In Genesis 16:13 Hagar stated …“for you are the God who sees me. I have now seen the One who sees me…”
In 2023 Chas and Melinda followed a call to travel to an unknown location, to meet with unknown individuals; seeking alongside the God who knows. In June of 2023 Chas boarded a plane traveling to Azerbaijan and during that journey God began opening doors and hearts to the purpose He had for Chas and Melinda: to bring the love of God to those who have not been recipients of that love.
In December of 2023, Melinda went with Chas to confirm the vision that God placed on Chas’ heart a few months prior. During this trip God confirmed in both Chas and Melinda the call to take the love of God to those who have previously been rejected… dismissed.
Vision: 4 Winds Global exists to facilitate Love’s active pursuit of the unsought, disregarded, and insignificant.
Mission: We believe that the promise made to Abram and his lineage encompasses a much broader population than what has historically been seen, valued, and served. 4 Winds Global seeks to rectify the rejection and dismissal of those who are also recipients of the promise.
Purpose: We understand by the rejection and disregard of multitudes the world has suffered and lost out on the demonstration of love and its acquisition. 4 Winds Global seeks to stand in the gap, guide, and substantiate significance and unconditional love.
4 Winds Global: Cabinet
Loreta Pugh, Foundation Chair: Loreta grew up as the child of a preacher from Brownwood, Texas. Loreta encountered the Lord while oversees and describes it as her “Hagar moment” in which God showed Himself not only faithful but that she was His. Loreta describes her journey as one that, during hard times and times of transition, she knew the call God had on her life as she raised her three daughters. “I remember Him always being there. He is always, even when I am struggling and battling things… He is always there. He will not leave you.”
Amanda Butler, Oversight Chair: Amanda grew up in Clyde, Texas and was raised by a single mom who ensured she would grow up in church. Amanda recalls early in her walk with the Lord being called to walk with the broken. God has been faithful to this call throughout both Amanda’s professional and personal life. In her career path she has worked in both the government and non profit arenas with children, families, and individuals who have experienced the worst sides of humanity. Her personal life includes not only getting to love, protect, and nurture those who have walked through brokenness, but also her own journey of brokenness in which God has been faithful in seeing, hearing, and being present.
Melinda Payne, Relations Chair: Melinda grew up in Abilene, Texas and is now a retired Pre-K teacher. Melinda raised their three kids while juggling the role of being the wife of a minister and business owner. Melinda knew and surrendered to what her mom lovingly described as a “surrender to Christian Service.” She knew that God had a calling on her life and in time He would show her what that was and everything she would do would be a reflection of that calling. In looking back over the years Melinda has confirmed that to be true. She has spent the past 20 years serving babies in the church nursery and leading life groups, including a group of single mothers that she now reflects on as preparation for the next steps God has called her into with 4 Winds Global. Melinda’s most recent role and calling is that of being a “GiGi’ to three amazing grand’s that she adores. Melinda truly has a mother’s heart to serve and nurture those that God places in her life.
Chas Payne, Principal Chair: Chas grew up in Cross Plains, Texas as a farm and ranch boy. Chas currently operates an environmental compliance assistance business that reaches into 4 states from its location here in Abilene. Chas comes from a lineage of pastors and began teaching at the young age of 14 and held his first church position at the age of 18. His years in ministry include student (youth and college), music, and pastoral roles. Chas has a true gift of seeing possibilities whether within the Church, business, or individuals that God puts in his life. He desires for people and the Church “to get it, to understand this is a relationship, not a religion”. Chas has the heart of a teacher to anyone that will stop and listen; if that is walking past the “Coffee Shop” where he serves Sunday mornings or the Life Group he leads alongside his wife Melinda.
