Greetings dear Christian Prayer Force One,
It is not a coincidence that I am once again reading in the book of Ezra. I truly believe God times even our bible reading to speak to us through His "prophetic word made more sure". 2 Peter 1:19 Think of this truth, God spoke to Old Testament and New Testament believers in many miraculous ways and many times directly to the individuals and yet what Peter is saying here in the context of being a first hand witness of Christ's miracles for years, he declares to us that the written word of God is more sure in revealing His work, His will and His ways. I take bible reading very seriously and so do the children I have raised. They fought hard to get their bibles back, they would die before they "recant" of any biblical teaching and are bold witnesses in the face of teaching that no doubt is contrary to Jesus Christ and His teachings. It is very sad that "Christians" who have been involved with attacking me (not the least of which is Dwyatt Gantt) have little to no concern for the spiritual well being of these courageous Christians children.
I see the book of Ezra speaking directly to my needs, the 10 children's needs and our "rebuilding of His temple". Praise God we are the temple of God and this is clear in passages like 1 Corinthians 3:16,17,1 Corinthians 6:19,20 and even Acts 17:24
Blaza, David, Hannah, James,Rebekah, John John, Joanna, Sarah, Joseph and little Deborah all love and serve the Lord and also Phoebe had a resolute love for God even though we still do not know the reasons why she was not allowed to eat and was so angry that she died of heart failure for rejecting her eating and if there is anything being hidden. God knows all these things and HE will bring justice.
It is not a coincidence that I am once again reading in the book of Ezra. I truly believe God times even our bible reading to speak to us through His "prophetic word made more sure". 2 Peter 1:19 Think of this truth, God spoke to Old Testament and New Testament believers in many miraculous ways and many times directly to the individuals and yet what Peter is saying here in the context of being a first hand witness of Christ's miracles for years, he declares to us that the written word of God is more sure in revealing His work, His will and His ways. I take bible reading very seriously and so do the children I have raised. They fought hard to get their bibles back, they would die before they "recant" of any biblical teaching and are bold witnesses in the face of teaching that no doubt is contrary to Jesus Christ and His teachings. It is very sad that "Christians" who have been involved with attacking me (not the least of which is Dwyatt Gantt) have little to no concern for the spiritual well being of these courageous Christians children.
I see the book of Ezra speaking directly to my needs, the 10 children's needs and our "rebuilding of His temple". Praise God we are the temple of God and this is clear in passages like 1 Corinthians 3:16,17,1 Corinthians 6:19,20 and even Acts 17:24
Blaza, David, Hannah, James,Rebekah, John John, Joanna, Sarah, Joseph and little Deborah all love and serve the Lord and also Phoebe had a resolute love for God even though we still do not know the reasons why she was not allowed to eat and was so angry that she died of heart failure for rejecting her eating and if there is anything being hidden. God knows all these things and HE will bring justice.
Recently I had Pat (a former United Airlines flight attendant) and Lou, her husband, write a letter to Melody Zhang's boss who heads a US foundation, "Children's Hope International". Pat received a response letter from Dwyatt Gantt who defends all the actions of those who accused me of terrible atrocities. I am enclosing first Pat's assessment of who I am and what she knows first hand about what the Lord has done through me. It was both humbling to see what she wrote and also very encouraging to know that Pat and Lou see the marvelous things that have been accomplished.
It was very sad that Dwyatt doesn't have enough wisdom to see through the lies of Melody and her friends as well as thousands of pictures, evidence through police investigations and ultimately being thanked by the very police who submitted my final report. It is true that the leaders have not made any decisions about the 10 children's future nor the body of Phoebe, but one thing is for sure, they all know I am innocent. I share all of this because it is time for all of you to make a decision on what you actually believe and pray as it relates to me and my work. The lines are drawn very clearly and these two differing views reflect the stark differences in how people see Christianity and the entire work of Christ. Although Dwyatt leads on like he knows many things I don't know about, I know much more than he would ever imagine. Actually I can simplify it in this brief time line.
1. Some time in November, 4 American women (husbands obviously knew too) went to the US embassy and accused me of abusing Phoebe. When Melody Zhang got involved doesn't really matter, she was working with them all through the lying to the kids and working with the Chinese police. Isn't it interesting how many people bought into the lies and how far it got out of control before any experts really investigated things thoroughly. This is one of the main reasons it is such a "can of worms" for the Chinese leaders. I don't blame them, I know they "got sucked into the gossip" and the blame falls square on this American group of people.
2. Timing is everything in God's work and it is also everything in court rooms looking for solid evidence. Passport stamps don't lie especially coming and going. What a huge mess these Americans got into when "they assumed" Phoebe's injury was caused by "uncle Ray making several blunt force punches to 8 year old Phoebe's kidney" and caused her kidney to rupture. Cui Lan Qing (a close friend of Melody Zhang who took Melody's place on the TV program we filmed in Shang Hai) made motions and demonstrated how "uncle Ray" punched Phoebe and injured her. This was laughable on TV because everyone got to see the stamp in my US passport shown on a big screen and also heard both Maggie and grandma Guo testify that uncle Ray was not in China when Phoebe was injured. It was also known facts from the police investigations demonstrated that I not only did not hurt Phoebe, I actually had a total of 2 successful kidney surgeries done for her. The cause of death was something else unrelated to her kidney. I say "something else" because the official cause of death is a mystery even though one report said she had "coronary heart failure". The hospital doesn't want to deal with it and officials are holding all information on her cause of death. We know it wasn't me. I say this because I know some of you (600 plus Christian friends) who receive my updates have doubts about why this is taking so long.
3. The 10 Christians orphans only want to be with me and they know I will never stop fighting to get them back. Oh I am aware there were things that the kids did that some want to blame me "for bringing on myself" but they were also drawn into it by bribes with money and this also caused some of them to steal at times. The good news on the stealing is they got caught right away and it was cleared up the same day. As for 6,000 dollars worth of purchased products by the kids from JD.com (signed by David), where did this money come from. It is no wonder that Melody and even the leaders don't want anyone to find out where that money came from??!! I believe it was all given to them to keep them from telling me, when the truth hit the kids at Melody's House of Hope on December 6th (the day we were all deceived into believing the kids were going to be watched by the 3 American families while I worked on Phoebe's 3rd surgery) The kids went "ballistic" and would not eat and demanded to go back with uncle Ray. Seeing it was not working out for Melody, the Civil government sent the kids to where they are today, "The Beijing Salvation and Protection Center for Minors" 535 days and counting for the 10 in virtual captivity for nothing more than believing some people were "helping them" from "an abusive" father. At least they got the father part right?
Below is the letter by Pat and the response by Dwyatt, I will let you read it all with out my comments, but I will respond on another day with facts. I share this only to encourage you all to keep believing and keep praying, God is working to restore these Christian children to their rightful dad and spiritual mentor.
Now to Pat and Lou's letter.
From: Pat Fedorski <jetsong66@gmail.com>
Date: April 18, 2016 at 7:17:44 PM CDT
To: Pat Fedorski <jetsong66@gmail.com>
Subject: A personal appeal to you, Dwyatt, for help
Dear Dwyatt,
I am a longtime very good friend of Ray Wigdal, and my husband and I have been financial supporters of his ministry in the rescue and raising of 12 of China's "throw away babies" for the past 10 years. I spoke with you on the phone shortly after Ray's 10 children were taken from him, through the misguided, "well intentioned", Melody Zhang. Her belief that this single man could not possibly have raised well and continued to have beautifully cared for and provided for them materially (from the nutritional feasts that I know were their daily fare, to their clothing that Ray always loved shopping for), as well as spiritually (these kids loved the Lord, knew the Scriptures better than many adults and were home schooled using the very best of Christian curriculum for each age level), led directly to the heartbreaking and dire situation that they are in today. Melody, in her most damaging and slanderous act, accused Ray of abusing 8 year old Phoebe, and causing her death. As part of her effort to portray Ray as an abuser she took a beautiful photo of Phoebe and Ray laughing together as they celebrated her 7th birthday (same day as Ray's) and cropped it, cutting out a smiling, happy Phoebe and her lit birthday cake and leaving only Ray with a big grin, so appropriate for the birthday celebration, but when shown out of context as "Phoebe's abuser", looking slightly maniacal. Melody's role in all of this was confirmed by the police.
On the day they were taken they were lied to about their fun destination and were taken to Children's Hope where the older kids, realizing that something was VERY wrong ...this was NOT where they were supposed to be going, fiercely resisted, and when her plan did not work they ended up in the "Protection Center" where they remain to this day. It was at the center that Melody openly bragged to the children, "I am the one who rescued you from the abusive foreigner." Intense police interrogations of Ray and their thorough investigation totally cleared Ray of all her false charges as Ray's passport immediately proved to the authorities that he was not even in China when Phoebe was injured, but was in the United States.
How do I KNOW that these kids loved their "Uncle Ray" like a father and had thrived beautifully under his care? As a flight attendant I flew to Beijing 3 times a month for over 4 years, 2 1/2 days for each layover. Each layover I'd spend 1 day with Ray and his kids. I was there for the wonderful meals at the Red Door (the name flight attendants gave to the great restaurant across from the Holiday Inn, Lido) with Ray and all his kids, the informal picnics and dinners, went to the gym/basketball games with all of them, climbed the Great Wall, had ice cream outings, park outings, and just about every imaginable fun thing that kids love to do. My husband, Lou, and I also had the privilege of vacationing with Ray and the kids for a week a few years ago. Pure and simple, these beautiful children were joy filled, loved their life with Ray, and lacked for nothing in his care. They would regale us with laughter with their silly stories and would bring me to tears with their unsolicited singing of Jesus Loves Me, I have Decided to Follow Jesus, and other Christian songs they knew by heart.
Grandma Guo, Maggie (and her sisters) were the constants in their lives along with Ray, and the kids loved them all very much. These three were the only family they had each known from infancy when rescued by Ray from certain death. Nearly all were cleft palate children, unacceptable as they did not meet the standard of "the perfect birth". The exceptions were, Blaza, severely mentally handicapped, Joanna whose severe scoliosis had positioned her spine at the outer side of her body and in time will be life threatening, and James, who was dying due to a birth defect that made eating impossible. In James's case the Chinese doctors told Ray, "let him die". Ray researched James's symptoms and conditions, correctly diagnosed him and the surgery needed, and insisted that they perform the surgery. James lives today, a beautiful, healthy boy thanks to Ray's incredible faith, love, persistence and commitment. Rebekah was abandoned with an enormous swelling at the back of her head. Ray had all the necessary surgeries done, with the exception of Joanna whose scoliosis was beyond the medical expertise of the Chinese surgeons. Ray had engaged a top U.S. orthopedic surgeon to review all of Joanna's xrays and plans were being made to begin surgical treatment. The youngest of the children, little Deborah, only a couple of months old, was all set to have her cleft palate surgery when she was seized along with the other nine.
Dwyatt, I know that you have not had the privilege of meeting up close and personal this incredible man of God. Are you aware that in 2005 Ray arranged for a complete medical team (from Belarus, England, Croatia and the United States) under the American, Dr. Novick, to come to China and do heart surgeries on 24 of China's most critically ill children, doomed to die as their heart conditions were complex and beyond the medical abilities of the Chinese heart surgeons? Of the 24 babies/children 2 died and the remaining 22 are alive and well today. Ray, by virtue of his faith in Christ and his vision of what can be done through our great God using one sold out believer, had accomplished a seemingly impossible task.
Dwyatt, did you know that despite the heartache of his 10 children being taken that just this past October, 2015 Ray arranged for Dr. Novick and his team of medical professionals to come once again and that during a 6 day span 16 incredibly complex open heart surgeries were performed at the Beijing Hospital, saving all 16, one of whom is still recovering? The Chinese team of fine doctors and nurses, aided as much as they could, learned much and, of course, Ray had once again convinced Dr. Novick and his team to render their services for free. The 5 orphans were done for free and the 11 children with parents were only charged "miscellaneous" fees. God has given Ray, a single individual, the expertise to negotiate, arrange and implement these wonderful life saving opportunities for "the least" of China's precious children. Ray arranged all of this, paying ALL travel and hotel expenses both times (2005 and 2015) and then was at the bedside of each of these children throughout their recovery in ICU until they left the hospital. In addition Ray has worked with the parents of several of these children leading them in Bible studies and to faith in Christ. Ray fought for and prayed for the continued post-op treatment of little Jiang Jia Li even when the Chinese doctors wanted to abandon the fight and 'let her die". Due to Ray's indomitable faith and fight for her continued treatment she has finally come out of the coma and her parents have had the joy of seeing her responsive and laughing though still unable to see clearly or swallow well.
Dwyatt, it would take volumes to tell you the whole incredible, unbelievable and beautiful story of Ray's children, their rescue and the abundant, love filled life they had under his care, and even more volumes to share the totality of his ministry in China over the past 30 years. Ray's children need to be returned to him. They are suffering and need to be reunited with their family, "Uncle Ray, Grandma Guo and Maggie. They have been in a virtual prison for 497 days now. Yes, they are together, something they had to fight for, and yes they have their Bibles, but did you know that they are totally isolated from ALL the other children, and they are almost never allowed out? (Most likely because they are very vocal in their Christian witness and VERY strong in their love for Jesus). They have their own chef and their own teacher. They have been torn apart from the ones they love the most. Moreover, they are resistant to any plan other than being reunited with Ray and they KNOW that he will NEVER abandon them nor will he ever give up the fight for their freedom. When the head of the "Protection" Center, Xu Dong, met with Ray for well over an hour she was quite open with him, especially considering her position, telling him that these were amazing kids. She praised him for educating them well and noted that he had taken great care of them regarding health issues, food and clothing. She laughed as she made the comment that in no way could she compete with Ray's "breakfasts feasts" nor provide the great variety of foods he fed the kids. She expressed her great respect for his fluent Chinese, his knowledge of China, but was most impressed with how well trained his children were when it came to protecting each other.
The police as well as Xu Dong have made it very clear that they know Ray was never abusive to any of his children, that he had in fact taken very good care of them. Melody's charges and slander against this man's character have done incalculable damage. Rachel Heffield, in her role as "counselor" went in to see the children, with the desired goal to move them emotionally away from Ray and to help them "adjust to their new life". Her glowing report written on Jan. 21, 2015 to Shari L. with copy to Ray about the "clean, and cheerful and well organized" "Protection Center" stands in stark contrast to the heartbreaking reality of the children's detention. She went on to rave about the accommodations from the play equipment, the track and basketball court, to the matching bedspreads and cupboards. However, the most offensive of all her statements was, "the center has made sure that all their physical needs are provided for, that they are bathed regularly, and have clean warm clothes", as if that was all foreign to them under Ray's care. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Dwyatt, finally, what do I hope to accomplish in sharing all of this with you? I simply want you to know the truth about Ray and the quality of life that was led by each of the children under his care. Any information that you have received via Melody or Rachel regarding Ray and his children I am asking that you could put aside for the moment. PLEASE, Dwyatt, will you take a few moments to go to the mefoundation.world website, click on the 3 parallel line symbol to the left of Mordecai and Esther Foundation, and then view the ENTIRE pictorial account of Ray's life with the kids from 2004-2015. Then please view the videos. These photos and videos say it all. The tragedy is, Dwyatt, that while the Mordecai and Ester Foundation was set up after the loss of his kids, these photos were always available online for Melody, Rachel or any of the well meaning "Roundabout" ladies to see before they leapt to erroneous and slanderous conclusions about Ray's care of them. At the time rayschildren.org was there for anyone to see if they had cared to look. I do believe that Ray's children will be returned to him, that it is only a matter of time since such a travesty based on a lie simply cannot stand. I am asking you to be open to the truth as evidenced by 12 years of hundreds of photos and videos that document their life with Ray and his love and excellent care of them. You will see all the before and after surgeries that Ray had done for his children as well as photos of Dr. Novick's 2005 and 2015 visits to perform the 40 heart surgeries, saving 38 of those patients. You will see Ray at the bedsides of the heart surgery children in ICU. Ask yourself if all that you see, along with all that I have related to you of my times spent with Ray and the 11, squares with the abuser picture of Ray painted by Melody that led to the seizure of his kids and the horrific charges against him.
One last thing... Phoebe's body is still being held by the authorities over one year after her death. Though he held a memorial service for her, Ray has not been able to arrange for her interment. Though he goes to the center every week he has not once been allowed to see his children. Dwyatt, if there is anything you can do to assist Ray, to be an advocate for the release of his children, to stand for what is right in this terrible situation, I am imploring you to help. I do understand that you know only what you have been told by others, but I am trusting that you will in good faith go beyond that and search out the truth at mefoundation.world (website for the Mordecai and Esther Foundation). Also on Facebook... just put Mordecai and Esther Foundation in the search bar for more information.
I thank you so much, Dwyatt, for taking the time to read this, and my prayer is that you might be led in some way to assist Ray to obtain the release of his children, that they may be reunited at last with their "family".
Sincerely,
Pat Fedorski
phone 847-571-3771 should you have any questions or jetsong66@gmail.com
Now to Dwyatt's response.
From: Dwyatt Gantt <dwyatt.gantt@childrenshope.net>
Date: April 19, 2016 at 4:03:35 PM CDT
To: "jetsong66@gmail.com" <jetsong66@gmail.com>
Cc: Dwyatt Gantt <dwyatt.gantt@childrenshope.net>
Subject: A personal appeal to you, Dwyatt, for help
Dear Pat,
I remember our talk in the past and I appreciate your faithful and loving concern for the children of China. I also appreciate your measured and balanced response to the things that went on there with Ray in trying to understand what happened and why.
Each of us has a perspective about the problem because each of us knows things the other one does not. I appreciate your taking the time to give me your personal background and perspective. That is what you saw and experienced for yourself and so gives understanding and insight into why you are so concerned now.
There are other things you have brought up which you can’t personally verify but are relying on what Ray has told you and so can only be hearsay. I can only go on what I have heard from Melody and 2 other people. You have been told it is one way. I have been told it is another.
Pat, I think that a person and a situation can change from what was true at one time. As I understand it, there was deep concern on the part of 3-4 persons who had knowledge of the situation who came to Melody to present their concerns and asked her to be involved. I suppose it was because they were Americans and felt Melody could present the case to the officials better. These are all fine, trustworthy Christian people who knew the situation. What might have been at one time a positive situation had changed to be what they believed to be extremely negative and unhealthy. Their only interest was what they perceived to be the best interest of the children. They knew the situation as it had developed, far better than you or I possibly could. That is worth stopping and thinking about. It is not to depreciate what may have been at one time but only to move on a situation as it had become. I think it may have become far more serious and convoluted than you realize.
I followed your recommendation and went to http://www.mefoundation.world/latest-updates to read more.
On updates. After a picture that conveys the impression that the children are in prison (see below), it says,
“I share this because all we have is prayer to confront forces here. I am up against incredible odds,
the kids are locked down in a prison of ever increasing security and surveillance.”
While I realize that none of us can say we know the whole truth about this whole situation, I do know that the impression that was depicted on the website is definitely a distortion - not reality. It is always dangerous when someone has lost touch with what is real. It also raises concern about other perceptions that have been conveyed.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Committing all to the judgement and love of God,
This is Ray again, keep praying, we go by FAITH not FATE. I know this is coming to a beautiful ending.
Ray and the 10 and many more orphans to come.
It was very sad that Dwyatt doesn't have enough wisdom to see through the lies of Melody and her friends as well as thousands of pictures, evidence through police investigations and ultimately being thanked by the very police who submitted my final report. It is true that the leaders have not made any decisions about the 10 children's future nor the body of Phoebe, but one thing is for sure, they all know I am innocent. I share all of this because it is time for all of you to make a decision on what you actually believe and pray as it relates to me and my work. The lines are drawn very clearly and these two differing views reflect the stark differences in how people see Christianity and the entire work of Christ. Although Dwyatt leads on like he knows many things I don't know about, I know much more than he would ever imagine. Actually I can simplify it in this brief time line.
1. Some time in November, 4 American women (husbands obviously knew too) went to the US embassy and accused me of abusing Phoebe. When Melody Zhang got involved doesn't really matter, she was working with them all through the lying to the kids and working with the Chinese police. Isn't it interesting how many people bought into the lies and how far it got out of control before any experts really investigated things thoroughly. This is one of the main reasons it is such a "can of worms" for the Chinese leaders. I don't blame them, I know they "got sucked into the gossip" and the blame falls square on this American group of people.
2. Timing is everything in God's work and it is also everything in court rooms looking for solid evidence. Passport stamps don't lie especially coming and going. What a huge mess these Americans got into when "they assumed" Phoebe's injury was caused by "uncle Ray making several blunt force punches to 8 year old Phoebe's kidney" and caused her kidney to rupture. Cui Lan Qing (a close friend of Melody Zhang who took Melody's place on the TV program we filmed in Shang Hai) made motions and demonstrated how "uncle Ray" punched Phoebe and injured her. This was laughable on TV because everyone got to see the stamp in my US passport shown on a big screen and also heard both Maggie and grandma Guo testify that uncle Ray was not in China when Phoebe was injured. It was also known facts from the police investigations demonstrated that I not only did not hurt Phoebe, I actually had a total of 2 successful kidney surgeries done for her. The cause of death was something else unrelated to her kidney. I say "something else" because the official cause of death is a mystery even though one report said she had "coronary heart failure". The hospital doesn't want to deal with it and officials are holding all information on her cause of death. We know it wasn't me. I say this because I know some of you (600 plus Christian friends) who receive my updates have doubts about why this is taking so long.
3. The 10 Christians orphans only want to be with me and they know I will never stop fighting to get them back. Oh I am aware there were things that the kids did that some want to blame me "for bringing on myself" but they were also drawn into it by bribes with money and this also caused some of them to steal at times. The good news on the stealing is they got caught right away and it was cleared up the same day. As for 6,000 dollars worth of purchased products by the kids from JD.com (signed by David), where did this money come from. It is no wonder that Melody and even the leaders don't want anyone to find out where that money came from??!! I believe it was all given to them to keep them from telling me, when the truth hit the kids at Melody's House of Hope on December 6th (the day we were all deceived into believing the kids were going to be watched by the 3 American families while I worked on Phoebe's 3rd surgery) The kids went "ballistic" and would not eat and demanded to go back with uncle Ray. Seeing it was not working out for Melody, the Civil government sent the kids to where they are today, "The Beijing Salvation and Protection Center for Minors" 535 days and counting for the 10 in virtual captivity for nothing more than believing some people were "helping them" from "an abusive" father. At least they got the father part right?
Below is the letter by Pat and the response by Dwyatt, I will let you read it all with out my comments, but I will respond on another day with facts. I share this only to encourage you all to keep believing and keep praying, God is working to restore these Christian children to their rightful dad and spiritual mentor.
Now to Pat and Lou's letter.
From: Pat Fedorski <jetsong66@gmail.com>
Date: April 18, 2016 at 7:17:44 PM CDT
To: Pat Fedorski <jetsong66@gmail.com>
Subject: A personal appeal to you, Dwyatt, for help
Dear Dwyatt,
I am a longtime very good friend of Ray Wigdal, and my husband and I have been financial supporters of his ministry in the rescue and raising of 12 of China's "throw away babies" for the past 10 years. I spoke with you on the phone shortly after Ray's 10 children were taken from him, through the misguided, "well intentioned", Melody Zhang. Her belief that this single man could not possibly have raised well and continued to have beautifully cared for and provided for them materially (from the nutritional feasts that I know were their daily fare, to their clothing that Ray always loved shopping for), as well as spiritually (these kids loved the Lord, knew the Scriptures better than many adults and were home schooled using the very best of Christian curriculum for each age level), led directly to the heartbreaking and dire situation that they are in today. Melody, in her most damaging and slanderous act, accused Ray of abusing 8 year old Phoebe, and causing her death. As part of her effort to portray Ray as an abuser she took a beautiful photo of Phoebe and Ray laughing together as they celebrated her 7th birthday (same day as Ray's) and cropped it, cutting out a smiling, happy Phoebe and her lit birthday cake and leaving only Ray with a big grin, so appropriate for the birthday celebration, but when shown out of context as "Phoebe's abuser", looking slightly maniacal. Melody's role in all of this was confirmed by the police.
On the day they were taken they were lied to about their fun destination and were taken to Children's Hope where the older kids, realizing that something was VERY wrong ...this was NOT where they were supposed to be going, fiercely resisted, and when her plan did not work they ended up in the "Protection Center" where they remain to this day. It was at the center that Melody openly bragged to the children, "I am the one who rescued you from the abusive foreigner." Intense police interrogations of Ray and their thorough investigation totally cleared Ray of all her false charges as Ray's passport immediately proved to the authorities that he was not even in China when Phoebe was injured, but was in the United States.
How do I KNOW that these kids loved their "Uncle Ray" like a father and had thrived beautifully under his care? As a flight attendant I flew to Beijing 3 times a month for over 4 years, 2 1/2 days for each layover. Each layover I'd spend 1 day with Ray and his kids. I was there for the wonderful meals at the Red Door (the name flight attendants gave to the great restaurant across from the Holiday Inn, Lido) with Ray and all his kids, the informal picnics and dinners, went to the gym/basketball games with all of them, climbed the Great Wall, had ice cream outings, park outings, and just about every imaginable fun thing that kids love to do. My husband, Lou, and I also had the privilege of vacationing with Ray and the kids for a week a few years ago. Pure and simple, these beautiful children were joy filled, loved their life with Ray, and lacked for nothing in his care. They would regale us with laughter with their silly stories and would bring me to tears with their unsolicited singing of Jesus Loves Me, I have Decided to Follow Jesus, and other Christian songs they knew by heart.
Grandma Guo, Maggie (and her sisters) were the constants in their lives along with Ray, and the kids loved them all very much. These three were the only family they had each known from infancy when rescued by Ray from certain death. Nearly all were cleft palate children, unacceptable as they did not meet the standard of "the perfect birth". The exceptions were, Blaza, severely mentally handicapped, Joanna whose severe scoliosis had positioned her spine at the outer side of her body and in time will be life threatening, and James, who was dying due to a birth defect that made eating impossible. In James's case the Chinese doctors told Ray, "let him die". Ray researched James's symptoms and conditions, correctly diagnosed him and the surgery needed, and insisted that they perform the surgery. James lives today, a beautiful, healthy boy thanks to Ray's incredible faith, love, persistence and commitment. Rebekah was abandoned with an enormous swelling at the back of her head. Ray had all the necessary surgeries done, with the exception of Joanna whose scoliosis was beyond the medical expertise of the Chinese surgeons. Ray had engaged a top U.S. orthopedic surgeon to review all of Joanna's xrays and plans were being made to begin surgical treatment. The youngest of the children, little Deborah, only a couple of months old, was all set to have her cleft palate surgery when she was seized along with the other nine.
Dwyatt, I know that you have not had the privilege of meeting up close and personal this incredible man of God. Are you aware that in 2005 Ray arranged for a complete medical team (from Belarus, England, Croatia and the United States) under the American, Dr. Novick, to come to China and do heart surgeries on 24 of China's most critically ill children, doomed to die as their heart conditions were complex and beyond the medical abilities of the Chinese heart surgeons? Of the 24 babies/children 2 died and the remaining 22 are alive and well today. Ray, by virtue of his faith in Christ and his vision of what can be done through our great God using one sold out believer, had accomplished a seemingly impossible task.
Dwyatt, did you know that despite the heartache of his 10 children being taken that just this past October, 2015 Ray arranged for Dr. Novick and his team of medical professionals to come once again and that during a 6 day span 16 incredibly complex open heart surgeries were performed at the Beijing Hospital, saving all 16, one of whom is still recovering? The Chinese team of fine doctors and nurses, aided as much as they could, learned much and, of course, Ray had once again convinced Dr. Novick and his team to render their services for free. The 5 orphans were done for free and the 11 children with parents were only charged "miscellaneous" fees. God has given Ray, a single individual, the expertise to negotiate, arrange and implement these wonderful life saving opportunities for "the least" of China's precious children. Ray arranged all of this, paying ALL travel and hotel expenses both times (2005 and 2015) and then was at the bedside of each of these children throughout their recovery in ICU until they left the hospital. In addition Ray has worked with the parents of several of these children leading them in Bible studies and to faith in Christ. Ray fought for and prayed for the continued post-op treatment of little Jiang Jia Li even when the Chinese doctors wanted to abandon the fight and 'let her die". Due to Ray's indomitable faith and fight for her continued treatment she has finally come out of the coma and her parents have had the joy of seeing her responsive and laughing though still unable to see clearly or swallow well.
Dwyatt, it would take volumes to tell you the whole incredible, unbelievable and beautiful story of Ray's children, their rescue and the abundant, love filled life they had under his care, and even more volumes to share the totality of his ministry in China over the past 30 years. Ray's children need to be returned to him. They are suffering and need to be reunited with their family, "Uncle Ray, Grandma Guo and Maggie. They have been in a virtual prison for 497 days now. Yes, they are together, something they had to fight for, and yes they have their Bibles, but did you know that they are totally isolated from ALL the other children, and they are almost never allowed out? (Most likely because they are very vocal in their Christian witness and VERY strong in their love for Jesus). They have their own chef and their own teacher. They have been torn apart from the ones they love the most. Moreover, they are resistant to any plan other than being reunited with Ray and they KNOW that he will NEVER abandon them nor will he ever give up the fight for their freedom. When the head of the "Protection" Center, Xu Dong, met with Ray for well over an hour she was quite open with him, especially considering her position, telling him that these were amazing kids. She praised him for educating them well and noted that he had taken great care of them regarding health issues, food and clothing. She laughed as she made the comment that in no way could she compete with Ray's "breakfasts feasts" nor provide the great variety of foods he fed the kids. She expressed her great respect for his fluent Chinese, his knowledge of China, but was most impressed with how well trained his children were when it came to protecting each other.
The police as well as Xu Dong have made it very clear that they know Ray was never abusive to any of his children, that he had in fact taken very good care of them. Melody's charges and slander against this man's character have done incalculable damage. Rachel Heffield, in her role as "counselor" went in to see the children, with the desired goal to move them emotionally away from Ray and to help them "adjust to their new life". Her glowing report written on Jan. 21, 2015 to Shari L. with copy to Ray about the "clean, and cheerful and well organized" "Protection Center" stands in stark contrast to the heartbreaking reality of the children's detention. She went on to rave about the accommodations from the play equipment, the track and basketball court, to the matching bedspreads and cupboards. However, the most offensive of all her statements was, "the center has made sure that all their physical needs are provided for, that they are bathed regularly, and have clean warm clothes", as if that was all foreign to them under Ray's care. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Dwyatt, finally, what do I hope to accomplish in sharing all of this with you? I simply want you to know the truth about Ray and the quality of life that was led by each of the children under his care. Any information that you have received via Melody or Rachel regarding Ray and his children I am asking that you could put aside for the moment. PLEASE, Dwyatt, will you take a few moments to go to the mefoundation.world website, click on the 3 parallel line symbol to the left of Mordecai and Esther Foundation, and then view the ENTIRE pictorial account of Ray's life with the kids from 2004-2015. Then please view the videos. These photos and videos say it all. The tragedy is, Dwyatt, that while the Mordecai and Ester Foundation was set up after the loss of his kids, these photos were always available online for Melody, Rachel or any of the well meaning "Roundabout" ladies to see before they leapt to erroneous and slanderous conclusions about Ray's care of them. At the time rayschildren.org was there for anyone to see if they had cared to look. I do believe that Ray's children will be returned to him, that it is only a matter of time since such a travesty based on a lie simply cannot stand. I am asking you to be open to the truth as evidenced by 12 years of hundreds of photos and videos that document their life with Ray and his love and excellent care of them. You will see all the before and after surgeries that Ray had done for his children as well as photos of Dr. Novick's 2005 and 2015 visits to perform the 40 heart surgeries, saving 38 of those patients. You will see Ray at the bedsides of the heart surgery children in ICU. Ask yourself if all that you see, along with all that I have related to you of my times spent with Ray and the 11, squares with the abuser picture of Ray painted by Melody that led to the seizure of his kids and the horrific charges against him.
One last thing... Phoebe's body is still being held by the authorities over one year after her death. Though he held a memorial service for her, Ray has not been able to arrange for her interment. Though he goes to the center every week he has not once been allowed to see his children. Dwyatt, if there is anything you can do to assist Ray, to be an advocate for the release of his children, to stand for what is right in this terrible situation, I am imploring you to help. I do understand that you know only what you have been told by others, but I am trusting that you will in good faith go beyond that and search out the truth at mefoundation.world (website for the Mordecai and Esther Foundation). Also on Facebook... just put Mordecai and Esther Foundation in the search bar for more information.
I thank you so much, Dwyatt, for taking the time to read this, and my prayer is that you might be led in some way to assist Ray to obtain the release of his children, that they may be reunited at last with their "family".
Sincerely,
Pat Fedorski
phone 847-571-3771 should you have any questions or jetsong66@gmail.com
Now to Dwyatt's response.
From: Dwyatt Gantt <dwyatt.gantt@childrenshope.net>
Date: April 19, 2016 at 4:03:35 PM CDT
To: "jetsong66@gmail.com" <jetsong66@gmail.com>
Cc: Dwyatt Gantt <dwyatt.gantt@childrenshope.net>
Subject: A personal appeal to you, Dwyatt, for help
Dear Pat,
I remember our talk in the past and I appreciate your faithful and loving concern for the children of China. I also appreciate your measured and balanced response to the things that went on there with Ray in trying to understand what happened and why.
Each of us has a perspective about the problem because each of us knows things the other one does not. I appreciate your taking the time to give me your personal background and perspective. That is what you saw and experienced for yourself and so gives understanding and insight into why you are so concerned now.
There are other things you have brought up which you can’t personally verify but are relying on what Ray has told you and so can only be hearsay. I can only go on what I have heard from Melody and 2 other people. You have been told it is one way. I have been told it is another.
Pat, I think that a person and a situation can change from what was true at one time. As I understand it, there was deep concern on the part of 3-4 persons who had knowledge of the situation who came to Melody to present their concerns and asked her to be involved. I suppose it was because they were Americans and felt Melody could present the case to the officials better. These are all fine, trustworthy Christian people who knew the situation. What might have been at one time a positive situation had changed to be what they believed to be extremely negative and unhealthy. Their only interest was what they perceived to be the best interest of the children. They knew the situation as it had developed, far better than you or I possibly could. That is worth stopping and thinking about. It is not to depreciate what may have been at one time but only to move on a situation as it had become. I think it may have become far more serious and convoluted than you realize.
I followed your recommendation and went to http://www.mefoundation.world/latest-updates to read more.
On updates. After a picture that conveys the impression that the children are in prison (see below), it says,
“I share this because all we have is prayer to confront forces here. I am up against incredible odds,
the kids are locked down in a prison of ever increasing security and surveillance.”
While I realize that none of us can say we know the whole truth about this whole situation, I do know that the impression that was depicted on the website is definitely a distortion - not reality. It is always dangerous when someone has lost touch with what is real. It also raises concern about other perceptions that have been conveyed.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Committing all to the judgement and love of God,
This is Ray again, keep praying, we go by FAITH not FATE. I know this is coming to a beautiful ending.
Ray and the 10 and many more orphans to come.
