By Angela Rice, Short-Term Missions Director • BMA Global
Friends and colleagues are invited to honor Dr. Ralph Izard at a special celebration recognizing significant milestones in his life and ministry. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, and will include a time of fellowship and reflection on his lasting impact.
Dr. Izard has long been a respected figure in ministry and missions, known for his deep faith, leadership and unwavering commitment to the gospel. This year has brought both joyful achievements and personal challenges, with the passing of his wife, Judy, making continued prayers for him especially meaningful during this season.
Dr. Izard began serving with Baptist Medical Missions International (BMMI) when the ministry was first founded. At the time, he was practicing as a general practitioner in Benton. When a need for a director of BMMI arose, he felt led to step into that role. Demonstrating deep faith and sacrifice, he sold both his medical practice and his family farm, moved into town, and has spent the past 20 years of his “retirement” serving full-time with BMMI. Under his leadership, Dr. Izard has led teams around the world, bringing essential medical care to underserved communities as a gateway for sharing the gospel.
Those who wish to send a note of encouragement can mail cards to: Dr. Ralph Izard, P.O. Box 878, Conway, Ark. 72033.
Currently, Dr. Izard is serving in Zambia with the BMMI team, providing critical medical assistance in remote villages where such services have never been available before. This outreach marks a new frontier for missionaries Mikeal and Sharon Quillman, who are seeking to build relationships and share the hope of Christ in unreached areas.
Despite a bus breakdown delaying the team’s arrival, their first day brought a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty as two individuals came to faith in Christ in a village that currently has no church. The area is being considered for ongoing missionary engagement, and supporters are urged to continue praying for open hearts and long-term impact.
As this season unfolds, supporters are invited not only to celebrate but to continue in prayer for Dr. Izard, for the ongoing mission in Zambia, for the ministry of BMMI and for the countless lives still waiting to hear the name of Jesus.
