Only One Son – In the Line of Duty

NEWSLETTER –  Barb and Ray Payne –  June 12th,  2006

“Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:  Sing forth the honour of His Name: make His praise glorious.  Say unto God,  How terrible (awesome) [art Thou in] Thy works! through the greatness of Thy power shall Thine enemies submit themselves unto Thee. All the earth shall worship Thee, and shall sing unto Thee; they shall sing [to] Thy Name. Selah.” Psalm 66:1-4

Warm greetings, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners, what a Great God we serve!

May was quite a “trip” – over 5,000 miles on the road – mostly by Ray, since Barb was “stretched” with her teaching responsibilities!   Now only one week remains,  and the Lord has used Barb in these young lives, and has allowed her to be an influence for good in her students … so, she has had much more effect on their lives than just academics!  She sends a huge “Thank You” to all who prayed her through the school year!

Ray just finished the annual “Americade” – 50,000 bikers in Lake George and the area for their yearly “pilgrimage” … it was rain, rain, and more rain – but that didn’t even seem to put a damper on their activities.  Ray hung out mostly with the Blue Knights – a national organization of law enforcement officers – active and retired, that own and ride.  Our son, David, became a Blue Knight in Maine just before his line-of-duty death in July of 1988.  His name is on “Heaven 1″ – the Memorial Chapter of the Blue Knights – and, of course, a very focal point to make contacts.

Next week, the 18th to 25th, our four daughters have arranged to rent a house in North Carolina on the Outer Banks so that they and husbands and grandchildren (not all will be able to make it) can get together for a special time for our “Fiftieth!” -(can you believe it?)  All are looking forward to it and trust that the weather will cooperate!  Of course, Ray cannot pass up all of the many law enforcement “contacts” that will be available along the way, and he will be supplied with all of the necessary materials for distribution!  (Our actual anniversary isn’t until this September, but June was better for everyone.)

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in prayers and support in this vital ministry!  You’ve been such an encouragement to us over the years, and we feel very blessed to know you and to know your love!  May His richest blessings be your continued portion as you faithfully serve Him!    I Corinthians 3:9a

In Christ’s Eternal Love,

Ray and Barb

II Timothy 1:12

UPDATE

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,

We are praising the Lord for the good results from our daughter, Ginny’s recent major surgery!

The huge tumor, an angiomyolimpoma, was NOT malignant, and had not invaded as many areas as the doctors had feared.  They did have to remove about 20% of her kidney.

Our daughter, Debbie, was able to go from Carlisle, PA, to Maine to help out for a week, then, Barb went last week during her school’s Easter vacation.  Ginny’s church family sent in meals, which was a huge blessing and help.

Ginny is healing nicely and gaining strength daily.  We appreciate and thank all of you who have prayed.  We are indeed thankful to our wonderful Great Physician, “… Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think …”

The Lord continues to open doors of opportunity.  One of Ginny’s nurses said her husband is a Portland Police officer … Barb gave her the “Only One Son” tract … she took it home to her husband and asked him if he remembered a Lewiston officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1988 … he remembered “David Payne” and what happened that day, and said he attended the funeral, and that it has affected his police career very much …

Ray went to the April 8^th monthly prayer and Bible study that the Lewiston officers continue to have … begun after a number of officers trusted Christ following David’s death.   The next weekend, there was a get-together with Bangor area officers who have traveled to Lewiston and now want to have their own monthly prayer and Bible study, and Ray met with them.  One of the officers present was in the police academy back in 1986 with David and remembered him well!

We also received an email from another police academy classmate who had recently found the website about David, onlyoneson.org.  Brian told us that he was hired on to Lewiston PD just three weeks before David’s death, and was working the day shift on that Saturday, July 23^rd, and responded to the calls for help with Sergeant Mike Kelly, who later became Lewiston’s Chief, and then Maine’s “Top Cop” – the Commissioner of Public Safety.  Brian is presently in law enforcement in the State of Connecticut.

Ray went to watch a lacrosse game that our grandson, Kyle, was playing in in Wiscasset last Saturday afternoon, and gave an “Only One Son” tract and a couple of Peace Officer For Christ magazines to a young Wiscasset officer who responded, “I remember you!  You spoke to our police academy class …” (about six or seven years ago!)

Ray continues the testing and monitoring of his physical problems following the World Trade Center/ 9-11 tragedy.  He had a two hour exam and monitoring a week ago in Albany.  Stopping for a quick burger at noon before the first test, he saw an Albany officer in line, who is also working with the new COPS Chapter.  While sitting at a table with the officer, a couple stopped by and the husband identified himself as a retired officer.  Ray spoke with them at their table later, and found out that they were believers, and were looking for opportunities to work with police officers … what a “coincidence” – right?!

This past Wednesday, there was another monitoring session for Ray to attend in Syracuse  – a five-hour session that was not able to be completed.  There will be another hour-by-phone session next week.  A nearby Denny’s provided a place to stop on the way in for a bit of lunch and there, at the next table, were ten U.S. Air Force personnel dressed in camo’s … an opportunity to give Only One Son tracts and a bit of appreciative “thanks” for what they do for us and our Country!

The nurses and doctors at the session were “open,” because each one wanted to know what happened on 9-11, and why I was there!   Exhausted???  Definitely – but in a good way and for a good reason!

To quote those TV infomercials, “… BUT WAIT … there’s more!!!”  But, we better stop here for now!

Barb’s doing well … in spite of her usual sinus and other physical problems.  She is encouraged because there are only eight weeks left in the school year!   Please continue to keep her in prayer!

The cardioversion worked well – but for only two days … the doctor says that despite the fact of being uncomfortable with the irregular heartbeat, it is not life-threatening, and life can go on “for another two decades” (smile, smile, smile)!

Again, thank you for your faithful prayers and support.  Our confidence is in the fact that God is still in control, and that He does all things well.    Psalm 37:3-7

In His Great Love,

Ray and Barb

II Timothy 1:12

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the  throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6 and 7

December, 2005

Warm greetings, dear Friends and Prayer Partners, from snowy, upper New York State ,

Our heartfelt appreciation to you who uphold us in prayer and support!  We close in on another year … over forty years of service in the Lord’s work – how faithful He has been!

As Christmas nears, we are reminded of last year when Barb’s mother entered triumphant- ly into the presence of her Lord the day after Christmas.  We miss her very much, as she was a great supporter of us personally, as well as of our ministry to law enforcement.

We have had some radical changes in our lifestyle!  The Lord’s definite leading touched Barb to help the Christian day school across the street by filling the teaching position for 3^rd and 4^th grades – a gap made by a retiring teacher – until they can get someone.  It has not been easy for her and she has certainly been “stretched” – but she is totally dedicated and enjoying the 9 precious little ones she has!

Ray continues travel alone, for the most part, covering many miles to Maine , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , and throughout New York State .  Barb did make the trip in October for the annual COP’S Parents’ Retreat in Missouri , down to Little Rock , Arkansas , then over to North Carolina for meetings the next weekend … 4000 miles!

Though the scheduled meetings have slacked off during the holidays, continued one-on-one opportunities keep us busy.  We do ask that you will continue to pray:

• For our personal spiritual revival, and for refreshed spirits …
• For continued wisdom and strength for Barb as she fills this very demanding position …
• For our children and grandchildren to desire to be conformed to Christ’s likeness
• For continued open doors in law enforcement, and the salvation and spiritual growth of many police officers …
• For fresh opportunities to present the ministry needs in churches

May you continue to know and enjoy God’s wonderful blessings now, and throughout the coming year, until He comes!

In His matchless Grace and Love,

Barb and Ray

200 US Rte 9,  Schroon Lake,  NY  12870    www.onlyoneson.org (518) 532-9049

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The article below is from a bookmark that we received … very interesting and thought-provoking for this busy, commercialized-season of the year, when so many have so little time to think about why we do celebrate …

* * * * * * * * * * *

He Is The Reason

He Is Jesus

His arrival was eagerly anticipated,

but not just by children.

He came on Christmas day,

but not down the chimney.

He worked in a woodshop,

but not making toys.

He had a beard,

but it was not white.

He had some helpers,

but they were not elves.

He did a miracle,

but not on 34^th Street.

He rode into town,

but not on a sleigh.

He carried a lot of weight,

but He was not heavy.

He hung on a tree,

but not as an ornament.

He disappeared into the clouds,

but not to the North Pole.

His return is eagerly anticipated,

but not predictable.

So every year at Christmas time, let all traditions become a sign to point us back so long ago when God came to earth for the world to know.   He did not want to be a stranger, so as a gift specially wrapped in swaddling clothes, He lay in a manger.

Steven E. Chaney

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