Only One Son – In the Line of Duty

February, 2004   NEWSLETTER  –  Barb and Ray Payne

Dear Faithful Friends, Prayer Partners, and Supporters,

It has been a while since we have written and in the meantime, we have had great meetings, contacts, and many new “open doors” for ministering!

It was encouraging to hear from a young police officer recently:  he and his wife had prayed about going into “full time service” for the Lord!  Immediately several opportunities were opened – right on the“job!” They realized that this was their “mission field!” They are excited … and we are excited for them!

Another officer, a young believer, wants Ray to help him start a fellowship group in the department for Christian officers in his area!  The Lord has been encouraging and strengthening him even as he has been going through some very difficult times!

We would ask you to continue to pray for Lt. John Finn, Albany Police Department, still in very serious condition after a line-of-duty shooting two days before Christmas.  As a result of Ray’s visits to the hospital, he has had an open door with law enforcement in that area.  Please pray for John’s wife and two daughters, 18 months and 8 years old.

As you may know, many mission agencies are experiencing financial setbacks.  Our mission board, BCM International, is no exception.  They have sold assets and cut back on administration costs and office help.  In November, they sent out a request to their 800 missionaries for prayer.  Many prayed, some gave, and by the end of the year, the deficit had dramatically decreased.

Our mission executives, whom we respect and admire, have had to make some changes in order to meet the new challenges.  How does this affect our ministry?   We presently have about 60 % of recommended support.

1. Missionaries will no longer be permitted to operate financially under-supported.

2. The monthly amount the mission requires us to raise will increase (nearly double!), including items that we had not previously depended upon in support figures, i.e., insurances, travel costs, office, etc.

We are very thankful for those of you who have supported us in the past; we are not asking you to go beyond that. We are asking that you pray:

• · That God will give us a very clear understanding of what His will is for us.
• · For wisdom whether we should pursue trying to raise this large increase in financial support, something we have never felt comfortable with.
• · For us to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10

We do appreciate you and are grateful for your love and partnership in the Gospel and in prayer.  May the Lord continue to bless and encourage you in this New Year – perhaps the year He returns … Titus 2:11-14!

In Christ’s Love,

Barb and Ray Payne    200 U. S. Route 9   Schroon Lake,   NY  12870     (518) 532-9049    RJBJPayne@aol.com