting by the pool relaxing. But most of all, I enjoy being with my family.

Get to know Not Ashamed using the following links.
Bonnie Ferris | Ray Ferris | Curt Landrith | Dave Pickering | Don Scott