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missionary
by Ray Hollifield
Find out more about the ministry of Free Will Home Missions at www.homemissions.net.
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The article below was written by Ray Hollifield. Since the early days of our ministry in Castaic, California, He and his wife Iris have been our partners in ministry. At times, they were our only source of Christian fellowship.
n. One who is sent on a mission, especially one sent to do religious or charitable work in a territory or foreign country. One who attempts to persuade or convert others to a particular doctrine, or set of principles.
How long does it take to answer the call for missions work? For me it started in 1966 when I was saved during a revival service at First FWB Church, Spartanburg, South Carolina. I had been invited to attend the service by Iris (my future wife). It was wonderful to know my name had been recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life!
Iris and I dated, attended church regularly, and grew spiritually over the next 18 months. In May of 1968, two life-changing events took place. Iris and I were married. Three days later I became a Private in the United States Army. Two years later, after completing a tour of duty in Vietnam, I received my discharge and headed back to my family and church.
Our lives were blessed and we grew and matured in our home church. While listening to a message about Jonah by our pastor Howard Messer, God began to burden my heart about the ministry. During a communion and feet washing service that evening, with my feet in the basin and men gathered around praying that God would bless and use me, I answered the call to preach. Shortly after, I was licensed to preach by the Beaver Creek Association.
New Horizons
For the next 29 years, Iris and I served our home church. We participated in every church program possible and held many positions. God blessed us with two children. We prayed for and supported others who went to mission fields. In 1997, Ed Bryant (our pastor), Keith Bartlett, and I traveled to Cotê d’Ivoire, West Africa. We visited Doropo and helped the missionaries serving there. We experienced the battle between good and evil firsthand on that mission field. During the trip, I felt God calling me into missionary service. He wanted more from me than prayer and support. He wanted me to go and carry the message of the gospel!
Not long after we returned home, with no warning to my family, I announced that God had called me to Africa. The announcement was received with mixed emotions from my immediate family as my church family. I had decided that we would work at the Doropo hospital with the Paschals and Cousineaus (although I had no medical training). Before long, however, the hospital ministry took a different direction, and the door closed. Had I misunderstood God’s call?
About this time Keith Bartlett answered the call to a new mission work in Castaic, California. The Seedling Project would be a joint effort between the California State Association, the West Coast Association, and the National Home Missions Department. The plan called for a team of missionaries to go to a growing area north of Los Angeles where church property had already been purchased. Meanwhile, I was asking God for direction about our future. Before long, God led us to step out on faith and join the team in California. After meeting with Keith we were excited about this new direction. We joined Home Missions as associate missionaries.
It wasn’t long before our new ministry became difficult. We discovered it is very different to ask for support rather than being the supporters! Many faithful givers made it possible for the mission to move forward. We encountered another challenge when the Castaic Town Council required the new church to provide daycare for young families in the community. Iris began to take classes in Early Childhood Education in order to become a preschool director who met California license requirements.
California or Bust!
We joined the Bartletts in California in August 1999. Keith and Janet were leading Bible studies in their home. It was exciting to meet and minister to new families. Only a few months later, we began to meet in a nearby community recreation room. Each week we helped to prepare, set up chairs, hold a service, tear down, and pack everything up until the next week. It was a lot of work, but oh, what blessings. Several people were saved and baptized, and our first “Friend Day” campaign saw 58 in attendance!
After months of seeking permits from various California agencies, we held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday afternoon, December 6, 2000. Several Free Will Baptist pastors and city council members participated in the long awaited service.
We wasted no time. The following morning, bulldozers and earthmovers began construction. We survived many struggles as we found our way through the maze of permits, approvals, and requirements. As each problem arose, Keith and I would jump in the car and head for the agency in question, praying all the way. Contractors were often surprised when returned quickly with the proper paperwork. They didn’t know the great God we serve. The challenges of construction provided opportunities to witness to the workers and contractors.
We continued to hold services in the recreation center during the building process. I can’t tell you how the excitement grew as we anticipated moving to the new facility. Each week, members of the community visited our services, and people often stopped by to inquire about the church. At last the day arrived—Easter Sunday, April 16, 2001. God blessed, and 151 people attended the service.
The Blessings of Ministry
Looking back on the early days when Keith and I worked outside in 112-degree weather, I remember asking myself if God really wanted me there. But what a joy each Sunday to hear God’s Word preached and to see lives changed. God has richly blessed Sloan Canyon FWB Church. We continue to reach our community on a weekly and monthly basis. Our attendance continues to rise, and we have seen many people come to know the Lord.
Today, we understand why God laid it on the hearts of the city council members to ask the church to provide a preschool. It has become a wonderful outreach tool. We meet new families every day, and parents have learned we provide a nurturing and safe environment for their children. Our school is a goldmine for lost souls. Pray for Iris and Janet as they continue to direct and shape this ministry of the church.
I have been asked, “Do you regret making the sacrifice to go to California to help start a mission work? You left your families and friends behind. You gave up profitable jobs and security.” I remember Matthew 19:27-30 and smile. “No regrets! When you follow the leadership of Christ, you are blessed beyond measure.”
On June 4, 2005, our daughter Amanda and the Bartlett’s son Zachary were married. Just four months ago, we all became proud grandparents of Alyssa Rae Bartlett. In the past few years we have progressed from our role as lay workers together to partners in the project, from God’s family to an earthly family as well.
How long does it take to answer the call to missions? Only a moment! From the moment we are saved, God wants all of us to serve in His great mission field. That field starts in your own home, extends to your church, your local community, your state—even to the four corners of the earth. Your mission is limited only by your willingness to be used of Him. Each morning I wonder what new blessings (and challenges) God has in store for us. We never cease to be amazed.
 Hollifield Family Profile
Ray and Iris Hollifield
Married: May 10, 1968
Home Church: First FWB, Spartanburg, SC
Ray served in Vietnam, 1968-1970
Licensed to preach, 1971
Children: Chris and Amanda
Chris is a Major in the U.S. Army. He and his wife, Wendy, are stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base (while Chris earns a Master’s degree at Auburn University). They attend Prattville FWB Church in Alabama, pastored by Dale McCoy.
Amanda and her husband, U.S. Army Lieutenant Zachary Bartlett and daughter, Alyssa, are stationed at Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, where they attend Northern Lights FWB Church pastored by Ron Wallace.
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