‘As children, Edwin and I both used SU Bible reading notes,’ recalls Elspeth. ‘I vividly remember that in the front they had a promise, a command and an example to follow. Every day that helped with finding something useful in the Bible passages we were studying. 

‘After Edwin and I married, he was Sunday school superintendent at the Brethren Church which we attended. He then led Sunday school for ten years at the Baptist church where we are now. We also helped run holiday clubs with over 100 children and always used Scripture Union resources, which were excellent.’ 

For two decades, the Paynes helped organise an annual Scripture Union Children’s Day. Elspeth says, ‘The church would hire a school so we could have sports activities in the grounds and devotional times and games inside. Churches from all over the area, right up to Norfolk, would bring their children to it.’ 

Edwin and Elspeth have finally stepped back from doing children’s work themselves, but their church is still involved with SU. ‘Our youth and children’s workers use the Revealing Jesus framework and SU resources, so that’s really good,’ Elspeth says. 

Meanwhile, she and Edwin continue to support SU through prayer and giving. She says, ‘We feel it’s so important for the next generation to learn and hear about Jesus.’ 

Thank you, Edwin and Elspeth, for your Anniversary gift and for all you have done – and continue to do – to enable children and young people to develop vibrant faith.