Founder

Leland E. Payne, Captain, born Dec. 9, 1947 in Riverdale, MD, and joined the US Army Sept 30, 1966. Served in Vietnam June 30, 1968 through June 29 1969; Went back to Vietnam March 1, 1971, through February 15, 1972 achieved the rank of Captain and was in C Co. 4/47, 9th Inf. Division.

Capt. Payne was discharged Oct. 19, 1972 and was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart w/OLC, Air Medal, Army Commendation Metal w/V Device, 4th OLC, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert 45, M 14 Marksman, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Gold Star.

Worked as an Apprentice in Govt. Electronics, Security Supervisor, Theater Manager, Deputy Sheriff Capt, Chief of Police, Monroe GA. Self employed, wholesaler, self employed, owner of Gideon Security Agency, and the US Postal Service.

Married his high school sweetheart of 3 years on June 8, 1968. This year they will celebrate 41 years of married. They are blessed with two grown children, a daughter, Diana Marie, born July 31, 1970 and a son, Christopher Colin, born November 18, 1977. More blessings of being grandparents with two grandchildren, Sarah Mackenzie Davis, born January 12, 1993 and Carson Payne Davis, born May 30, 2003.

Unlike Rev. Diana Payne his wife, he is a man of few words. According to her, Leland E. Payne is a man of Integrity, Great Faith, a Giver, sometimes rough on the outside but soft and gentle on the inside. Hes been her man, the love of her life, one the Lord placed in her life for all of eternity. They both have stood the test of many trials and storms but God has brought them through every one of them. During the midst of one of their trials, on Oct.5, 1998 Dianas dad passed away. That same day, Doctors told Leland he was in stage 4 of prostate cancer. We went to a second opinion for he has always been healthy. We were told, to get our papers in order, go do whatever we wanted to do, and get closer to God. They didnt give him much time to live. This was a big storm, but being the brave soldier my husband has always been, encouraged me by saying, we do have our papers in order, we have done everything we have ever wanted to do and we are close to God. As tears were held back with pain as a knife cutting my heart out, he smiles and says this will not change our lives. But it did, for the better and we both give God all the praise, and the glory.

I remember sitting in a church on Sunday morning Oct. 4th and there came a scripture to me that stuck to me and it was: This sickness is not unto death, but FOR THE GLORY OF GOD! We both have held onto this scripture, as last October 2008 was 10 years that Our Lord has extended his life. After taking Radiation treatments in February, 1999, driving home in the car, Leland was resting his eyes, and I heard the Lord speak clearing. I AM setting you up in Ministry. I spoke these words to my husband; now look where we are today. Gods word is truth.

Is my husband healed ? Yes, in Jesus Name, for God gave us that promise, this sickness is not unto death, but FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. Does he still suffer from symptoms and reports of cancer still all over his body? Yes. Did he set us up in Ministry ? Yes. Is God still in control ? YES

Leland E. Payne though he still is fighting and paying with his life from the Agent Orange, chemicals that has cause my husband this cancer, from being in Vietnam 2 tours, he is still a soldier fighting for his life. But you know what. My husband is in the Army of The Lord now and fighting for your lives as he did when he was in Vietnam, that you may have the freedom of Jesus Christ. He is a faithful soldier, one I am proud to be married to. Armed Forces of the United States of America Code of Conduct, Article 1 I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense. A couple of years ago, our granddaughter Sarah, 16 now, who lives in Georgia, sent this letter to her grandfather.

Dear Granddad,

In English class, we were told to think of a hidden hero. Well, the next day, she told us to write a letter to that person and let them know what we think of them. And that is why I am writing to you. Surprise, you are my hidden hero. Ive never really told anyone this, but I have always really admired you. I think you are such a strong person, especially how you dont let your sickness keep you down. I never hear you complaining about it or feeling sorry for yourself, and I think that is so cool. What I really love is how I see you worshipping God and loving Him so much instead of blaming Him or saying Why me ? You just trust Him and that is amazing. I dont know if I could ever do that, and that is why I look up to you. You have so much courage! I love you so much, and I thank you for all you do for me. Thank you for being a great role model and for all of the advice you give me. Love You, Sarah X 0 X 0