Update 11/24:
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our brother Ray Wu this morning.
Almighty God, we remember before you today your faithful
servant Ray; and we pray that, having opened to him the gates
of larger life, you will receive him more and more into your
joyful service, that, with all who have faithfully served you in
the past, he may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ
our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Details about a memorial service will be posted soon.
Update 11/23:
Ray continues to be unresponsive in the hospital. Please hold his parents and his brother in prayer as they sit with Ray and wait on the Lord.
Update 11/14:
On behalf of the pastoral staff and clergy of Church of the Resurrection, we invite your special intercessions, and fasting as you feel called, for Ray today (11/14). He is undergoing tests this morning that are pivotal to his final diagnosis.
Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Ray’s body and soul, and for wisdom and grace for his family members a this critical juncture in his life.
From the Ministrations to the Sick from the Common Book of Prayer:
Heavenly Father, grant to Ray the inward anointing of the Holy Spirit. Of Your great mercy, forgive all his sins, release him from suffering, and restore him to wholeness and strength. Deliver Ray from all evil, preserve him in all goodness, and bring him to everlasting life: through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Almighty Lord, who is a strong tower to all who put their trust in him, to whom all things in heaven and earth, and under the earth bow and obey: Be now and evermore Ray’s defense, and make him know and feel that the only Name under heaven given for health and salvation is the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Original letter:
Beloved Resurrection,
We are asking you to rally in prayer around Ray Wu. Ray is an longtime Resurrection artist who has partnered with us in creating many of the pieces that shape our weekly worship, including the Resurrected Christ banner and the beautiful wooden doors that will one day grace the entrance to our sanctuary.
Last week, Ray was unexpectedly diagnosed with aggressive brain tumor. After undergoing an intensive surgery on Friday, he had a series of strokes and became unresponsive. The outlook for Ray is very uncertain, and the next few days are critical. He is in urgent need of prayer as his family and close friends work with Ray’s doctors to discern how best to care for him.
We ask that you share this with anyone you know who loves Ray. Ray’s parents are with him and are encouraging all to visit Ray at the ICU at Central DuPage Hospital.
In addition to the urgent need for prayer, there are also some practical needs affiliated with the situation, including providing rides for Ray’s parents to and from the hospital. Please email meghan@churchrez.org if you’re able to help in any tangible way.
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servant Ray, and give your power of healing to those who minister to Ray’s needs, that Ray may be strengthened in his weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
-Resurrection’s Pastoral Staff