The Paine Family

There is much I could write on. So many thoughts running through my head as I ponder the last year of life that God has given me. I haven’t ever written a post about my birthday (Big Grin), but I thought I could take the opportunity to thank those people that have impacted my life the most to make me who I am today.

There are so many people that have done so much for me, I really don’t know where to start! =’) God has been so good to me and has blessed me with a wonderful family! I am so very grateful for my Dad and Mom who have invested so much in my life! Through the hard times and the good times, the sad times and the happy times, they have always been there for me. They have encouraged me to keep pressing on and they have taught me the difference between right and wrong. They have been so very patient with me! I want to thank them for being faithful and loving me always! I am also so thankful for each one of my brothers and sisters! Each one has taught me so much! I have made so many wonderful memories with them and I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world! =) God has blessed me so much!

There are so many others that I could thank…teachers, preachers, friends, elders, peers…the list could go on forever! So many people have invested in my life! It’s almost overwhelming when you step back to think about it! But there is one person that I did want to thank. It’s a person that I have known for only a little over 3 years…but I feel like I have known her all my life… =’)…Yes…it’s Erin, the Girl of my dreams and the one that has challenged me, encouraged me, prayed for me, and loved me in a way that truly overwhelms me! God has blessed me so greatly! This was the best birthday that I have ever had! Erin was able to come and she actually really surprised me with a visit! It was a really sweet time of fellowship and fun with the family!

God is so good! And I can’t help but marvel at His goodness and what He has done for me! He has always been faithful! He has always been there for me when I needed Him! Even when I am unfaithful, yet He remains very Faithful!!! I can’t wait to see what this new year holds!

What does it mean when a person says….
……..”I Love You“??……..

There can be so many different interpretations of that simple, yet profound, statement of affection. The word “Love” must be defined if we were able to begin to understand the depths of its meaning! Genuine Love has no ulterior motive…it is giving without having an expectation of anything in return. Love is key in any relationship. =)

This past week, I had the wonderful privilege of spending time with my Precious Sweetheart, Erin. <3<3

We went out on a special date for Valentines day (though it was way past Valentines =(. The Bates Family affectionately calls Valentines, “I Love You Day” =). I was so happy to take my Girl out on a special “I Love You” date! It was so precious! We had awesome food, fellowship….and photographers! (BIG GRIN) It was truly an unforgettable evening! I find that no matter what Erin and I do together, we always have the BEST of times! Whether its cleaning the kitchen after a meal, going on a walk, running an errand, or just sitting together…it is simply the BEST ever! I absolutely LOVE getting to know my Best Friend…my Forever Friend!

As you get to know a person, you begin to understand how they think and learn how they respond to different situations. You also get to see their weaknesses and the things that they need to grow in…this is when being a true friend is so important!! Erin is a true friend to me! As we have gotten closer, she has seen my weaknesses and my flaws and she has loved me in spite of my shortcomings! This is a true Friend! Proverbs 17:17a came alive as I thought about what Erin meant to me.“A friend loveth at all times…“

Even when I am not loving or I am not responding as I should in a situation, Erin has demonstrated a true Love that has challenged me to my core!

Thank you, Erin! I Love you!

~ Chad
….hf….

As the Lord has made An Open Door of Opportunity within many of the different prison facilities throughout the United States, I have had the awesome privilege of seeing God’s hand at work in mighty ways! With just having spent 2 weeks ministering in the Correctional Institutions of Florida, I have NO doubt that prison ministry is the call the Lord has laid upon my heart!

When you think of prison or inmates, you might think of hardened, wicked people who have either murdered, raped or have been involved in some huge atrocity that has destroyed the very purpose for their existence. But if you take a closer look at the Word of God, you do NOT find this as Jesus’ perspective! When responding to the repentant thief that was on the cross beside Jesus, I love Christ’s response, “…Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43b) or Jesus’ Words to the woman caught in the very act of adultery, “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? ¹¹ She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)

Prison is one of the most fruitful mission fields that can be found in United States today! Why? Because the Lord has used the circumstances and situations which encompass the inmates, who are incarcerated, to humble them and bring them to the realization of their desperate need for a Savior, King and Lord! Even in the modern “church” of today this spirit of brokenness and desire for reconciliation through a relationship with Jesus Christ is significantly lacking, if it exists at all. Hence, I love working with men and women whom the Lord has prepared to receive His eternal life which sets them free!

If you think of me, please pray that as the Lord continues to lead me into the many opportunities of prison ministry, I would NEVER lose sight of the whole reason FOR ministry, and that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!!! If I fail to keep my eyes set upon a personal relationship with the Lord through His Word and prayer, I have no ministry! Also, please be praying for me as I begin my 5^th semester at IMI on Saturday, February 23^rd 2013. I am very excited to see what all the Lord has in store for me this next semester and I am trusting Him to lead me each step of the way! God bless you all!

Sincerely In His Service,

                                     Nate Paine

                                         Isa. 61:1-3

“A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation”
Psalm 68:5

Seeing God’s hand at work in the country of Bolivia through the service of Nacer Ministries was truly inspiring! This trip has truly opened my eyes to, not only life in different country, but it helped me see how easily I take the “little things” that we enjoy everyday for granted! Things such as hot water, A/C (it’s the middle of summer down there =), variety and access of food, and a host of other blessings become much more appreciated when they aren’t as available! I definitely came away from this time more grateful than before I went! LOL

I wouldn’t trade this experience or the lasting memories that I have made because of this time for anything. I saw life through a different perspective!

The majority of our trip was focusing on different construction needs that the ministry had. The Lord blessed the work of our hands, and we were able to complete a large roofing project while we were there! Even though temperatures were in the 100’s with 100% humidity, God gave us strength to endure! It was truly a blessing to be apart of a great group of guys who had sacrificed time and resources to serve these orphan homes in this way! I was challenged by the love and the commitment of my fellow team members!

Even in the midst of our busy work schedule, we were able to spend time with the kids! Even though my Spanish is really limited, I really enjoyed getting to carry on simple conversations with the boys! They loved any attention…they are really hungry for love and approval of anyone! My heart was deeply touched by the openness that they expressed even through our broken communication. =’)

The time spent there was definitely worth it! And I am really grateful that God allowed it and provided in more than one way for me to be able to make this trip!

Please pray for the Nacer Ministries! That God will continue to raise it up to minister light and truth to boys and girls in need in Santa Cruz, Bolivia! God kept us safe and blessed our time! It was truly fruitful! Thank you for your part in it!

~ Chad

Another year has gone by in Hannah’s life.  A year filled with responsibilities and accomplishments and growing in the Lord.  She has moved twice with her family, become a piano teacher, ministered in the church regularly, continued harp lessons, taken on a few more household responsibilities and so much more.  Most important is that Hannah has deepened her walk with the Lord.  The Bible tells us that Enoch “walked with God” in Genesis 5.  I often think I would like to have been there to see that “walk”.  Yet, I know that each of us can experience that through His Word and through His Holy Spirit.  Obeying that still, small voice is not always easy in your teen age years and early twenties when the world clamors…..”a different way”. 

Since it was Hannah’s 20th birthday (actually at the end of December), we decided flowers would be appropriate and a little more elegant touch to dinner. 

We are all so thankful for Hannah…..She is the first of my six “reversal” babies…..We are abundantly blessed.  Happy Birthday Hannah!!!!  We love you…..

“Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain:  but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”  Proverbs 31:30,31