Despite their rollercoaster relationship – which included two separations and a divorce – the late Rhema Bible Church SA founder Ray McCauley died peacefully in the arms of his wife, Zelda Ireland.
The blonde former model married the popular pastor in 2001, barely a year after his divorce from his first wife, Lyndie, who is also the mother of his two children.
The controversial move made headlines at the time and split the congregation of the church.
The late preacher was laid to rest on Saturday, 19 October, at his church in Randburg, Johannesburg.
STANDING BY RAY MCCAULEY THOUGH SICKNESS AND HEALTH
According to Ray McCauley’s son Joshua, he rushed to be by his father’s side last week after a frantic call from Zelda Ireland.
Josh – who has since taken the helm of the Rhema Bible Church – found Zelda praying over his father.
During his memorial service on Thursday, 17 October, the woman behind the popular preacher was credited with supporting him during their 23-year marriage.
One speaker – Patience Mlengana – praised Zelda for caring for Ray during his ill health.
Asking the congregation to give Zelda a standing ovation, she said of the widow: “She made sure that he looks good and eats well. It was not easy for her. Thank you for loving our pastor to the very end. It’s very rare to have wives like that.”
Images via YouTube screenshot/ X: @psraymccauley
WHO IS ZELDA IRELAND?
In 2001, Ray McCauley courted controversy after he announced he would marry Zelda Ireland after a whirlwind romance.
The couple married in July, just months after meeting in late 2000. That same year, Ray and his wife Lyndie McCauley divorced after a 23-year marriage.
According to reports, Ray met Zelda at the Rhema Bible Church, which he had diligently attended for almost 20 years.
Images via Facebook: Ray McCauley/ Lyndie McCauley
Zelda Ireland – who grew up in an orphanage in Belville, Cape Town – was a two-time divorcee, who had three children from previous relationships.
After a stint as an air hostess, Zelda ventured into the world of fashion, where she became a successful model and opened her own boutique.
Zelda’s third marriage to Ray McCauley was filled with many ups and downs.
In 2008, the couple separated but reconciled after counselling from church elders. In 2010, Zelda filed for divorce from Ray.
Three years later, the couple announced that they would remarry.
Rhema spokesman Giet Khosa said of the joyful news: “Reconciliation, first, is of man to God and people to people. It is part of our DNA as believers. Marriage is of God. And when it is restored and healed, we can only be as happy as the Creator of this institution.”
WERE ZELDA IRELAND AND RAY MCCAULEY THE PERFECT COUPLE?
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