Author Description

Ray Owen recalls his life's journey, from his boyhood in Tennessee to his retirement after four decades of ministry as a bishop of The United Methodist Church. By recalling the journey, Owen takes it again. The journey begins in Tennessee during the Depression. After high school Owen joins the U.S. Army. By 1958 he is well-established in his military career. He is stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, with his wife and two sons. But on one Sunday in September, he hears a sermon that changes his life. Owen responds to a call to ministry and becomes a licensed local pastor. In 1960 he leaves the Army after 12 years to begin a 40 year bitch as a Methodist pastor He serves congregations across Oklahoma for 32 years. Along the way he completes three college degrees and writes six of his nine books. He was elected a bishop in 1992. He led the Rio Grande and Southwest Texas conferences (both based in San Antonio) for eight years. He retired in 2000.