Billy, BA '95 and Dawn, BSEd '98 Ray
Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service

Awarded to individuals whose broad contributions to Christian ministry have made an immeasurable impact.
In the far northeastern corner of Iraq, Billy, BA ’95, and Dawn, BSEd ’98, Ray began setting up camps for displaced families just over a year ago, when they learned of the need in the country’s Kurdistan region. Neither the threat of war nor the specter of raising a family in a community where few westerners had ever been could keep them away. Today, more than 600 Iraqi refugees chased from their homes by ISIS are thankful that the Rays heeded that call.
The Rays began their mission work in the Middle East over 13 years ago, spending six years in Turkey and nearly eight years in Iraq. Along the way, their three sons were born in Turkey. Despite the region’s volatility and inherent dangers, the Rays feel a sense of peace and strong commitment to their calling there.
Billy and Dawn both attended Baylor, but it was the mission field that brought them together. They met while in Turkey on different mission trips and were married one year later. In 2007, they felt the call to Iraq and were connected with World Orphans, an organization that mobilizes churches to care for orphans. Billy was named Middle East Director for the organization, and the Rays began holistically serving orphans and others in the community.
The Rays later settled in the mountains of Soran, just 75 miles from the frontlines of Iraq’s battle with ISIS. They befriended the town’s mayor and soon were assisting with local needs, such as vocational training for widows and construction of a community center. As a venue that allowed the Rays to connect with and serve their new Muslim neighbors, the community center was a foundation that would prove vital when hundreds sought refuge from the ISIS invasion.
At first, it was 20 families in need, fleeing to Soran just two hours before ISIS destroyed most of their hometown. The refugee count is now 600 and growing, across five separate camps. Without experience putting camps together, the Rays and World Orphans continue to meet needs—shelter, kerosene for heat in the winter, job opportunities and community—meeting head-on the challenge they feel God has entrusted to them until the day their neighbors can rebuild.
