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

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,

Some of you know that Barb’s mother had a slight stroke in November, and, while in the hospital, a large tumor was discovered on her lung.  Her doctor predicted she would have 6 to 12 months, or less, to live.  We had not expected her to decline so quickly.  She went to be with the Saviour she loved on Sunday, December 26^th, at the age of 90.

We had planned a trip to Pennsylvania, and arrived on Sunday, December 19^th.  Mom had shortness of breath, but was able to get up and get to the bathroom with her walker.  On Monday, she needed help standing, then, got weaker each day.  By Thursday, Mom was bedridden, and any small exertion caused very difficult breathing, and needed oxygen.

Barb stayed with Mom all week (Ray went back to New York Tuesday and Wednesday because both of us were running low on our medicines).  Mom was very peaceful, even happy, knowing she would soon be with her Lord.  She did not lose her sense of humor.  Christ’s Home gave each resident a Christmas gift.  When Mom received hers, I asked her if she wanted to open it.  “You open it,” she said, “I’m in the ‘closing stages,’ not the ‘opening stages’!”

Barb’s sister, Shirley, and her husband, were able to drive up from Florida in time to spend Saturday, Christmas Day, and Sunday with Mom.  Each sister was holding one of Mom’s hands as she breathed her first breath of “heaven’s air,” and her last ones on earth.

Mom’s pastor at Christ’s Home had to be away, so Ray was asked to do the memorial service, as well as the private funeral and committal service for the family.  Barb was able to sing.  The prayers of God’s people were answered as each family member who took part was strengthened.  We believe God was glorified through it all – just as Mom certainly would have wanted.

Mom will surely be missed.  She was a true “prayer warrior,” in whose footsteps we all aspire to follow.

Again, thank you for your faithful prayers and support during the difficult times.  In spite of the suffering and pain, Mom’s greatest Christmas gift was to at last be in the presence of her Saviour … we would not deny her that blessing!

We sorrow … but not as those “which have no hope” – I Thessalonians 4:13.

Truly our Christmas was blessed.

Our prayer for you is for a spiritually prosperous New Year … perhaps the year of the Lord’s Return – Titus 2:11-14!

In Christ’s Eternal Love,

Barb and Ray

II Timothy 1:12

UPDATE –  November, 2004 –  Barb and Ray Payne

“Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: let such as love Thy Salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.” Psalm 40:16

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,    Well, snow is on the ground here in the Adirondacks … not too much yet, but it’s here!   Many thanks for your faithful prayers over the past weeks … we did not realize it, but we definitely needed those prayers!

Again this year, we drove to the COPS (Concerns Of Police Survivors) Parents’ Retreat, in the Ozarks, Camdenton, Missouri.  The morning of the last day of the retreat, we had a phone call that our 24 year old grandson, Christopher, had died in his sleep where he was a student at Pensacola (FL) Christian College.

Chris, the son of our daughter-in-law, Karyn, and her husband, Bill Barnhart, along with Chris’ brother, Michael, were students at Pensacola.  (Bill’s first wife died of cancer about the same time our son, David, was killed.)  Three years later, the Lord brought them together into a wonderful “blended” family.  People know them as “The Barnhart Bunch!”  They live near us in Ticonderoga, NY.   We have remained close to the family:  Karyn, Erika and Evan, and Bill, Mike and Chris, whom we lovingly “adopted!”

Studies did not come easy to Chris, but he persevered, and after high school, he completed the 1 year course at Word of Life Bible Institute, then went on to get his Associate Degree at our local community college.  This fall, he achieved a goal that he had set in the 7^th grade: to attend Pensacola Christian College.  He loved it there and had a good testimony.  We watched Chris grow from a shy eleven year old to a confident and godly young man.

Needless to say, we cancelled the rest of our meetings and trip, and headed back to New York.  The funeral was very Christ-honoring, and a fine tribute to a sweet young Christian.  Please continue to pray for the family …

Another crisis happened that same week:  Barb’s mother had been doctoring for back pain from arthritis and “bulging discs.”  She developed severe hip pain, and was using a walker, not getting around well, and having a lot of pain.  Barb went back to PA to care for her with our daughter, Deb and her family, from Carlisle, PA.  Deb and Rob and the children had been up here for the funeral.

The Lord marvelously worked out every detail for Mom to get moved out of her apartment and into the Assisted Living section of Christ’s Home, in Warminster, PA.  We praise the Lord for the way He opened all the right doors, and in less than 2 weeks, everything fell into place for the move!  She, and all the family (and some of you!), had been praying that we would know the right time for the move … it became clear that this was “the time.”

Mother has had an epidural shot of cortisone, and is having less pain.  She is very content, happy and giving God much praise.  She has many friends there, and has endeared herself to many of the staff and residents with her sweet and cheerful ways.  Mom has a wonderful attitude, and is praying that the Lord will use her there as a witness.  Praise the Lord with us for His wonderful working on her behalf!

The end of October we were at Faith Fellowship Church, in Clarence, NY, for  a Police Appreciation Banquet on Saturday, and Sunday.  It was exciting as a dozen officers and family, plus Church families, thoroughly enjoyed the tremendous meal and program that the Church provided!  The associate pastor is Steve Seibel, who formerly was associate at Wayside Bible Baptist Church, in Livermore, Maine, where Ray pastured for 16 years.

Last weekend, November 5^th to 7^th, we were at Fellowship Bible Church, in Methuen, MA.  We were privileged to speak to their Christian School Chapel, then, do a chalk drawing for the Harvest Festival, and also present a program honoring “911 – The World Trade Center” on Sunday evening.  We were so blessed by all that was done for us, including seeing so many we’ve known from previous fellowship at the church!

We continue to rely on you for prayer for upcoming meetings … that we will be clean vessels, filled with His Spirit, and bringing glory to Him.  We are hoping to be at the Bible study and prayer time sponsored by officers from the Lewiston (Maine) Police Department in Lewiston this Saturday, the 13^th.  Since our David’s death, a number of officers from LPD and surrounding departments and agencies have been saved, and meet together monthly for support and encouragement. Beside local opportunities to do pulpit supply, we will travel to Maine the last weekend of the month again for the Annual Wreath Lighting at the Maine Law Enforcement Memorial, in Augusta.

One other item … we would appreciate your prayer as we need to contact churches in which we have ministered with view to caring for our monthly financial support.  With the increase of travel costs and health insurance, and the loss of some supporters, we find that our support level has dropped quite a bit.  Please pray that these letters will honor the Lord, and be received well, and that there will be a good response.

This has been a long letter!  Several have emailed us that they had not heard from us for a couple of months … things have been quite hectic …   We certainly appreciate and love you all, and thank you for your consistent and faithful prayers and financial support!

In Calvary’s Love,

Barb and Ray Payne     II Timothy 1:12

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER UPDATE –  2004 – Barb and Ray Payne

“I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the Name of the LORD Most High.” Psalm 7:17

Dear Praying Friends … thank you for your faithful prayers and financial support, without which we could not continue this ministry with our law enforcement “family!”

Our week at River of Life Bible Camp was a refreshing time, and the Lord blessed with great weather!  We used the life of Joseph in the Old Testament, and tied it in with law enforcement.  A Maine State Trooper friend visited one night and gave his testimony and a Bible challenge – the young people really enjoyed it!  One of the counselors is taking the criminal justice course at Pensacola Christian College – also, some of the youths had parents in law enforcement.  The Director, Jack Caron, set up and continues to maintain our website, www.onlyoneson.org … and his background is law enforcement.  We had opportunity to speak at the Passadumkeag Baptist Church Jack pastors.  On our way home to NY, we also were at Belgrade Bible Church (Pastor Larry Wiles) and Waysiode Bible Baptist Church in Livermore, Maine (Pastor Dan Corff)!    It was a great week!

Recently we had an email from a missionary friend – a retired police chief from Ohio – who takes frequent trips to eastern European countries.  He printed the “OnlyOneSon” tract off the website in the Romanian language, and gave it to some key people on his last trip there!  He plans to do the same with the Russian language.  Jack Caron is responsible for having the tract translated into 7 languages on the site.  Recently, we also had an email “condolence” from a police officer in Spanish, which we had to get translated!

Upcoming meetings in September, for your prayer support, include:

• 5^th – Speaking at Faith Baptist Church, Warrensburg, NY – all day
• 10^th to 12^th – CLEO – Christian Law Enforcement Officers’ Retreat, at Living Waters Bible Conference, Danforth, Maine
• 18^th – a LEO “Get-Together” in Oakfield, NY, Amy and Brian Thompson
• 25^th – a LEO “Get-Together” in Mayfield, NY, Peg and Bill Pitcher
• then, driving to Camdenton, Missouri, for the COPS (Concerns Of Police Survivors) PARENTS’ RETREAT – October 1^st through 4^th.  We trust to be able to stop in Little Rock, Arkansas, on the return, and then in North Carolina at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Mt. Gilead, like we did last year!

Some specific prayer requests …

1.      That we will be clean vessels for the Master’s use in this ministry …

2.      For continued strength and stamina for the many miles ahead …

3.      For our children and grandchildren to have God first in their lives …

May the Lord continue to bless and encourage you as you continue to love and serve Him!

In His Matchless Love,

Barb and Ray Payne

200 U. S. Route 9,   Schroon Lake  NY  12870   (518)5532-9049

APRIL 2004  Newsletter
Barb and Ray Payne

200 U. S. Route 9,  Schroon Lake,   NY   12870    –      (518) 532-9049

Dear Friends and Faithful Supporters, greetings, in His Name – Isaiah 9:6 and 7!

We can’t believe it!   Looking out of our front window, the ground is covered in WHITE! It snowed last night (12^th of April) … and we were foolish enough to think that it was Spring!

In our last Newsletter, we had asked you to pray for Lt. John Finn, Albany Police Dept.   He died after two months in intensive care.  However, as a result of the contacts made at     the hospital, there have been many other avenues of ministry with the APD and others.

The recent Law Enforcement Conference at Word of Life was a rich source of blessings

and encouragement!   It is always great to have many of the officers and families stop in at our home on their way home!   Some shared and asked prayer about difficult things going

on in their departments and agencies … others had some personal battles … one couple shared that the husband (officer in NJ) was being deployed to Iraq  (we would ask you to remember Irene and Mike H. and their family in prayer) …

We would ask that you continue to pray regarding the financial needs of our mission,

BCM, International.  We need to clarify what we wrote in our last letter about our

personal financial support:  the mission is “strongly urging” – not requiring its missionaries to raise 100% of support.  The good news is that since our last letter, there

has been an increase!  One church and two individuals have committed to our monthly support, and one generous one-tine gift came in!   Thank you for praying that the Lord,

by His Grace, will raise up the full amount.

Please pray for Barb’s mother as she is having some health issues.  She will be 90 in May,

and is still serving the Lord by playing organ and piano in meetings at Christ’s Home in Warminster, PA, where she lives independently!  She has been a great and faithful

supporter of this ministry over the years!

We would appreciate your prayer as we have many miles of ministry left in April:

18^th:  Faith Baptist Church, Warrensburg, NY;

19^th and 20^th:  NY IFCA Regional, Binghamton, NY (“Crisis Intervention” Workshop);

25^th:  Hephzibah Baptist Church /Law Enforcement Sunday, Coatesville, PA;

28^th to May 1^st:  Missions Conference at Evangelical Baptist Church, North Haven, CT;

May 1^st and 2^nd: Aquidneck Island National Police Parade, Newport, R.I. …

Thank you, again, for your faithfulness in partnering with us in the task of making Christ known to our law enforcement “family” – we are encouraged in His Strength:

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk,

and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

By His Grace,

Barb and Ray
II Timothy 1:12
Only One Son… Police Officer David R. Payne 1961-1988