Only One Son – In the Line of Duty

“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

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