Both Ray and Peggy were blessed to have grown up in solid Christian families, where they received excellent Bible teaching at home and church. They attended Cedarville University in Ohio, where they met and eventually married in 1974. At Cedarville, Ray received a B.A. in Pre-Seminary Bible with a second major in English. He also achieved a State teaching credential. Later, Ray earned a M.A. in Education from Azusa Pacific University in California. He has been involved in Christian school education for over 40 years as student, teacher, administrator, board member, and parent. He brings a broad range of experience to the ELI team from a number of Christian schools.
Ray and Peggy have always had a heart for cross-cultural ministry, exemplified by several short-term foreign missions and teaching trips. One highlight was Ray’s involvement with the Association of Christian Schools / Campus Crusade for Christ Comission to Russia, where he taught as an administrative seminar leader. Ray was also one of the original ELI team members, serving for a time as Christian Education Project Director. Most recently, Ray and Peggy have returned from three years in Zambia, where Ray served as Academic Dean in the start-up phase of African Christian University. They are delighted to return to the ELI team. Ray and Peggy reside in El Cajon, California, and are members of Pacific Hope Church in San Diego. They have three adult children and a son-in-law, as well as three adopted grandchildren.