Ray Pechacek

Ray Pechacek – Deacon

My Story

I am one of those people who have “always been a Christian,” even though they do not exist. When I attended college at the University of Texas at Austin, I joined a small group of believers called Chi Alpha, and we became close friends. One of them asked if I had ever been “hugged” by Jesus when going through deep trials—definitely a shocking question to me at the time! But his question guided me toward pursuing a truly personal relationship with Christ, which was essential when I experienced later trials.

When I was 31, I contracted a rare illness called Guillain-Barré Syndrome. My body became completely paralyzed, and I came to the point of death. I knew I was about to die and was terrified. Then one final thought came to me: “All I have is Christ.” At that point, I felt an indescribable peace wrapping around my body, and I was not afraid anymore. Jesus hugged me and I survived!

God spared me, but seventeen years of marriage ended, and I experienced lows I never thought I could feel. I spent most of the next seventeen years as a single parent raising my son, which was a great blessing. Then God brought my wonderful wife, Wendy, to me, and through an amazing set of circumstances, I left my job of thirty-three years and pursued other opportunities that ultimately brought us here to Wentzville.