It has been a long time since I have posted my thoughts here. I am not without good reason. My mother always told me growing up that if I didn't have anything good to say, then I wasn't to say anything at all. I don't follow that nearly as often as I ought, but I did have the presence of mind to see that it applied to my online entries.

Therefore, as my absence indicates, it has been an incredibly difficult few months. In fact I would say that this semester has been the hardest period of time since God, in his infinite mercy, caused me to behold Christ as Lord of my life. Until a recent trip to North Carolina, I was part of a losing soccer team, I had taken an ambulance ride to the ER, I was failing in one of my classes, I had horrible migraines that were lasting for days at a time, I was bitter, frustrated, and very prone to anger, and lastly I felt disconnected from my Savior. I didn't even want to be in college anymore. Bluntly put, I was a mess. Something had to change....

Well... Soccer season ended and I utilized the new injection of time to better my studies. The migraine headaches continued though, even a day into my break in North Carolina. However, God did not leave me in my miserable state. He worked through the love of my other "family", the Scripture based advice of my pastor, and the Godly advice of my mentor. Their counsel corresponds to Joel 2 wherein Israel is called back to the Lord: ""Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."

I am not a perfect Christian, nor am I under any illusions about the permanency of the current situation, but the promise of the Lord is sure. "And we know that for those who love God all things will work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be called the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." (Romans 8:28-30)

I find incredible comfort in that oft quoted passage. Not so much because of the first part, the "work(ing) together for good," but in the second part, the "for those who are called according to his purpose." Some might give me weird looks right now BUT, look at the second part. The calling of God upon our lives, my life, is part of God's purpose. There is a direct link between the the good that is done in our lives and God's purpose.

My initial thoughts were two fold: 1. What is "good?" and 2. What is God's purpose?

1. I cheated on this one. I have a handy ESV study bible, complete with footnotes. In reference to this verse I found an explanation that I can't best, so in the words of some very wise scholar "if you can't beat 'em, copy 'em." So here is the summary: "The good in this context does not refer to earthly comfort but to conformity to Christ, closer fellowship with God, bearing good fruit for the kingdom, and final glorification." So the "good" is not what I define as what makes me happy right now, nor what satisfies my earthly desires, nor even how I think I will be best utilized in serving God. In short, the "good" spoken of by Paul here is a heavenly good, an eternal good. It ascribes to Yahweh God glory and honor and minimizes the importance of this wretched sinner.

2. That goes hand in hand with the answer to the second question. "What is the purpose of God?" Put differently, what is the end goal of God, the final plan of the Lord? I believe that the answer is found at the end of Romans, when Paul under the influence of the Holy Spirit pronounces his benediction upon the church there in Rome. He closes it by saying, "to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen" (Romans 16:27) Furthermore, the 24 elders in the book of Revelation point to it as well in their song, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power..." (Rev. 4:11a) The key theme is glory. God's ultimate purpose, and our chief end in life, is to bring glory to Him. In the words of Paul again in Romans, "For from him and through him and to him and all things. To him be glory forever. Amen!" If God did not seek ultimately to glorify himself, then he would not be God. For he, by his very nature, is only worthy of glory! He cannot settle for anything else.

And from that, I see that our eternal good is caught up and intertwined with God's glory. He glorifies himself through our lives as Christians, and thus it is our duty, our obligation to ascribe to him glory. I must ascribe to my God all glory and majesty, despite the misgivings I may have about his plans. I must decrease and he must increase.


A key tenant of the reformed faith is that God accomplishes all that he purposes. I see that in verse 30 of Romans 8, "those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." No exceptions, no fall offs, no incompletes. God accomplishes everything he purposes.

I am "called according to his purpose," and his purpose is to glorify himself. I see every reason to believe that as much as he desires to bring glory to himself, he will also work everything for my good.

It is a privilege to carry my burdens to such a God. The story ends well, for right now. By God's grace I am no longer failing anything, in fact I have received my best grades to date on papers and tests etc. My migraines have since departed and I am able to sleep soundly at night. I am not frustrated nor am I angry.  Daily, I earnestly seek the Lord's face and he does not turn me away.

Joel goes on to say, "You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you." (Joel 2:26a)

I echo the words of Paul, "to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen." And  in accordance with the command of Joel I will "praise the name of the LORD (my) God."

In our Savior,
Martyn

Breakpoint blog on "Restoring Honor" Rally

With Washington DC a mere 45 minutes drive from Patrick Henry College, it is inevitable that we hear and feel the rumblings of the occurrences of the nation's capital. Recently there, Glenn Beck held a "Restoring Honor" rally where he called the assembled mass to "return to God." Why is this disconcerting? Beck is a socially-liberal Mormon, and the God he references is not the God of evangelical Christianity.

Here is a great blog by Chuck Colson's Breakpoint Ministry:

Which God Should We Turn To?
The "Restoring Honor" Rally

September 03, 2010 

As you know, on August 28^th, hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall for what organizer Glenn Beck called a “Restoring Honor” rally.

The stated goal of the rally was to “to pay tribute to America’s military personnel and others ‘who embody our nation’s founding principles of integrity, truth and honor.’” Beck told the crowd that “Something beyond imagination is happening . . . America today begins to turn back to God.”

While I hope and pray that is the case, I do have some concerns.

Evangelicals figured prominently in the rally, both in the crowd and on the podium. That’s not surprising: We value truth, integrity and honor and, of course, pray for America to “turn back to God.”

But as theologian Russell Moore wrote, the sight of a “Mormon television star [standing] in front of the Lincoln Memorial and [calling] American Christians to revival” was, to put it mildly, disconcerting. Even worse, Moore wrote, was the fact that “evangelicals [are] cheering that they’ve heard the gospel, right there in the nation’s capital.”

Well, I’m not sure which gospel they heard.

Please understand, I’m not raining on anyone’s parade. And I’m not here to criticize what Beck is trying to do. I love him as a television commentator and political critic. And I believe he is a man who loves his country and wants the best for it.

But because Beck is not a Christian leader, I couldn’t help but wonder what the willingness of Christians to follow him says about the state of our own leadership.

Even setting aside his Mormonism, Beck isn’t exactly solid on issues we hold dear: the sanctity of life, the traditional family, and the erosion of religious freedom.

In Beck’s words “we have bigger fish to fry” than these issues. He told Bill O’Reilly that America is a “symphony.” So those who raise these issues, like signers of the Manhattan Declaration, are insisting on playing their “clarinets” to detriment of the country.

It grieves me that Beck has taken this position, particularly because it’s out of step with his own church. The Mormon church has been a great ally in the fight to defend marriage.

Which leaves this question: what “God” are we supposed to “turn back” to? As Moore put it, the answer Beck gives, is “at best, a generically theistic civil religion.”

And that’s what the Restoring Honor rally was: an appeal to civil religion. And that’s ok. Civil religion has its place. But it’s never to be confused with the real thing.

Glenn Beck is stepping into a leadership vacuum, and for that I applaud him. But folks, that means it’s time for Christians to become leaders ourselves. 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells God’s people to humble themselves, pray, seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways. This is the biblically-prescribed way for transforming societies.

The Bible doesn’t specify how exactly God will “heal our land,” but part of the answer will be in our setting a godly example for others, and in our doing the gospel in every walk of life, and in defending truth. The power of transformed lives, of people who no longer live for themselves but for God and their neighbor, has been the way Christianity has always shaped societies throughout its history.

And that’s a power that mere civil religion cannot possess.

God works

I want to ask you to join me in both prayer and financial support for a young man named Francis. His story is remarkable, a little discouraging but yet also filled with hope. 


I will set the stage for ya. This is an excerpt from the email that I sent to my peers, as well as staff and faculty:  Sudan has been torn with civil war between Christians and the Muslim factions, each vying for power. That warfare has caused much destruction, disease, famine and death. (Remember Darfur? Im talking about the same thing.) It has torn apart families and created many refuges. Children have been dragged off into military service. We in America watch helplessly as yet another African 
country tears itself apart from the inside.

That is the background. It is dark and seemingly hopeless. But there are stories
that come out of that that give hope. My mom has been working with HIV +
women and widows to help train them to make a sustainable living. One of
the ladies she is working with is Mary. Mary is a refugee from Sudan and her
son, Francis, needs our help.

Quick Summary of Francis's life to date:
-His father was shot and killed many years ago in Sudan.
-His mother was forcibly married off to her deceased husband's brother. (Bride
inheritance)
-He and his brothers were conscripted to one the warring factions (as child
soldiers.)
-His mother's second husband died of a heart attack. Not wanting to face bride
inheritance again, she fled and spent a long time searching for her kids.
-She found her sons, and she and 8 kids walked to Kenya.
-They were shot and wounded, but survived.
-Now he is trying to get the education that has eluded him for the majority of
his life.

Its an incredible story. But there is one hang up. Francis doesn't have money for
school (a problem that some of us are familiar with, I know). 


Please join me in providing for Francis's schooling. Our gracious Lord has given
us so much. As the Lord leads, please prayerfully consider giving to this worthy
cause. If you would like to help Francis out, email me here  or email my parents in Kenya here. For those who are US based, it would be easiest if you dealt with me. 


This is an opportunity to show the love of our Savior to our fellow brother in Christ. My mom told me that Francis is coming by the house in Kenya tomorrow to wash my parents car..... so that he can have transportation money to get to church. I am eager to help such a determined young man. I hope you are, too! 


Feel free to email me with any questions. 


In our Savior, 
Martyn

History paper and God

It has been almost a month since I have last posted. There is good reason for such a leave of absence. I have been up to my ears in papers and assignments, even over my spring break. I have another such paper due on Monday that I will begin after writing this. This will be short but I wanted to give all my readers an update.

This last week I have experienced a feeling that I have not had since the Marine Corps. Because of my insane workload (5 papers written, all in the last two weeks)... I am bordering on the brink of exhaustion, physically and mentally. 

The due dates of the papers pay little regard to my tired state and continue to creep up on me. This week was no different, but the assignment was. I had my final and most important history paper due on Thursday. I had other assignments due earlier in the week and so I only began researching the history paper on Wednesday morning. I finished my research on Thursday morning at 3 am, slept for 4 hours, and began writing at 7. As I sat in the security officers' office 15 mins after waking up, I realized that I had absolutely no desire, nor strength to analyze or write the paper. I had no more of my own strength  to run on. 

I stopped trying to write, stopped trying to think, stopped trying to analyze the copious pages of notes I had taken. I recognized that I was in my most pathetic condition. I was about to become very frustrated, and I was about to quit. 

Just then my mom popped up on skype, and I explained to her in typical guy fashion (short thought blurbs) the dire straits I was in. She wasted no time; the response was immediate. It was also straight out of Scripture. "Even youths shall faint and be weary,and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40: 30-31

Though I was "weary" and "exhausted," my heart was suddenly filled with gladness at the promise of faithfulness given by our Lord. My frustration turned to joy at the opportunity that God had brought about to prove His faithfulness towards me.

Before I finish the story, I must add a disclaimer. Isaiah does say that "they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." But the Lord, through Isaiah, is not making a promise that the situation will get better. He is only making a promise that He will give "those who wait upon the Lord" the strength to get through the situation. 

The Lord did give me strength, and by His hand alone I was able to finished my paper. Not only did I finish it, but by my estimation, I composed my best history paper yet. My arguments went deeper than I had ever been able to before, and were better supported than previous ones made. To put the cherry on top, I finished with 3 minutes left before another class that I had to get to. :) 

As I was walking away from the aforementioned class, I was well aware of my exhaustion. My body ached and my joints creaked, but my heart was filled with wonder. I raised my hands to the heavens and poured out the gratitude of my heart to the Lord. As I choked back actual tears of joy I thanked the God that brought Israel out of Egypt, the God who helped David slay Goliath, the God who sent His only Son to die for sinners....  the very same God that loved me enough to get me through a history paper. 

The tales of Martyn at Patrick Henry College might not contain the euphoric high of parasailing; it might not contain the emotion of Hollywood's latest tear jerker; it probably doesn't have the adventure to it that some of my stories from Africa does. But it is my hope that they the contain one simple truth about the Christian life. Namely that life and our experiences are not about us, they are about Christ. They are about Him, to whom all glory and honor is due. 

In our Savior, 

Martyn

Erskine College...

As a few readers may know, Erskine College, in Due West, SC, has been deeply mired in controversy as of late. A brief summary of the situation: Erskine College is a small college (aprox. 600 students) that is owned by an evangelical denomination, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP). The denomination has not always been conservative but recent years have seen the church as a whole, drift counter-culture towards the conservative side of the evangelical movement. An example of the conservative stance: the denomination presently affirms both the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture and rigidly adheres to the Westminster Confession of Faith.  Apparently, therein lies a major difference between the denomination and the denomination owned college and seminary.

There has been a growing concern on the part of some students and several faculty members about the departure of key Christian teaching, a teaching that integrates the principles of the reformed Christian faith with reason. Many students have expressed concern in regard to this departure, some going so far as to assert a fear of voicing reformed Christian principles in the classroom. These students have testified to having their faith attacked and their Biblical standards torn down by the very professors that are entrusted to educate them with a Christian worldview. Consequently, a number of students began the Students for a Faithful Erskine (SAFE) and composed a letter requesting action from the highest leadership of the ARP, the Synod.

The situation could easily be construed as isolated incidents happening to students who live in rebellion of the system. However, this is not the case. Examples of students who attest to the lack of Christian teaching are found in the student president of the Society of Physics Students and Judicial Council Vice-Chairman (Hudson Smith), a member of the Student Christian Association cabinet and Hands for Hope President (Ashley Waldmeyer), a Student Life Assistant [basically a dorm prefect] and Student Life Committee chair and editor of the Erskine Mirror (Joshua Grimm), and finally the student president of the Erskine chapter of Young Conservatives (Kathleen Smith). Many, if not all of the students displaying concern are not poor students, nor unpopular participants in college life. They are upstanding young people who have been placed in leadership roles, both by peers as well as college administrators. Surely this cannot be the work of miscreants.

The ARP Synod responded to the requests of SAFE and certain faculty members and last year opened an investigation into the conduct and teaching of the faculty and college as a whole. The investigation panel was comprised of highly esteemed lawyers, various church ruling elders and other upstanding church members who met specific requirements. It was not dictated as a witch-hunt nor judgment day reckoning but rather with unswerving commitment to establishing the truth of the matter.

They recently concluded their investigation and held a series of hearings where they reviewed, with the Erskine College Board of Trustees present, the findings of the investigations. Interviews were made of the board members and the conclusion was made to remove from office 14 of the 33 member of the Board of Trustees. In their place, an interim board comprised of other church leaders, pastors and elders, would begin restructuring the college and instituting the changes recommended by the ARP Synod.

That was the plan, until some alumni composed a deposition that they supplied to the South Carolina courts. They alleged an overstepping of authority on the part of the ARP synod and several other claims. The courts enacted a temporary injunction against the ARP Synod for a period of 10 days, during which time the judge would consider the supplied arguments. (The Synod also filed a deposition asserting its right to act according to its status as owners and governors of Erskine.)

The legal action taken by the alumni flies in the face of Biblical teaching. 1 Corinthians 6 begins with this thought:

“When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you know that the saints will judge the word? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud- even your own brothers!”

The scriptures could not be more painfully clear. There is a place for legal action, as evidenced in other passages regarding church discipline. However, that place is within the confines of the church, furthermore, within the fellowship and love of the body of Christ. The action taken by the alumni demonstrates a deeper issue than the direction that Erskine College will travel in the future; it demonstrates an unwillingness to submit to church authority, an inability to recognize the leadership God has set in place, and a heart that desires to incorporate more of the secular world in the Christian faith.

If the court rules in the favor of the Erskine alumni, all hope is not lost. Nothing happens outside of the good, pleasing, and perfect will of our Father in Heaven. Ultimately, the course of Erskine is in the hands of a higher judge, an omnipotent Judge, the Judge who gives the responsibility of justice to men. While it may be difficult to view presently, there is indeed hope for the situation.  Faculty members who have taken a stand for the inerrancy of Scripture may find their positions untenable, but this could just be the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in their lives. Romans 8: 28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

The Truths of the Christian Faith

March Update

Greetings!
First off, I need to apologize. Its been several weeks since my last post. However, the weeks have not passed without much work done and trials on my part. I have had midterm exams as well as several papers. In addition to academics, my family has had several issues. One family member had a stay at a hospital and another is having serious spiritual struggles. It has been a challenging time.

I cannot write this post without giving glory to God for the changing seasons. The recent spring weather has enabled me to take many runs, and facilitated a soccer game or two. :) The sun's warmth brings joy to my heart, as it reminds me of my beloved Africa.

My trip to North Carolina was a time of great refreshment. I got to rest, hang out with friends, go for a run, shoot some skeet, and fellowship with the body of Christ there in Morganton. The weekend also had its drawback though. Sadly, my alternator on my truck went kaput on me. But, I am grateful to God for His orchestration of events. The alternator started going dead right as I pulled into Morganton, instead of 200 miles earlier in central VA. Also, a good friend of mine (who is very knowledgeable about engines) was able to help me fix it. I bought the part and we did all the labor ourselves, thereby saving hundreds worth of the typical labor charges (if I had gone to a shop).  I count myself greatly blessed!

School is going well. I have several upcoming papers but I am most excited about my Theology paper. I am researching the role of Christ in the covenants. I have received wonderful counsel from both my theology professor and my father, as well as several highly regarded books. I am without excuses; Lord willing, I will write a great paper.

I have a test tomorrow that I need to study more for but I found a great exhortation in the New Testament. 1 Peter 4: 7-11 says: "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve on another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-- in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Let us live our lives in recognition of the fact that we, as Christians, represent Christ to the world. Let us pray that, by His grace, the lost will see Him in our lives. May the words of our mouth, the meditations of our heart, and the actions and attitudes of our life give to Him what is rightfully His: "glory and dominion forever and ever."

Prayer and Praise
-Praise for the gift of life, which is given to us constantly. It was sobering to have a dear family member in the hospital. Life is a gift of God.
-Praise for safety as I travelled, as well as for physical, emotional, and spiritual rest.
-Praise to the Lord who has given me a heart to know Him. Pray that I continue to study the Scriptures; spiritual laziness is too easy to slip into.

-Pray for the persecuted church of Christ around the world, as well as the African church which is in desperate need of solid biblical teaching.
-Pray for my parents and their work in Kenya.
-Pray that I show the love of God to all, especially to those who know me, and have a great knowledge of my imperfections.
-Pray for perseverance in every aspect of my life.

Thank you for reading.

In our Savior,
Martyn

All is vanity

Greetings again and welcome back! Its been a while since I have posted an update on life here in beautiful Virginia. Alot has happened but has happened so quickly that it makes it rather difficult to recall it to memory. It must be because I am getting older. :)

As I wrote on the eve of my birthday, God has blessed me with a wonderful 21st year of life. Feel free to read the post to glimpse what He has done. He has certainly been gracious and loving to me. However, He has not been the only one. This past week was jammed pack full of exams and study sessions for the exams but somehow my roommates and their fiances managed to throw me a surprise birthday party. They had me fooled for a while but a slight slip by Jordan gave me a hint of the upcoming surprise. Regardless, I still was taken aback at their kindness. They made me a chocolate Coke cake, purchased a whole gallon of whole milk, and a sizable container of ice cream. I was in hog heaven. I thoroughly enjoyed every last part of it, particularly their humorous birthday card. In it they wished my next year to contain a "resurgence of Calvinism" and an "A in Spinny's class" (the most difficult history course at the college) amongst other things. What a blessing friends are!

I also received cards, phone calls and presents from my family. We found a good deal so my Grandmother is flying me back to Indianapolis for my Easter break. How grand it will be to fellowship with my extended family once again! In addition to that wonderful present, my father and mother sent me the ESV Study Bible. It is, by far, the best gift I have ever received. The footnotes, articles, maps, and cross references enable me to study the Scriptures in greater depth. Nothing could trump that.

I was also richly blessed this week with the opportunity to be a part of the chapel worship team. As a result, I have a greater appreciation for the work of worship leaders now. There is an extensive amount of time, thought, effort and prayer that must go into any chapel worship. Regardless, it was a joy to join my fellow students in exalting the name of our Savior.

On a different note, I have much to look forward to. After my death-by-papers (Philosophy and US History) this week, I am driving down to Morganton, North Carolina for our spring break. It is only Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but the therapeutic value is not found in the amount of time. Rather, it is found in crossing state line going into NC, hangin out with my "family" in Morganton, and worshipping at Faith PCA. This weekend I am taking a friend of mine with me. He is alot taller than me (6ft 5 or 6ish) and I figure its tall time that I wasn't the tallest one around. Actually the truth of the matter is that he is from California and I figure its higher time he partook of some good ol Southern cooking :)

In addition to the upcoming trip to look forward to, the weather has provided me with much hope. It might seem trivial to some but being able to feel the warmth of the sunshine is a big deal to me. Recently the bitter cold has left Purcellville and has been replaced by a less chilly breeze. Its a slight improvement.... but this African will take what he can get. Actually, today was so warm that I has able to go for my first run in several months, - in shorts and a t-shirt! The trees might be bare, and the grass smushed by the weight of 50 (ish) inches of snow, but the radiant warmth of the sun was too much to resist. I had to run....

I have just begun reading thru the book of Ecclesiastes and have had much to ponder while reading the words of the Preacher (thought to be Solomon). The book begins with the proclamation that "All is vanity!" The phrase at first glance is easy to read. When one reads a passage with the intent to get to the end of it, the deep seated nature of such a statement is missed, and I certainly confess to missing it many times. However, with the help of my new study Bible I was informed that the term "vanity" used by the Preacher is quite difficult to translate. It has been translated "vanity" in most, if not all of the English translations, but it has far reaching definitions. Literally it means "vapor" and gives the implication of something extremely temporary, fleeting and elusive. Such a word is applied to every aspect of life- wisdom, pleasure, toil, accomplishments- and even to life itself. That is profound and convicting.

The nature of the human nature is self centered. If you disagree with that claim I encourage you to go for a drive on the highway, or just get in a really long line at a grocery store or bank and watch people. Some dislike traffic jams so much that they are willing to violate laws and drive on the shoulder of the road to get themselves to the front of the traffic jam, or respectively, become so enraged at the gross inconvenience of waiting their turn that they stomp away in disgust. We become wrapped up in the world of "I" and ascribe the highest value to ourselves. Yet the entire book of Ecclesiastes is telling us the complete opposite.

Fleeting are our bank accounts. Temporal are our occupations. Our lives are as a vapor. Vanity, vanity, all is vanity! For in the sight of our God, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. What we hold in great esteem and value is nothing in the sight of our God- unless of course, that which we esteem the greatest honor is God himself.

How ought that to affect our lives? One thing is certain, when the truths given by the "one Shepherd" (Eccl. 12:11) are completely understood, it becomes increasingly easier to abandon the pressures, trials and temptations of the world. Indeed, this is part of the recognition of the truth of the uncomfortable Gospel that we have proclaimed by Christ. It ties directly back into the calling made by Paul in the New Testament that we as Christians are to "do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant that (our)selves." (Philippians 2: 3 - ESV) For it is only when we count our own lives as vapors and temporal segments in time that we can "count others more significant than (our)selves."

Praise
-That midterm exams are over
-For the changing seasons
-For the faithfulness of God to me, a sinner.
Prayer
-For focus and wisdom, that my papers will be of the best possible quality
-For the work of my parents in Kenya
-For safety in travel
-That my license extension would come before I travel to NC (my license expired on my birthday but I filed for an extension prior to that)

Thanks for reading!

In Christ,
Martyn

Article of the UN's recent role in Zimbabwe

The following article was written by Brett D. Schaefer. See note at the bottom of the article listing his credentials.

More Harm than Good

The situation in Zimbabwe highlights the tragic consequences of the U.N.’s willingness to engage despotic governments.

The United Nations’s emphasis on working with and through governments can horribly undermine its efforts to alleviate suffering — especially when governments are key drivers of the suffering to begin with. AForeign Policy article this week offers a chilling story of how this has unfolded in Zimbabwe over the last several years.

The article discusses policy disagreements between the U.N. country director for Zimbabwe, Agostinho Zacarias, and Georges Tadonki, who headed up the U.N. humanitarian office in the country. According to the article, Zacarias desired a cooperative relationship with President Mugabe and his ruling ZANU-PF party, and to that end was willing to downplay many of the problems plaguing the country.

The resulting policy included “forcing agencies in Zimbabwe to . . . [equate the situation in Zimbabwe with that in other African countries] that the agriculture is troubling because there is no rain, that the education is failing because of a lack of resources from taxes.” These explanations deliberately excluded contributing factors such as land seizures, centrally planned prices for agricultural goods and other basic commodities, and political repression — factors for which Mugabe and his supporters were responsible.

When Mugabe failed to win the March 2008 election, it was dubiously asserted that opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai also failed to receive a majority of the votes, and a run-off election was set for June 2008. Mugabe’s supporters launched a violent campaign, resulting in many deaths. The violence eventually led Tsvangirai to withdraw out of concern for the welfare of his supporters.

According to Tadonki, “We are responsible for those deaths. If the United Nations had told Mugabe, ‘We know what you are planning,’ we wouldn’t have seen it. . . . We all sat [in Harare] and knew that in the countryside, 60 percent of Zimbabweans were being killed or raped.”

Also, the U.N. downplayed a looming cholera outbreak at the behest of Mugabe. According to the article:

In the 11 months between August 2008 and July of last year, nearly 100,000 Zimbabweans came down with cholera in the first countrywide epidemic of the disease in modern history. Previous outbreaks in Zimbabwe, which have occurred annually since 2003, had affected only pockets of the country. This time, cholera was everywhere. Corpses filled the streets and hospital beds. In some districts early in the crisis, half of those infected died. . . .

A Nov. 19, 2008, U.N. appeal for aid, issued months after the cholera epidemic began, predicted just 2,000 cholera cases. Just two months later, the death toll alone had already reached that number. In all, more than 4,000 people died between August 2008 and July 2009, and roughly 98,600 people had caught the disease. The true figures might be even higher.

Ed Schenkenberg van Mierop, an independent analyst present in Zimbabwe at the time, corroborates Tadonki’s claims that his warnings of a cholera outbreak went unheeded, observing, “It was very clear that no action was taken. That is what I would call criminal neglect on the part of the U.N.”

Unsuprisingly, Tadonki was fired — for refusing to go along with the U.N. country director’s policy of appeasing Mugabe, for confronting the government with NGO estimates (admittedly without permission) of the burgeoning epidemic, and for raising objections in correspondence with the country director and with his own superiors in New York. He has appealed, and his case is under review.

It would be nice to think that the Zimbabwe situation was unique. However, the U.N. is involved in virtually every developing country on the planet, including those controlled by despotic regimes, such as North Korea, Burma, and Iran. The article quotes a senior U.N. official on the dilemma faced by the U.N. in these countries:

The U.N. has to work with the government. Clearly, we work in a lot of countries where the government can make it very challenging. But should we say forget it? Or stay and try to help? . . . To be the resident coordinator in some of these countries is not an easy task; you have to deal with the consequences of the actions of those regimes, but in a way that those regimes don’t take for granted that you’ll be there to clean up.

But how much does U.N. assistance aid the governments in these countries instead of the people suffering under their rule? The organization’s officials all too often ignore the dilemma altogether. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe recently stated about U.N. assistance to North Korea, “These are human beings that need the food. It’s not the political system. This shouldn’t be argued in a political way.”

This amounts to whistling past the graveyard. Governments often cause these crises directly, or exacerbate smaller problems until they grow to unmanageable proportions. Pretending that a crisis can be addressed effectively without addressing its underlying causes does a disservice to those most affected — and those most likely to be affected by the next crisis.

The desire to help those in need is understandable. However, it does not obviate the responsibility of donors to face the situation — and its causes — forthrightly. As I recommended in my papers on U.N. aid to North Korea and Burma, it is eminently reasonable (though politically difficult) for the U.S. and the U.N. to deny food and humanitarian assistance that may aid a repressive government rather than its citizens, and to demand that the government agree to rigorous, transparent monitoring standards and delivery verification. Failing to do this can have consequences that rival those of doing nothing at all — as the citizens of Zimbabwe can testify.

— Brett D. Schaefer is the Jay Kingham Fellow in International Regulatory Affairs in the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the Heritage Foundation and editor of ConUNdrum: The Limits of the United Nations and the Search for Alternatives (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2009).

My birthday thoughts

As I begin to type this, the clock on my computer lists the time as 23:46; I am 14 minutes away from beginning the 22nd year of my life. I find it fitting to step back from my homework for a few minutes and recall this last year of my life.......

March 1st, 2009, my 21st birthday, passed without much of an incident. I had a small celebration with my family and a couple friends from around the Indianapolis area. I didn't go out partying like many of my generation do on their 21st. I had a beer, visited with my friends, and went to sleep- coherent.

Also in March, I received a letter from Patrick Henry College saying that I was accepted on probationary status. The acceptance letter did not flatter me in the slightest; it listed the strengths that they perceived me to have, but it also listed the criteria for my probationary status. Due to rather poor grades in high school, I was told that I was not allowed to be involved in any extra-curricular activities and that I had to enroll in a peer mentoring (tutoring) program. I was not thrilled, but I pursued the option, largely due to my wonderful mother's promptings.

Two things happened that changed my mind. The first was that I received a letter from the Financial Aid director that detailed the amount I needed to come up with in order to attend school. I am firmly against going into debt but the amount needed after all of the generous scholarships and financial assistance made attendance of PHC financially reasonable. The second thing that changed my mind was my visit to Patrick Henry during the final week of classes. I was pleasantly surprised by the campus, students, and faculty that I interacted with. The visit opened my stubborn mind to the idea of attending Patrick Henry College.

As a few of you might know, in addition to all of this, I had applied to be a Fishers (IN) police officer in December of 2008. I progressed through the various physical tests and written examinations. I passed the interview panel and was selected as one of ten candidates for the eight positions that would advance to the final hiring stages. Two more candidates were to be cut from the group.

All that was left was the decision between the two options of becoming a police officer or attend Patrick Henry. I desired both for different reasons but acknowledged that I ultimately was not in control of the situation. I committed the matter to the Lord in prayer and asked that His will would be done, and that I would accept it. Shortly thereafter, I received a phone call from the recruiting Sergeant of the police department. He informed me that because some of my military paperwork was still in Washington DC, the police department could not hire me that year. My application was filed away and the Sergeant asked me to apply for the job again when I got the paperwork sorted out. It was the answer I had been praying for.

Less than 2 weeks later I found myself hauling my goods down to North Carolina for the summer. In a recent conversation with my parents, I had the understanding that they were leaving for Kenya later that same month. I decided that the best thing to do was to vacate my part of the house earlier than all of them, so that everyone wasn't moving out at once.

My destination in North Carolina was Morganton. It is a small town in the foothills of western NC where my Dad pastored a PCA church for six years. I still knew some of the folks from the church but it had been at least eight years since I had been back. The Lord was taking me back to the South for His purpose.

I immediately went to work and worked all summer for a friend and her family, fixing up an old building. I was scraping paint, reconstructing windows, helping to install cabinets, pulling nails, and painting--- laughing, singing, and talking with my friend the entire time. It was for this purpose that God brought me to Morganton. I was challenged daily with hard theological issues, and each time I didn't know the answer. The questions were deep and sometimes irritating to my proud heart, but each time humility came when I turned to the Scriptures. I spent much of the summer laughing, but I spent much more of it beginning to uncover, by the grace of God, the man that He wants me to be. I decided to do what I had never done before, make a public confession of faith and become a member of a church. The pastor and the elders examined me, and later that same morning in July, in front of the congregation that knew me so well, my father (who had made the tiresome drive from Indiana the night before) witnessed my profession of faith. 

The summer ended much too quickly. Once again I found myself in my truck, but this time I was heading north... The calender ordered me to, against my desires. Just kidding. Part of me wanted to go to school, but a part of me was at home in North Carolina. The cool mountain air was clean, the accents were Southern, the cookin was like Moms, and most importantly, the people were wonderful.

God brought me to Patrick Henry College. His hand has been upon my life, guiding me and providing for me. I have never had enough money for my tuition, even with all my scholarships, but for two semesters now God has provided the funds for me to attend this fine school. I did not stay on the probationary status any longer than I absolutely had to. At the end of last semester, my first set of college grades were better than any grades I received in high school. This is no boast, rather it is a proclamation of praise to my Father, and it is to Him that I give the glory!

So at the end of this 21st year, and the beginning of my 22nd.... I find it fitting that I am sitting at my desk with a mountain of homework due in the morning. It serves as a reminder that I have a job to do and a limited amount of time to do it in... Even in my limited amount of time and in the next year of my life may I magnify my Savior. For to Him be all glory, power and honor; May His name be praised.

In Christ,

Martyn

Safety, snow and snowballs

Praise God for safety! The snow has ceased.... for a time. In the last 12 days we have had over 50 inches worth of snow, and I think I am being conservative with that estimate. The grounds crew has worked tirelessly throughout the past 6 days, often going 12 -16 hours without rest. I have been thoroughly impressed with their work and have told them so many times. So to any of my friends that are reading this that spent countless hours out in the snow shoveling and ploughing.... hats off to you!

According to the weather gurus, Virginia is in for another snow on Sunday... although we are not expecting another blizzard. Despite the enjoyment of the flurries and the thrill of snowball fights, the snow really needs to melt. The roofs are not taking the weight of all the snow very well. We had several leaks in the roofs of two of our buildings that damaged the ceiling. Hopefully no lasting damage was caused. Random side note, I enjoyed the snow immensely. I threw a few snow balls, shoveled the side walks with friends, and was on the recieving end of a hail of snowballs while on Security. I threatened to ticket the offenders.. haha... it was all in jest, except I was the one wearing the snow. :)

We had school cancelled for Wednesday and Thursday this week so I have been able to catch up on some homework, chat with friends and family, and play some sports. It was like a weekend in the middle of the week. My personal calender is all screwed up right now.

My activity of the last weekend, besides the occasional shoveling, was writing a paper for Western Civilizations. I read Blaise Pascal's Pensees (French for "thoughts", and thats not the entirely correct spelling) and felt inclined to write about the nature of God, the nature of man, and the role of human reason in the relationship between the two. It was an intriguing subject which had me glued to my chair.... so much so that I stayed in an office that I have access to for almost the entire weekend.

I am rather worn from the work this week and am in serious need of rest. However, we have a basketball tournament this weekend. Lord willing, we will do well. I suppose I can rest after that.

In regard to Scripture, I have had a reoccurring thought, and the more I read, the more I feel the truth of it is confirmed. The truth I speak of is that of the nature of our faith. The more I examine the life of Christ and the lives of those who sought him truly, the more I am convinced that our is a Gospel of Suffering. The direct application of this truth is frightening to me, as it ought. I read passages like Psalm 116: 12-16 which says:

"How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains."

While I echo the last statement of the psalmist, I am undone by the sentence before it. For if "precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints," ought that to be my desire? Should I not desire to bring glory to the LORD God, even in death... in a death that He finds precious? These have been my thoughts of late.... and I do indeed marvel at what an uncomfortable Gospel we are called to proclaim.

Praise and Prayer:

Thanks be to God for the safety and well being of both students and staff here at school during a literal blizzard. Safety is something so easily taken for granted of....

Praise for the safety of my sister who was in a second accident the same day as her first one. I am unsure of all the details but it amazes me how God protects lives...

Praise God for the snow! Even in the midst of the chaos of it all... the might of the Creator and Sustainer of the universe is proclaimed! Man and all that surrounds him ought to be brought to his knees in awe of such a display.... and we were, figuratively at least :)

Pray for my parents ministry in Kenya. Pray that my father's teaching will reflect our Fathers teaching, and that the students of NEGST would be able to understand and put into practice the truths being taught.

Pray for Mom and Dad's health as well. In my conversation with them today, mom told be of the various ailments that both of them are battling. It seems the enemy is striking our family where we are most human... health and finances. Please pray that we all will continue to place our faith in the Word of God! (See John 1:1-5)

Prayer for wisdom and guidance in all that I think say and do... I desire to be more like Christ... which means I have alot of work to do...

Prayer for dedication to the schoolwork. Its so easy to be distracted.

That I will proclaim the love of God to all whom I interact with...

Thank you for taking the time to read. I apologize because I promised pictures... but sadly I am struggling to find a good way to incorporate them into the blog. I will remedy the situation soon. Blessing upon you, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Him,

Martyn

Doom and gloo.... Wait, actually--- Snow and Igloos

We are about to get hammered by a blizzard here in Purcellville, Virginia. I have made my grocery run to the store to get the essentials (2 gallons of whole milk, its not enough but I can ration it) and afternoon classes have been cancelled for tomorrow (Friday). This is gonna be quite an experience!

If you are interested, please come on back to my blog this weekend. I will post some of the happenings, the outcome of the snowball fights (the guys will win btw :) ), and the effect that 22+ inches of snow has on a small conservative Christian school out in podunk.

Warmly- for right now, :)

Martyn

Update: 36+ inches and counting. More to follow.... and pictures.

God's blessings

The weeks are ticking by already. It seems like just yesterday that everyone was coming back to school. The weather was bitter cold, but the reunions warm and friendly. Well.... since then the warmth has been more tangible. We have been blessed with a wonderful bout of warm weather here in Purcellville, Virginia. It was warm enough for short sleeves and t-shirts! In January! I have been enjoying it thoroughly. The closer the temperature gets to that of Zambia, the happier I become. :)

I have had a little bit of a mix up with the Registrar's office here. It was an unfortunate miscommunication between the office, my professor, and myself. The professor graciously tried to straighten the situation up but was unable to do so without appealing the Registrar's decision to a higher authority. After much prayer and consideration, I decided that it was not prudent to appeal the decision. I am no longer taking Rhetoric this semester, which is rather disappointing. However, I do see the hand of God in the situation. This semester the class is full to capacity and there will be little time for the professor to do involved personalized instruction (which a course such as Rhetoric needs). However, the Fall semester class size is typically much smaller and therefore enables greater input on the part of the professor. I am eagerly awaiting it next semester.

Our Lord has been kind to me this semester. In spite of disappointments, I have been encouraged by my friends, my church, and opportunities that have opened up. This last week I auditioned to become a member of the worship team for the chapel services here at school and was accepted. I have long had the desire to help lead worship, and I feel so blessed that God has opened the door to it. What an intimate Sustainer we serve! He knows the desires of our hearts, and his timing is perfect.

Several have asked about the health of my ankle. I am happy to report that I am up and walking around. I can even jog in straight lines, which makes for an interesting sight for those around me. I am trying to be gentle to it, but I am hoping to be healed enough to play basketball for PHC (Patrick Henry College) in an upcoming tournament. The swelling has subsided, and the bruising is fading- all good signs I think.

I have recently been considering the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1: 20-21.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

The admonition of Paul is frightening to the comfortable Christian. The complete subjugation of the heart, mind, and BODY to Christ renders one to be a billboard for Christ. (Its a poor example I know) It is a billboard that is not ashamed to stand up to the storms of peer pressure, and the battling winds of a relativist society. It is not afraid of damage nor destruction. It is a life whose value is not found in itself. It is a rare thing for a man to truly live for something... It is rarer still to find a man willing to die for something... and rarest of all is to find a man who is willing to die for something and count it as gain! Paul "eagerly expects and hopes" that he will not be ashamed, but that he will have courage so "that now as always Christ will be exalted..." There is nothing that attests to the work of Christ more than a heart like Paul's.... a heart that truly believes that "to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Praise & Prayer

-Mom and Dad's continued safety and ministry in Kenya. Praise the Lord for technology that allows for us to video chat. I talk with them as often as I can; I cannot say how thankful I am to have such wonderful parents.

-Praise the Lord for my loving sister, who just turned 20 on Jan 28th. She was recently in a car accident in Indiana. The Lord preserved her life because she was traveling on a highway, hit black ice, and slid into a telephone pole. She was able to walk away from the crash.

-Continued healing for my ankle.

-Growth in the knowledge of and desire for my Lord and Savior.

-For my professors, that they would continue to instruct us faithfully and in accordance with the Word of God.

-Thank the Lord for allowing me to attend Patrick Henry College. While no institution is perfect, God has used the faculty, staff, and students of PHC to work on my heart.

-For a close friend of mine, who has to return to Korea, probably in the summer, to fulfill an obligation to the armed forces of Korea. He is not encouraged by this. Please pray that God will guide him, sustain him and watch over him.

I will close with an excerpt from 1 John. 1 John 4: 7-12 reads: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

In Christ,

Martyn

Theology class

Technically, we have just completed the first full week of class here at Patrick Henry College. Class began on Wednesday of last week, with the professors taking the first class period to explain course requirements and upcoming assignments. We have now started receiving actual lectures this week, which is always a real joy... after all, that is the reason why I am going to school.

Today in particular, the lecture in Theology class stood out. Dr. Cox began class with the usual barrage of of jokes and witty comments, which I and my classmates enjoy. We went over the upcoming assignments and then dove right into the lecture. Currently, we are examining the life of Christ, and we lingered over the purification of Jesus as found in Luke's account. It is Luke 2: 25-35, and it reads:

^" Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

I was particularly struck by the figure of Simeon, of whom we have no prior or further record of in Scriptures. It stands out in this passage that he was a man of God, who was walking with the Spirit daily. In fact he was so in touch with the Spirit that "it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ."

Partly, what stood out to me was just how specific his direction was from the Holy Spirit. Here was a man whose life was so thoroughly devoted to God, that his life's final major occurrence had been revealed to him. He does not appear to be a priest or someone of significance, but rather a humble man who was in awesome devotion to God. Bear in mind as well, this was prior to the day of Pentecost. Simeon was walking with the Spirit, under the direction of the Law, and yet he had an incredibly strong relationship with his God!

Many have spoken of the Bible as a storybook, that when properly read and understood paints the most vivid portrayals of life and truth. I find that to be the case here as I can so easily picture Simeon in the temple courts, holding the young baby Jesus in his feeble arms, with tears splashing down his upturned face, proclaiming peace in his life and rejoicing in his God! The reverence and joy of Simeon in the story is inspiring.

Simeon provides a demonstration for Christians, who daily ought to be rejoicing in their God and the revelation of Christ to us. Consider this: how many people walked past Joseph and Mary, who held the Lord of Creation in her arms. How many people marvelled at how cute the new born baby was.... and never saw Him as who He truly was? Yet Simeon, who was led by the Spirit, knew exactly who Jesus was. He says that his "eyes have seen your salvation." He recognized that this baby was salvation! That is only one of the many times in the life of Christ, that those around him, under the guidance of the Spirit, proclaim him to be the Savior of the world, the Son of Man, God Himself. The wondrous and equally frightening reality of this story is that God reveals Himself to those that he chooses. It was no act of Simeon that led him to the temple, nor was it his own insight into the Torah that convinced him that the coming of the Lord was near. What a testament to the mercy and love of God, who allowed this man to see the Son of God for who He was!

I will cease and desist now as I have other homework to attend to, but I desired to share those thoughts. They have already begun to work on me, and create in me a deeper craving for the Spirit of God. May God in his grace, grant to us all the privilege of seeing Jesus Christ for who He truly is today.

Prayer Requests:

-I sprained my left ankle severely last night in basketball practice. For those of you that don't know, I blew out my ankle in March of last year. This injury is the exact same; it is just refreshed. I am following RICE religiously, am on crutches, and will hopefully see a doctor later this week. I want to wait for the swelling to go down before I go whining to a doc. :) Please pray for healing and patience. I sincerely do not enjoy being in a state of relative helplessness. Pray that I may grow in my faith in God and that I will glorify Him, despite the pain.

-My brother is taking the SAT this Saturday in Kenya. Please pray for any anxiousness to be calmed and clarity of mind to be given to Daniel as he is tested. Also a high score wouldn't be a bad thing to pray for too! :)

-Pray for continued growth in Christ. He is working on my heart, and I desire and need His grace.

Feel free to post any comments or prayer requests. Unfortunately, comments left on my parents blog don't necessarily reach me. :( Mom and I are working on joining the two in a more visible way.

In Christ,

Martyn

A new semester!

The semester is about to begin here at Patrick Henry College. The majority of the students have braved the salty white roads of the Northeast or the long lines of airport security to get here. Regardless of their means of arrival, they all seem to be joyful and prepared for a new semester.

Personally, I am glad to see the smiling faces again. The campus was not boring over the break-there was plenty of reading to do- but it was quiet, and anyone who knows me knows that I can do the whole quiet gig for a very limited amount of time. :)

It was great to see my roommates again. They are true men of God. How refreshing to was to sit down and be quizzed about my daily Scripture readings. I was thrilled that someone had demonstrated interest about my walk with the Lord. They are sincere in their friendship and encouraging in their words. I could not ask for anything more.

I have been given the opportunity to play basketball for the college. I am struggling a little with a sore thigh but, oddly enough, it does not seem to affect me when I run. I am thrilled to play basketball again but I confess to being extremely rusty. Learning inbound and set plays is a blast from the past, but a blast that requires alot of thought. In spite of my height, basketball doesn't come naturally to me. Im gonna have to work hard.... and work hard I will!

I am making this short. I feel incredibly blessed to be attending school at Patrick Henry for the second semester. The Lord has provided for me in ways that humble and awe me. I am sincerely thankful for my supportive family and equally grateful for those that have provided for me to attend PHC this spring. May the Lord richly bless you!

Thank you for taking the time to catch up with me. I will try to keep this blog updated regularly with highlights from my weeks and prayer requests.

I leave you with a passage of Scripture that I deeply appreciate.

Lamentations 3: 22-27

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young."

Prayer requests:

-For my entire family, for their health and safety. Please pray especially for Daniel as he is taking the SAT soon. Pray for high scores that are a reflection of how hard he has worked all through high school.

-That the Lord will continue to work in my heart and life so that I may know Him and His wondrous love more.

-For a good start to the semester and wisdom as I try to schedule my time. I struggle with time management occasionally :)

I thank the Lord for all of you. Please let me know if there is anything that I may be praying about for you!

In Christ,

Martyn