At 84, ‘Sister Ray’ Still Enjoys Camping at Pathfinder Camporees

April 13, 2023 | Trelawny, Jamaica | Nigel Coke and Inter-American Division News

Notwithstanding her age, 84-year-old retired nurse Joy Ray from Barbados finds it a joy to attend camporees and be in the company of young people.

“Sister Ray”, as she is affectionately called by the members of the Exchange Adventist Church in St. Ann, Jamaica, is the oldest of three octogenarians who were identified at the recently held 5^th Inter-American Division (IAD) Pathfinder Camporee  at  Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium in Trelawny, Jamaica. The others are ages 82 and 83.

Ray was baptized in 1970 in England where she spent 55 years as a nurse before retiring and coming back to Jamaica where she lived prior to her migrating to England. The mother of two enjoyed traveling with them when they were younger to several Pathfinder camps.

“I used to love going to camps with my children,” said Ray. “I would travel with them wherever they went. I would assist with the medical needs of the campers.”

“In England when youth, especially the West Indian youth, go to camporees they wouldn’t normally appreciate the meals (the vegetarian meals) that were cooked there, so they would invite me to be their head cook so that they would enjoy it (the vegetarian meals) the way I cooked it.”

Ray expressed that she loves being outdoors, which includes gardening and visiting the elderly and shut-in church members.

Helping the youth to enjoy the blessings of the Lord in a different country or surrounding is what Sister Ray loves most about camporees. “I love to meet people and talk with my brethren. I love to be present that’s all. The fellowship and the friendship stands out the most for me and I also love the services.”

Ray had a strong warning to young people in general “Stay far away from crime and violence,” she said. “Don’t get involved. Report it, but stay far from it.  Get to know God.”

Ray’s desire is to continue to serve the Lord in spirit and in truth and to share the good news of salvation with others. “We should also be prepared because we know that the coming of the Lord is soon,” Ray added.