Ray McCauley’s second wife, Zelda Ireland, has been praised for her supportof the Rhema Bible Church SA founder over the last two decades, but his first wife, Lyndie McCauley, claims she should also be credited with co-founding the establishment.
The popular preacher – whose church has the single largest congregation in Southern Africa – was laid to rest at his funeral service over the weekend.
According to his family, he died “peacefully” at home after suffering from ill health. In 2022, Ray handed over the reins of the church to his only son, Joshua.
RAY MCCAULEY’S FIRST WIFE SPEAKS OUT
In an obituary read out at the funeral by Kabelo Mabalane – who is an ordained senior pastor of Rhema – Ray McCauley’s first wife, Lyndie, was mentioned.
Shortly after the funeral – which Lyndie was notably absent from – she shared a post on Facebook that read: “Even at the saddest times in life, there is incredible hope when you really know Jesus.”
Under the post, Lyndie responded to comments acknowledging her contribution to her ex-husband’s success.
The couple had married in 1976, and attended a Bible college in the US together. Just a few years later, they returned to SA, where they opened Rhema Bible Church SA together. After having two children – Joshua and Kristen – they divorced in 2000, and just a year later, Ray would marry his second wife, Zelda.
She replied to one follower: “You can’t wipe out history. It happened, and I was co-founder in Rhehma in everything for 24 years where most of Rhema was built”.
She responded to another: “I work very hard too, and love every moment.”
To a third, she posted: “God says to give honour where honour is due.”
Images via Facebook: Lyndie McCauley Ministries
Lyndie has since started her own ministry, called the Lyndie McCauley Ministries, where she travels to preach and counsel people around South Africa.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO SUPERSTARDOM
Ray McCauley and his first wife, Lyndie, co-founded Rhema Bible Church SA in 1979. With just 13 members, the church operated out of his parents’ home.
In the 80s, the church’s popularity took off, and a 5000-seater auditorium in Randburg was built to accommodate the congregation. It was later upgraded to a 7 500 seater venue.
Over the next decade, Ray became a popular televangelist and was actively involved in the country’s political transformation.
Images via Facebook: Ray McCauley/ Lyndie McCauley
Today, the church has over 45 000 active congregants, making it the single largest church in Southern Africa. Congregants have included many celebrities like Basetsana Kumalo, Jacob Zuma, and other high-ranking politicians.
Ray – known for preaching “prosperity gospel” – has established friendships with other like-minded pastors, including the likes of Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Copeland, and TD Jakes, who all offered tributes at his funeral service.
According to The Conversation,The Rhema Bible Church had an annual turnover of over R100 million. The late preacher was speculated to have earned over R100 000 per month. Reports indicated that he had several business ventures, properties, and cars.
WAS RAY MCCAULEY’S EX-WIFE INSTRUMENTAL TO HIS SUCCESS AND STATUS?
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