Scott and Connie Payne celebrate forty years of marriage and the raising of their six children, now grown, and serving the Lord. Their greatest achievement in life, they attest, is their family, which includes not only their children and spouses, but also their grandchildren, and their spiritual children.
Unlocking a Broken World is the Paynes' first book and testimony of how God's love invaded the lives of broken people. Prior to working with the homeless, Scott had spent six years working as the administrator of a Christian nursing home, and then four years as a full-time pastor. He is now in his twenty-ninth year at Inner City Mission.
Alongside his ministry positions, Scott served in his local church as an elder, and then as chairman of the elders. He also served on various non-profit boards as a trustee or chairman, and filled in as an interim minister and supply-preacher for area churches. He later became a consultant for new homeless shelters.
Connie, while raising their six children, worked part-time as the volunteer coordinator at the nursing home where Scott worked, and later as a pediatric dental assistant for four years. She then joined the staff at Inner City Mission in 1994. Her ministry roles at ICM have changed through the years. She began as a lodge supervisor, and then moved into case management. Later, she worked as the administrative assistant before becoming the director of operations for five years.
Connie is now the director of communications at ICM, writing and editing publications for Inner City Mission. Her interests include family, studying scripture, and creating art in its various forms. She enjoys reading, writing, journaling, painting, drawing, baking, sewing, health, fitness, worship, and prayer.
The Paynes are currently writing their program, Stability for Life, which they hope to publish and make available for others to use. They continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren, while still serving in the field of homeless ministry, and staying connected in the body of Christ.
