Dear Praying Friends, December 3, 2011
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20
For our family, November has always been a month for thankfulness. We truly have so much to be thankful for, from our health to our country, our friends and family, and each and every little thing we so easily take for granted. I think about God’s grace, love, mercy, provision, power, and presence; and any attempt to say “thank you” seems so insufficient. God is so very good to us, so much better than we deserve.
Thankful for Deputation: We are thankful for where our travels took us in November. We began the month already in California and spent most of our time traveling between central and southern California. In addition, we had meetings in New Mexico and Arizona as well. What amazing people and churches! Overall, we were able to be in eight different churches.
Thankful for Soul Winning: What a privilege we have to share the Gospel! I am so thankful that God not only loved us enough to give us salvation, but He allows us to share that salvation with others. Over this last month, we were able to see 16 people accept that gift of salvation. God is so good! One quick story: While in central California, Jessica and I were out knocking on doors. We came across a Spanish lady named Carmen. After talking to her for a few minutes, Jessica began to witness to her in Spanish. As they went through the Bible, Jessica explained that Christ had died for her and that salvation was a free gift. As Carmen read the verses with her, she said, “Que bonita (how beautiful)!” A few moments later, she accepted that gift! Praise the Lord!
Thankful for Friends: We are so thankful for the many friends we have made and for those who have partnered with us while on deputation. This has become so especially apparent to us this month. God has knit our hearts with so many choice people across the country. Just this month we were able to meet many precious people from Lima. Our hearts instantly connected! We are especially thankful for the 20 people and churches who have helped us reach 70% of our support in just 11 short months.
Thankful for Protection: There is no doubt in my mind that God has something very special awaiting us in Peru, and He has constantly been watching over our team. As many of you may already know, on November 20, we began to make our way back to Indiana for Thanksgiving. While on I-80 passing through Fernley, Nevada, we were involved in an auto accident. Our vehicle rolled multiple times, and Jessica was thrown from the car. We were both transported to a hospital in Reno, Nevada. Jessica was bruised severely, fractured six ribs, received eight stitches in her lip, and over 80 staples around her side and abdomen. I shattered my ankle and underwent surgery that night. I am so very thankful that things were no worse than they were. God definitely overshadowed us. We spent three days in the hospital; and, with some help from our church and family, were able to fly back home to continue recovery. I am also thankful for the folks of the Sierra View Baptist Church of Reno who came to our rescue! Pastor and Mrs. Eric Tastet, the Traynors, and the Allens spoiled us and took such good care of us during the time we were there. Words cannot express our gratitude toward everyone who has been so kind to us during this time.
Thankful for Prayer: Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We have a long recovery ahead of us and will be home all of December. I will have surgery again in a few days, and then I will be off my leg for six more weeks. Jessica had all of her staples removed but must wait for her ribs to heal naturally. Fortunately, we were not doing a ton of traveling this month, so we have only had to cancel five meetings. Please pray that our injuries heal quickly so that we can hit the road again on January 1. We are so close to the end of our deputation and so eager to get down to Peru. I can only hope this doesn’t set back our departure.
We are so thankful to all of you who sent cards, made phone calls, sent gifts, and remembered us in your prayers. We are perfectly sheltered in God’s will, and in due time we will see how God will use this for good in our lives. Until then, we will keep on pressing for the mark. There is nothing better than serving Jesus!
Your ambassadors to Peru,
Junior and Jessica Martin
Romans 9:3
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