Only One Son – In the Line of Duty

Christmas Greetings, 2002

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Dear Friends,

Our very warmest greetings to you and yours this Christmas season. Our hearts are full of praise to our Living Lord for His gracious plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. What unheard-of sacrifice and unearthly love, that He would be willing to come to this vile earth to take upon Himself the punishment for our sins. Praise His Name!

This has been a very busy year, full of blessings, times of ministering, and many miles of travel. We have seen God’s Hand of provision many, many times, and we are thankful.

One big provision has been Ray’s restored strength after a three-week stay in the hospital, October 25th through November 15th. His energy level is almost back to normal after being very gravely ill with epiglotitis, an acute throat infection that went into his blood stream, and pneumonia. He had to have a temporary tracheostomy put in, as his air supply was being cut off. Blood tests revealed that he has an immune disorder called Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance – MGUS for short. This involves plasma cells in the bone marrow, and could lead to the more serious problem of Myeloma. But for now the doctors are just monitoring him closely, and we are optimistic about the future.

The Lord opened many doors of witness in the hospital, and since being discharged. Locally, Ray is continuing his chaplaincy work with the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, although other planned meetings had to be postponed or cancelled.

We are very thankful for the prayers of God’s people through Ray’s illness, plus all the emails, cards and expressions of concern. How very dependent we are on each other! We are also very appreciative of all the financial support given by so many of you. May God richly bless you this beautiful Christmas season. Luke 2:1-20

In His Love,

Barb and Ray
Isaiah 40:1-11
Barb and Ray Payne 200 U. S. Route 9 Schroon Lake, NY 12870 (518) 532.9049