I am a Spirit Filled believer who believes that with God, nothing is impossible. The reason I can state this is because of the amazing way he has had His Hand on me my entire life.

The “Obedient Child”

As far back as I can remember, I have always had a strong faith in God. When I was five years old we were at my grandparents in Eastern Kentucky and all of us were down at the creek swimming. My father was in the creek and beckoned me to jump in and assured me he would catch me. I was scared to do so because I didn’t know how to swim and was afraid to jump off the rock. But the one thing I did know was that my father was in the creek and if he told me to jump and that he would catch me, I knew he would. So I became “the obedient child”, took the “step of faith”, and jumped! He caught me as he promised. I have often had the story replayed in my mind when the Holy Spirit has directed me to do God’s work. I know in my mind that I can’t do it myself, but if my Heavenly Father has promised me that He will guide me, I become “the obedient child” and take the step of faith to do His work for His Glory.

My family went to church up until the time I was about 4 years old. Although I was very young, I can remember hearing the old time preaching, gospel singing and gospel bluegrass songs. The music touched my very soul in ways that continue to this day. We stopped going when my father become addicted to alcohol. My family went thru very tumultuous times that resulted in my parents divorcing when I was eight years old, then re-marrying each other, and divorcing AGAIN when I was ten. It was during those difficult years between 4 and ten years old I learned to lean and rely on God to keep myself and my younger brothers safe during the turmoil going on between my parents. In turn, it made my faith grow even stronger!

When I was sixteen, I was invited to go to an Assembly of God church with a friend and the very first service I went to, I felt my very soul shaking and tears coming down my cheeks as I sat in the back row and didn’t know why. I asked the Pastor after service,” What is going on in this place? I have been to church many times in my life and I have never, ever felt like I do today and I need to know just what this is going on inside of me! I have been shaking since I walked into this church!” He smiled at me and warmly said, “Son, that’s the Holy Spirit.” I told him I would be back because I HAD to know more about the Holy Spirit because as far I knew, I was always taught that the Holy Spirit was just a part of the Trinity and never knew how He fit into the picture.

A few weeks later, I truly gave my life to Jesus and then just a few more weeks, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and things were never the same after that. The most important thing I can do with my life is lead people to the Saving Grace and Salvation offered by Jesus Christ. That is the main reason for this web site!

I often wondered why we had such a rough childhood even though my faith didn’t falter.. I was driving down the road one day reflecting back on my childhood and how God had always taken care of us and provided a way when there seemed like there was no way, and the Holy Spirit revealed to me in the “voice in my mind and heart”, “I was forging the metal!”. I was so humbled by that answer as it had enabled me to help other people who had faced similar adversities in their lives years before I even realized I was doing it. I could relate to them and also show them that with faith and Jesus in their lives, they too can become victorious and overcome the obstacles of life.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ that can change lives!! I know because it took the broken life of a little boy and made him a Man of God!

Be Blessed!

Bill

Everyone in life has a hero. The people we watch, model, and strive to be like. You are probably picturing yours now…

“What can I say? I am in love with Jesus and I am determined to spend the remainder of my life as a sacrifice of praise, in pursuit of His presence, in love with His Person, and proclaiming the life, love and liberty that can only come from accepting the ultimate sacrifice made by a loving God. God has an awesome plan for your life that all begins with Jesus. At Victory Church we strive to help you find and fulfill your destiny in Christ. Marcia and I are committed to loving and leading this church into the abundant life of purpose and promise that our heavenly Father has called us to live out with a passion!”

Josh has passionately pursued the call of God upon his life for the last 12 years. After two years of evangelism and youth ministry he and Marcia answered the call of God to plant a church in Troy, PA. Pastor Payne has a degree in accounting and finance and is also a graduate of World Harvest Bible College in Columbus, Ohio where he studied Pastoral Ministries. It was there that he met and married his wife Marcia. He is ordained through the World Harvest Ministerial Alliance. Most importantly he has a heart for God, a love for people, and a passion for sharing the Word.