Marketing and Communications Manager

John Ray joins The Mentoring Alliance with a background in Christian ministry, music, education, and with graduate studies in strategic communications. Originally from Puerto Rico, John Ray moved with his family to Tyler, Texas in 2013. He is happily married to Tania and has four beautiful children: Aslan, Abriana, Aidan and Ander.

At a young age, he demonstrated a heart for God and was distinguished for his artistic talents and abilities. At the age of 12, he was chosen to interpret a solo of the song “Shine Jesus Shine” in the RCA Dome in Indiana with an audience of over 40,000 people. It was then that John Ray understood God’s calling to missions.

He served God through Youth with a Mission Puerto Rico for more than 20 years collaborating and leading children ministries, camps, missionary outreaches, and communications and performing arts projects in many countries.

In 2004, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Popular Music. The following year he founded and directed DNA Productions Corporation (Discipling Nations through the Arts) to offer an innovative Christian musical concept to Latin America and the world.

In 2014 John Ray had the opportunity to work collaboratively with Buckner International participating as a spokesperson for the "Semillas de Esperanza" project and the campaign "Quiero ser un Héroe" Buckner launched in collaboration with the Government of Guatemala and USAID in the country. He also composed, interpreted and produced the video for their theme song Aquí Brilla la Esperanza (Hope Shines Here).

Most recently, he worked as a bilingual teacher for TISD at Ramey Elementary. He has a heart for the students we serve and understands what they and their families long for.

He believes his family's calling closely aligns with our mission, and he's excited to see how God will continue touching the lives of many children and youth in this city and beyond.