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