Orai was born in Sabie

Orai was born in Sabie, South Africa, where his parents served as missionaries. He learned the Tsonga language at a very young age as he associated with his little African playmates. He later also became fluent in the use of the Afrikaans, Zulu, and Swazi languages as well as other dialects which he has used in his ministry in Africa. An early ambition to be a game ranger in Kruger National Park was abandoned when Orai yielded to God's call to follow his parents and grandparents in missionary work.

Linda (Cheney) was born in the farming community of Lewellen, Nebraska. where she was raised in a family of ten children. Her older sister, Wilma Wissbroecker. and her brother. Bob Cheney. both served as Wesleyan career missionaries. Linda met Orai at Bartlesville Wesleyan College and they were married in June 1966. They both graduated with B.A. degrees in religion in 1967.

In January 1968, they were appointed as missionaries to Swaziland, Africa, where their three children, Valarie, Michael, and Paul were born. In 1980, the Lehmans were sent to South Africa to work among the gold mine workers who came as contract laborers from Mozambique. This ministry gave vital support to The Wesleyan Church in Mozambique during the 19 year civil war which ravaged their country.

In 1994, a peace accord was signed in Mozambique, and Orai and Linda responded to the invitation from Church leaders to come and assist them in theological education for pastors and leadership development. During the past four years they have found an unprecedented receptivity which has resulted in rapid church growth in Mozambique. The Lord willing, they plan to return to continue in this fruitful ministry in January 2000.