Meet the new EME Regional Directors

*Billy and Dawn Ray and their three boys.*

Big changes are ahead as we welcome new leadership to our region! Billy and Dawn Ray are stepping into the role of Regional Directors, bringing with them decades of experience and a deep passion for missions. Having spent nearly 25 years in the Middle East, they understand the challenges and rewards of frontline ministry. Now, they’re stepping into a new season—one focused on supporting and equipping missionaries across Europe and the Middle East.

To get to know them better, I asked Billy and Dawn a few questions about their journey, their vision, and their hopes for the future.

*The new school that the Rays helped to build in Iraq with over 250 children now in attendance.*

1.⁠ ⁠What led you to take on the role of Regional Directors, and what excites you most about this new chapter?

We were coming off a season in life where we lived and worked in the Middle East for nearly 25 years. Our boys are now all in college, and we were experiencing the beginnings of the “empty nest” when we were approached about the need for Regional Directors in Europe and the Middle East. After pioneering church planting efforts in hard-to-reach areas of the world, we felt it was time to give back to those front-line workers and perhaps provide the coaching, pastoring and strategic planning that could help others in the field, which was our heart.

2.⁠ ⁠As you step into this role, what’s been on your heart for the region, and how are you approaching any challenges that might come up?

Eastern Europe has been on our hearts lately with the war in Ukraine, and we’ve always had a heart for the Middle East. It will be interesting to see how our experiences in the ME help us be a support and encouragement to those facing different obstacles in Europe.

3.⁠ ⁠What’s something you’re looking forward to as you get to know the missionaries in the region?

We love getting to know new people. We’re excited to learn about the journeys each of the missionaries have been on, hear their hearts for their respective fields, and seek to invest in their visions to see the lost reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

4.⁠ ⁠How have your past experiences shaped your leadership style, and how do you stay spiritually grounded?

Abiding in the vine is a lifelong lesson that we take to heart by placing God before all each day, planning regular times for fasting and for prayer, and seeking God’s heart for the nations of the world. Also, raising 3 boys on the mission field has certainly taught us a thing or two about child raising and the difficulties of living cross-culturally. While we lived in Turkey and Iraq, we would often take time out to rest and get rejuvenated, and our travel plans invariably brought us to Europe where we have so many happy memories traveling in Portugal, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia.

5.⁠ ⁠As you think about the year ahead, what’s one thing you’re praying for or hoping to see happen?

We think during this first year; we just want to lean in and learn about how we can come alongside everyone each in their own specific journey. It will definitely be a transition year as we leave behind our 3 boys and venture out once again to the mission field. We hope that we can provide the encouragement and guidance that others might need.

6.⁠ ⁠What’s one thing about you both that might surprise people?

Dawn & I met in Istanbul, Turkey though we both went to Baylor University, and even attended the same church.

Billy and Dawn’s heart for missionaries is evident, and their years of experience really do position them to lead with wisdom, empathy, and a strong sense of what it is to be a missionary. As they step into this new role, let’s be praying for them—especially in this season of transition—as they seek to support and strengthen those serving across the region.

We’re excited to see how God uses the Rays in this next chapter and look forward to partnering with them as we move forward!