“The sea has roared like thunder, the sea has lifted it’s pounding waves. 

But mightier than the violent raging of the sea, mightier than the waves that break on the shore- the Lord above is mightier than these !” Psalms 93:3-4 

Yes- mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you. 

Jacob Alan Caleb Payne was born on January 2, 1990, to Donald and Nita Payne. They were overjoyed to experience this blessing.  Big sisters, Hope and Faith, were excited to have a little brother. Five years later Jacob would get to welcome a little sister- Joy Marie. He was both excited and nervous; asking his parents, “will she get to boss me around too?”.  

Jacob was adored, tortured, and pestered by his sisters. (Carissa, Hope, Faith, and Joy. Jacob also had an older brother Donnie, who would come and visit from time to time.)   

He loved all kinds of things growing up: cowboys and Indians, baseball and football, shooting BB guns and fishing, video games and playing on the farm.  

He loved people. His friends. His family. 

Jacob was blessed with a very successful football experience in High School. Playing on offensive and defensive lines, and winning the State Championship with his teammates his Senior year. He also received the honor as an All State linemen that year.  

Jacob was a graduate from Lawson High school, Class of 2009. He would go on to pursue a career as a Truck Driver with Yellow Freight (YRC). He got to travel all across the U.S. capturing beautiful sunrise and sunset pictures to send home to his family.  

The family of Jacob Payne, in deep grief, share that on September 28th his time on this earth ended.  

There are many challenges, or storms, we all face in life. Some can seem too powerful for us. Over time they can steal our capacity to hope, to have faith, to experience joy. They wear down our strength.  

It is so important that we are aware that we don’t have to face these storms alone. That there is One who is mightier than the challenges and circumstances we face. There is a God who’s love is mightier than the waves of the sea. There are answers and options available for all people to receive help in times of trouble and despair.  

There are not always answers to the “why questions”, that we long for.  

But, there are always truths that we need available.  

Our family has a deep peace at this time because of the truth we have found in the Bible.  

Truths like: 

“whoever believes in Christ Jesus with their heart and confesses with their mouth that He is Lord, that they are saved.” (Romans 10:9).  

“We are not saved by our works, otherwise we would boast in ourselves, but God saved us by His grace when we believe in Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:8).  

“So then, since we have a great Savior, who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, we will hold firmly to what we believe.  

Jesus understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So we will come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4)  

We wish to celebrate the gift that Jacob was to our family and community. He was created by God- and his life deeply mattered.  

We wish to honor him by being honest about the struggles he faced, in hopes that this will help others who may be struggling mentally or emotionally.  

You matter.  

You matter to God and you matter to humanity. You were made for a beautiful purpose.  

If you are in a storm, or a challenge, and need help, please reach out. Reach out to a loved one. A local Pastor or licensed professional. Reach out.  

There are no arrangements made at this time. We ask for your respectful consideration as we grieve the loss of our son, brother, family member, and friend.  

Any and all contributions will be directed towards Jacob’s immediate family to cover cost of burial.  

Giving can be directed through Lawson Assembly of God. You can do so on their website: lawsonag.org  

Simply click on the “give” link on the far right- give as a guest- and select “memorial fund”.  

You can also drop off check or monies at their offices. Please indicate on an envelope and memo line, for the family of Jacob Payne.