Only One Son – In the Line of Duty

News and Prayer Letter – March 11^th –  2005   Barb and Ray Payne

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:   Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;   Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;   Who satisfieth thy mouth with good [things; so that] thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5  [A Psalm] of David.

Dear Praying Friends,

Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer.  We cannot be effective in ministry without your partnership in prayer … nor can we hold up in the battle against the enemy.   This letter is a special request for prayer concerning some specific health needs:

Barb doctors regularly for her dry eyes, and the problem is acute right now.  The eye doctor is trying some different meds and drops, and says that she could lose her eyesight.  Ray has a painful shoulder, and a very sore broken little toe.  Thank you for your concern and prayers.

Today is a very special day for us, also!  We celebrate our “spiritual birthday!”  It was March 11^th, 1955, that we came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour at a Word of Life youth rally, hosted by Jack Wyrtzen, in the old Broadwood Hotel, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!  The Lord has been so good to us – especially in allowing us to be able to continue serving Him.

We are just back from the Carlisle, PA, area, where we had the opportunity to spend some quality time with our daughter Debbie and husband Rob, and family.   Rob was able to give us a contact with the Dean of Workforce Development, Public Safety, and Community Education, at HACC – Harrisburg Area Community College – where he is on staff.   This contact could open up opportunities for teaching some courses there.

Ray also had a very positive visit with the Project Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.   Similar concerns identified possible future meetings and opportunities for service in the Harrisburg area.   Ray had an invitation to tour the new police facility in Carlisle, and to meet with their chaplains, but had to postpone until another time when in the area.

We would appreciate your prayer regarding our support.  BCM International has sent a recent letter stating that they are concerned about the level of giving.   Many are lacking significant funds each month.  Would you pray with us that we might be able to share this ministry more widely and have contact with new churches, as well as those we have already ministered in but who have not considered us as missionaries to support?   We do not like to talk about our needs, but realize that with the tremendous increase in travel expenses, along with home energy and health insurance cost increases, we must do something.  Thanks, so much!

Coming up April 1^st to 3rd is the annual Word of Life Law Enforcement Conference here in Schroon Lake.  It’s always great for fellowship and Bible teaching with law enforcement officers and their families from all over!  Pray that we might be helpful and sensitive to each one who attends!

May the Lord continue to bless and encourage you!    Psalm 118:24!

In Christ’s Love,

Barb and Ray Payne

200 U S Route 9,   Schroon Lake,   NY  12870       RJBJPayne@aol.com www.onlyoneson.org