In Memory of
Herbert
Fletcher Paynter
April 20, 1914-November 11, 2002
Veteran's Day
I was privileged to meet Herb Paynter Sr. back in 1964 at
the Grove Community Church in Miami, Florida. He had the compassion for souls
like a Dr. A. Ray Stanford. He exhibited the godliness of a Dr. Mark Cambron,
and the humble loving spirit of a Dr. Bob Miller.
When I arrived in the fall of 1964 to be a student at Florida
Bible College, I immediately attended Dr. Mark Cameron’s adult Sunday school
class. I quickly learned that Mr. Herb Paynter was not only the congregational
song leader, but also the Sunday school superintendent.
Desiring to be used as a substitute teacher, I informed Mr. Paynter
that if he needed anyone to fill in for any class I would always be ready at a moment’s
notice. On many occasions, I was blessed to cover for Dr. Mark Cambron when he
had speaking engagements. Sue Stanford helped me by critiquing my English, which
was terrible. I thank the Lord for Herb giving me the additional opportunities to serve the Lord.
About 1967, Herb developed the Tel-Evangelism ministry where hundreds of FBC
students led countless people to the Lord. Eventually the ministry grew into an
international ministry. It provided a training tool for thousands soul hungry believers
to lead others to Christ through a couple minute telephone message. In my
personal opinion, I believe there will be more people in heaven through the
televangelism ministry than all the Christian Youth Ranch ministries over the
last 50 years put together.
Back in the early 70s, I put together a few words to the song
about the “Royal Telephone" by Frederick M. Lehman. I sang this song in chapel at the Florida Bible College
in Hollywood, Florida.
The song is not an original, but I’m sure you’ll
get the point. Hope you like it. Only 1:23 minutes.
Herb's daughter, Kathy Nofal, added a few kind words about her Dad.
I think it was so interesting that
the Lord took Daddy Home on Veterans Day. It always distressed him that he
couldn’t serve in WW2. So he went to work for the War effort, building war
ships in the Philadelphia Ship Yard. One of the ways God showed Dad that he was
right where He wanted him to be was that the last ship he helped build was the
ship that brought his POW cousin home to the US!
Yes, Daddy couldn’t be a “veteran”
here on earth but sent so many treasures ahead that I’m pretty sure he arrived
in Glory as a Brigadier General!
Thank you Yankee. Our love to you
and Betty.
Herbert Fletcher Paynter April 20,
1914-November 11, 2002 Herb
was born in Philadelphia, the fourth child of seven. He married Doris Jennings
in 1938 and welcomed his children Kathy (1944) and Herb, Jr. (1945.) Shortly after moving to Miami, he met Ray
Stanford and led the singing at Youth for Christ rallies and eventually at
Grove Community Church.
If you appreciated Herb Paynter, why not join me in sending Kathy and Herb, jr. a note of thanks.
On this Veterans Day, November 11, 2018, I would
like to honor a great soul-winning individual who worked tirelessly, quietly,
behind the scenes, and for the personal glory of God alone.
Yankee