Dr. Bill Rains

In his early years, Bill Rains found solace and salvation at Nevisdale Baptist Church, nestled among the close-knit Appalachian communities outside of Williamsburg, Kentucky. It was through the dedicated ministry of Alfred Jones and his nephew Janus Jones that Bill encountered the transformative grace of God. Following his spiritual awakening, he participated in a baptismal ceremony in a nearby creek, joining fellow believers who had professed their faith. An intriguing incident took place during the baptisms, as Bro. Alfred prophetically remarked, "We may be baptizing a preacher right here." Little did Bill realize the significance of those words until a divine calling became clear.

During the same period, his future wife, Faye, embarked on her own spiritual journey, receiving salvation and undergoing baptism at Beech Bottom Baptist Church in Harps Creeks, located miles away. Unbeknownst to one another, their paths were destined to intertwine in their senior year at Whitley County High School.

Following their graduation in 1969, they ventured to Norwood, Ohio, seeking opportunities and finding temporary residence with their respective siblings. It was during this time that they made a momentous trip back to Williamsburg, Kentucky, where they exchanged vows at the Court House on July 14th, 1969. In an unassuming ceremony, officiated by an unfamiliar preacher whom they never encountered again, their union began. A symbol of their commitment, the wedding rings were graciously provided by Bill's father. With a sense of simplicity and determination, they set out on their journey together, returning to Norwood in their trusted 1955 Chevrolet, ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives.

Their first child, Tim, was born in 1969, bringing immense joy to their growing family. Six months after Tim's birth, they experienced a reawakening of their faith, rededicating their lives to Christ at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, led by Pastor Eldon Jones. This spiritual renewal set the stage for their future endeavors.

In 1974, their second son, Scott, was born, further enriching their lives. It was a year of blessings and growing responsibilities for Bill and Faye. Bill felt a strong calling to ministry, but the weight of familial responsibilities, including the role of a husband, father, and the need for stable employment, prevented him from pursuing formal theological education at that time.

Seeking spiritual guidance and fellowship, Bill and his wife became members of Faith United Baptist Church, under the caring leadership of Pastor Delin Owens. Despite their involvement, the call to preach continued to resonate within Bill, impossible to ignore. Encouraged by their esteemed pastor, Bill delivered his inaugural sermon on May 23rd, 1976, solidifying his calling to ministry. The conviction that God destined him for full-time ministry grew stronger, and he eagerly awaited divine timing. It ultimately led to his ordination to the Gospel Ministry on August 2nd, 1977.

Between 1977 and 1979, guided by an unshakable belief, Bill embarked on establishing an Independent Baptist Church within the local community. Expressing his fervent calling to his pastor and fellow church members, they wholeheartedly embraced God's will for their lives. Supportively, the church issued a letter of permission and generously covered the initial month's rent for the old Civic League Building on Alma Avenue in Blue Ash, Ohio.

With unwavering commitment, Bill continued to preach the Gospel and shepherd the flock, leading the church to thrive. Today, under Pastor Rains' guidance, Mission Baptist Church stands as a vibrant community of believers, reaching out to the world with the transformative message of Jesus Christ. With gratitude and excitement,