Originally published in the October 25, 2007 issue of The Evangel.
Even before they came to stay in First Baptist’s missionary home for the first time in 2003, Scott and Valerie Payne probably felt a stronger tie to First Baptist than many missionaries do at first. Although neither had lived in Nashville be-fore, First Baptist was familiar territory to them because they had met each other in our vestibule! The occasion was a state Baptist Student Union convention in 1987, leading to their marriage the following year and a two-year journeyman assignment in Bangkok.
Scott and Valerie are now career missionaries to Northeastern Thailand and the proud parents of Oliver, age 14; Charlotte, age 11; and Elliot, age 6. Both sets of grandparents live in cities near Nashville: Valerie’s family in Wartrace, Scott’s in Manchester. The Paynes are currently furloughing with us for the second time and plan to stay until late March 2008. They can frequently be seen in the balcony on Sunday mornings; and Elliot, Charlotte, and Oliver are active in our children’s and youth ministries!
In Thailand, the Paynes work with students and the Isaan people while homeschooling their three children. The town they live close to is Mahasarakham. Check out their informative web site, www.prayforisaan.com.
Scott and Valerie thank First Baptist for providing a “home away from home” for missionaries and opportunities to be involved in our church. While they are here, pray for the students in Thailand who have been involved in Bible study. There is no church for them to attend yet, so the students must take responsibility for their own spiritual growth. Pray that they will stay strong during the Paynes’ absence and that Christians in Thailand will continue to grow and reach out to others.
Don’t miss the blessing of getting to know the Payne family!
