History was made in the Durban, South Africa, congregation on the Sabbath of Feb. 4. Ray Mercer was ordained as the very first deacon to be ordained in Durban since United was formed.

Ray and Lorraine are long-standing faithful members of God’s Church and stood firm through the upheavals and splits that God’s people have been subjected to. Ray has unfailingly been the one to organize the necessary physical set-up in the halls where the congregation meets and has shown himself to be totally reliable and qualified to carry the responsibilities of a deacon.

We congratulate you, Ray, and thank you for past work well done as well as the dedication we know you will apply to serving God’s people in the future.