Russell Raymond says he and his siblings loved science and people growing up, so medicine seemed a 'natural' profession. It all started when the oldest brother, Cliff, was accepted to Ohio State Medical School.
'The Lord just put it on our hearts to do medicine, whether it was medical mission or here [in the United States],' Russell says. 'Time has proven that this was a good profession for all of us. We don't want to just hide it. We want to use our time and talents and finances for the betterment of the Kingdom.'
Russell says he and his siblings, the children of Salvation Army officers, are motivated by Jesus' call to help the 'least of these.' (Matthew, Chapter 25)
'We're all driven by our love of the Lord ... [and] our desire to help others—children who certainly can't help themselves. We have been so blessed, having been raised in The Salvation Army and being preachers' kids and all, and then the ability to become physicians. This is just one small way that we can share our knowledge and wealth and friendship with others.'
The Raymond siblings, in addition to Russell, are Drs. Norman and Frank Raymond, OB-GYNs in the Columbus, Ohio, area; Dr. Cliff Raymond, an OB-GYN in Westerville, Ohio; Dr. Jonathan Raymond, president of William and Catherine Booth College; and Sue-Ellen Wheeler, a stay-at-home mom who has taught high school biochemistry.
The Raymond Foundation, established by the family in the early 1990s, was originally started to support kids going to Christian colleges. The focus shifted after the family went to Honduras in 1998 to help in the wake of Hurricane Mitch and saw overwhelming need.
The family now makes a mission trip to Honduras each February under the direction of retired Major Richard Shafstall. The Raymonds' spouses and children often come along as well.
When he's at the Cleveland Clinic, Russell's faith commitment is obvious to his patients and staff.
'I certainly don't go up and down the hallways preaching,' Russell says, 'but I don't hide my faith. I'm hopeful that by the way I conduct myself here at the clinic, people understand where I'm coming [from]. I often will ask a patient, "Would you like me to pray with you?" Most, of course, say, "Yes, I would appreciate that." When I say, "I'll pray for you," I think that really gives [patients] a lot of encouragement.'
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