Born and reared in NEW ZEALAND I am
indebted to men like Marvin Allison, Harold Scott, Jim Woodroof and John
Payne who chose Christchurch New Zealand as the focus of their mission
work. Their efforts included "CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST" which involved both
locals and those coming from the States to teach and preach Jesus to the
"Kiwis". My sweet mother and devoted father became Christians in the
60's, coming out of the Church of England. From that effort, my father,
Wilf Raine, was able to show us Jesus, which led to the conversion of
our family. I have three brothers and a sister. Twin brother Barry,
Steve, Antony and Sue. We are a very close and loving family. Barry as
of 2000 is attending the South Pacific College in Tauranga, training to
become a minister of the Gospel. He graduated in 2003 and has accepted
the work in Nelson New Zealand, doing a wonderful work in leading them
as they grow in the Lord. My brother Steven is the administrator of the
South Pacific Bible College, and Antony is involved in the leadership of
the church at Webb Street in Wellington. I came to this country in 1973.
After finishing college I married Donna Payne. We have three fine
Christian children. Our eldest, Rachael Dawn, was accepted in 2001 at a
private university, St Augustine University of Health and Science,
enrolling for her Masters and Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She
graduated with her Doctorates Degree in 2004 at the age of 24,
(obviously taking after her mother!) Now having a practice in Montgomery
Alabama.
We have twin boys now 23, Joshua David
who attends Auburn University and Caleb Jesse, who attends Auburn in
Pre-Med.
I have centered my mission efforts to the Pacific Islands, Fiji, Yap and
of most importance, NEW ZEALAND, with mission trips every other year. I
dedicated my life most of all to my precious Lord and Master, but also
to my father who gave me a perfect example of what the Loving Father was
like. He was killed in a tragic auto accident in 1992 but I will see him
again in that great reunion in Heaven.
To Marvin, Harold, Jim and John Payne who not only preached Jesus in New
Zealand , but lived Him. I give you my thanks. Let us be found "pressing
towards the mark, that HIGH PRIZE" that constantly stays before us.
In Christian Love, Michael D. (KIWI)
