Only One Son – In the Line of Duty

News and Prayer Letter  –  UPDATE    –  February,  2005

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,

We want to express our thanks for the many prayers, cards, emails, and love gifts after the “home going” of Barb’s mother, December 26^th, 2004.  We could tell that you were praying.  Mom was very ready and anxious to go to be with her Lord; the peace she had was felt by all who attended her in that last week.  We believe she got a glimpse of heaven when she said just before she died, “It’s beautiful!” Heaven seems a little closer now.

This Gospel song expresses our appreciation for your prayer support:

Somebody’s praying, I can feel it; somebody’s praying for me.

Mighty Hands are guiding me to protect me from what I can’t see;

Lord, I believe, Lord, I believe somebody’s praying for me.

I have crossed the barren wilderness where my pillow was a stone;

And I’ve been through the darkest caverns where no light has ever shone;

Still I went on because there was someone who was down on their knees.

And, Lord, I thank you for those people praying all this time for me.

The Lord is so good … Psalm 145:1-3, 9!

We have had many opportunities with law enforcement recently.  Contacts made years ago have been resulting in continued contacts.  A retired officer, D., moved to Florida … a retired friend from the same department had gotten saved and he gave some literature, including a well-worn copy of Only One Son, to D. … both D. and his wife came to know Christ as Saviour … D. called to see if we were still involved in working with law enforcement … it was a great phone call that has resulted in further contacts!

Another contact has been with a dear lady, K., who recently lost her only son in an accident … he was studying so he could follow his grandfather and uncle into law enforcement … she was cleaning her home and came across a copy of Only One Son from a contact over 5 years ago … I had visited the hospital in western NY after her brother’s shooting and had a deputy and his pastor with me … after reading Scripture and comments, I asked the deputy if he would close in prayer … that made a profound impact upon those gathered in the room – especially all of the law enforcement officers!  Please continue to pray for K. – that she would know “the peace of God which passeth all understanding” – Philippians 4:7

Besides, increased contacts through email, local, state, county, and federal have increased.

There is a desperate need – especially in the hearts of those who serve as God’s “ministers” – Romans 13:4!     We do appreciate your faithful prayers and support as fellow-workers!

“… for we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” I Corinthians 3:9

In His Love and by His Grace,

Barb and Ray Payne

II Timothy 1:12