Good News!

Talked to Brad AND Luke this morning!  They are finally back together and having a day of rest!  Luke is having so much fun and told me HE LED A BOY TO JESUS last night!!!!  My heart is so full.  I'll let him tell the story on a blog when he gets back, but I'm so so very thankful that God gave him that opportunity.  He said he wants to go back every year.

In these past few weeks I have been reminded in a BIG way that GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!!!

Updates from Brazil

2 PKs ready for a day at VBS:  Luke & Trey (Pastor Sam Dennis' son from ParkwayHills)

Brad & Luke are in 2 different cities for these first 8 days of the trip.  Luke is in a bigger metro area leading VBS for a LOT of kids.  He is on the rec team, so his days consist of playing "futbol" with the kids.  I can just see him high-fiving the little boys as they score a goal!  :)  I miss him so much, but know God has his hand on Luke.  I still pray daily that God will draw him close to His heart.  Will you pray that with me too?

Brad is in a smaller village.  Here is the first text I received from him:

"We r here eating.  It's beautiful.  Miss you"

Then yesterday:

"We're in a very poor area.  Talked with 2 drunks.  Food is weird.  The jungle is around us.  Luke is in a much bigger metro area.  I'm preaching on the radio every day this week.  Preaching big service every night."

This morning I got a forwarded message sent to Brad from Luke:

"Hey dad it's Luke  Bon Gia were having fun.  Yesterday we went to this cool town and they were having a celebration so talk to u later bye Tchau love you"  

(I'm going to have to talk to that boy about punctuation.)  ;)

We send texts for free with an app on our iphones called "Viber".  So thankful for that.  

Brad called today and he's resting this afternoon.  He preached last night to a big crowd and 20 people came forward afterward to give their lives to Christ.  Praise the Lord!  What an amazing blessing!  Brad said he finally feels like he's getting a groove, as the first few days he was just getting used to everything.  I know he's reaching people with his authentic and magnetic personality that I fell in love with.  

I'm so proud of my boys and thankful that God has given them this opportunity!

Link to Brazil video

Here is a link to a video showing some of the past trips to Brazil with ParkwayHills Baptist.  Pray for Luke and Brad and the whole team as they continue raising funds and preparing for what God has planned.

Luke's First Mission Trip

When Luke turned 13 I (his Mom) felt like God was asking me to pray one specific prayer for him daily.  I very simply pray that Luke would draw closer to God.  I believe God has answered and will continue to answer that prayer in many wonderful ways.  One day last month, we received a phone call from our former pastor and friend, Pastor Sam Dennis.  Brad has been invited to come preach with Pastor Sam on a mission trip to Brazil, and Luke has been given the opportunity to go along with his dad. This fourteen day mission trip in July is being organized by our former church, ParkwayHills Baptist in Plano.  We know it will cost financially, but we believe in faith that this is just another prayer God will answer.

We are writing to ask you to partner with Luke & Brad on this trip in a variety of ways.  First and foremost we ask for prayers.  Please pray that our team travels will be safe and we’ll remain healthy. Pray also that God will teach Luke more about Himself and especially pray that they’ll be able to communicate God’s love to the people they meet.  We ask for peace of mind as the Martin boys leave the Martin girls for this long trip.

The cost for the trip is $2000. This includes all of Luke's travel, lodging, meals and needs for the trip.  We humbly ask that you would consider investing in this mission through a financial donation.  We ask that you pray and ask God if this is something you feel called to do, and if so that in faith He will bless whatever you decide to give and multiply it, like the loaves and fishes.  This money is due by July 7^th.  Whatever amount that is on your heart is greatly appreciated!

Luke will be looking for fundraising ideas and ways to earn his way, so please be on the lookout for chores or lawn work he could do this summer!  He is getting great at mowing the lawn and is even good with kids, if you need a few hours to work at home while he entertains!  School is out Thursday, May 19, so please let us know when you're ready to hire him! 

 While on this trip, Luke will be journaling about all of his adventures and we will add daily prayer requests to this blog: http://martin5missions.blogspot.com/ 

Thank you for your consideration in being a part of our Martin support team.   If you have questions, please send an email to smartinhome @ gmail dot com.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matt.28:19-20