Ray McDaniel

Whitesburg Baptist Church, Huntsville
Madison Baptist Association

Favorite Bible Verses: Proverbs 3:5–6
Favorite Hymn: “He Touched Me”
Hobbies: Collecting antique clocks and running
Family Status: Married to Brenda for 36 years; three children, Karen, David and Sonya; and six grandchildren

Eighty-three is just a number for Ray McDaniel, who doesn’t let his age stop him from going on national and international missions trips. McDaniel, who has been consistently going on missions trips for the past 30 years, has been to five continents and more than 60 countries. He makes money for these trips by repairing cemetery monuments, a trade that he picked up later in life. In 2003, McDaniel and his wife, Brenda, were awarded the outstanding missions volunteers of the year during the Alabama Baptist State Convention. This year, he has already been to Israel, Zambia and Nigeria.

Q: What was your first missions trip?
A: The first missions trip I went on was in 1979 with Whitesburg Baptist. It was an all men’s missions trip to New Jersey. In the afternoons, we went to Philadelphia, and this was my first time to witness to someone I didn’t know. He was a street person in a park in Philadelphia, and he prayed to accept Jesus on a bench in that park.

Q: Why have you continued being involved in missions work through the years?
A: Because I better understand the faithfulness of God. Every time I go, I never cease to be amazed at God’s faithfulness, seeing thousands come to know Jesus and churches getting started. Whether it is in Huntsville or wherever I am, I try to share the gospel wherever I go.

Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I’m going to keep on keeping on as long as I’m physically able to do it. I still run and go to the gym. I love to exercise. I think God has kept me in shape to do what I’m doing — going on missions trips.

Q: What would you tell someone who says they are too old to do missions?
A: If God could die for me, I should be able to live for Him. I keep that in my mind all the time.

Q: What has God taught you through your work in missions?
A: One of the greatest things that can happen to us is when we understand that we can do nothing apart from God. But I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. When you get as old as I am, you appreciate that more.