Ray Goudie, Christian songwriter and producer, dies in his sleep

Ray Goudie, Christian songwriter and musician, died on Monday night after a battle with cancer.

The co-director of New Generation Music had struggled with illness for several months. A post on his wife Nancy's Facebook wall said "around 7.20pm he slept peacefully into the arms of Jesus".

The statement, shared shortly after he died, asked for space for the family.

"This is obviously a difficult time for Nancy and the boys so please do surround them with your prayers and give them love but also the space they need at this time.

"As Nancy always says we are not called to understand everything, but we are called to trust."

Over his musical career, Goudie wrote hundreds of songs and displayed fierce passion for the Church's engagement with art. In an article for Christian Today in 2008 he wrote of the "need of the church and the arts to embrace each other in new ways if we are truly going to see some transformation of our culture."

His writing and production is credited on many albums and he also produced dozens of shows and tours. In 2006 he wrote and produced Luv Esther, a musical based on the biblical story of Esther.

But the highlight of Goudie's career was his musical The Prodigals, which was based on the biblical story of the prodigal son. It tells the story of two sons, one working as a soldier destroying poppy fields in Afghanistan and the other suppyling his band with heroin.

Later on in his career through new generation music, a Christian creative arts centre, Goudie focused on supporting young musicians develop their careers.

Andy Hawthorne, founder and chief executive of The Message Trust, was among hundreds to pay tributes. 

Jo Saxton, speaker and author wrote on Facebook: "Love and prayers for Nancy and the family and the wider NGM team. What a great man, what a great legacy."

Goudie leaves behind his wife Nancy and two sons.