Only One Son – In the Line of Duty

“Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” Psalm 92:13-15

(L to R: Ginny (Virginia), Mom, Dad, Judy (Alaska), BethAnne (Florida), Kate, and Deb (Virginia) “Sister time - turned out to be a nice time together when mom's initial surgery date was postponed - we spent every minute together and all had a sweet time! We haven't been together like that in 4 years, and it was especially weird because no one had families with them (except for me - I brought Kate). Mom's surgery will be rescheduled, but we enjoyed being together for the time we had.” (Deb)

FINALLY… New Years’ Greetings!!! We did not get a Christmas newsletter out for 2010… Barb had open-heart surgery on November 29th to repair a leaky mitral valve. She was in Albany Medical Center, about 2 hours south of here, for 2 weeks, and then in rehab in Elizabethtown, about an hour+ north of here, for 10 more days.

Then Ray took over as caregiver, housekeeper, and cook, as Barb healed and regained strength. She is doing fine now, improving each day, just in time for Ray to be involved in the Missions Conference at Word of Life Bible Institute, representing BCM Intl.

There were clearly many God-appointed opportunities for ministry during the almost 2 months in the hospitals. Many staff recalled the many, long days that an Albany (NY) police lieutenant was in critical care before succumbing to gunshot wounds. Ray spent a lot of time with APD officers in the special rooms set aside for them and their grieving. Then, a short time later, a trooper was shot and died – his wife was a special nurse in the recovery area, and many of her co-workers recounted the tragic remembrances they all shared. Ray was also present for that police funeral.

When Barb was transferred to rehab, we quickly learned that her roommate was the mother of a corrections officer in a facility that Ray had made visits to in order to touch base with other COs. Plus, there were other nurses and doctor contacts who have a spouse, or relative, or friend, in law enforcement.

Barb was able to thoroughly enjoy our daughters when they were here – definitely a gift from the Lord! Before leaving for their homes and families, they cooked a complete Thanksgiving dinner for us all to enjoy! We had 2 more great grandchildren before 2010 had ended, and 2 of our daughters, Deb and Ginny, earned their Master’s Degrees, and BethAnne is finishing up on hers.

What does the Lord have for us in the days ahead? Thankfully we do know fully know. There are plans… including the Word of Life Law Enforcement Conference the 25th to 27th of March and the busy schedule that opens in April… there are other travels on the schedule… Ray will do some pulpit supply this month and in February … but, our plans could change – Christ’s soon return could take place: “for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” Romans 13:11-14

Thank you for your faithful prayers, encouragements, and support! In these difficult times, it is refreshing to know that we can count on you! You’ve been a blessing to us and the Lord’s work in reaching out to the law enforcement community that we continue burdened and concerned for.

In His Eternal Love,

Barb and Ray Payne

2 Timothy 1:12