Pastors’ Conference 2016 | Testimony

May 27, 2016

Dear Martinez family:

When I share memories of my New Jersey trip with friends in church, the first thing that comes to mind is the amazing hospitality I was shown. Having a comfortable bed was only the start. There were many other ways in which you showed Christian loving kindness — delicious meals, engaging conversations, even an unexpected cup of hot tea delivered to my chair while I worked on my laptop downstairs. And there were other sweet memories: praying together at the end of the day or before outings, a midnight drive through Manhattan and Times Square, which was quite amazing, a piano serenade and much more.

I probably would not have made the trip if staying in a hotel had been my only option. Your kindness afforded me an opportunity to be part of that conference, which came at a pivotal time in my life as a Christian.

As I shared when I was with you, only weeks before the conference I had been asked to begin the process of becoming an elder at Cornerstone Baptist Church. The godly counsel received during the conference was a blessing from God to prepare me for serving in this way, as much Of the teaching focused on the ways in which pastors’ effectiveness in ministry depends upon:

• maintaining their own communion with the lord by practicing spiritual disciplines that pastors sometimes neglect because of their focus on their flock;

• seeking accountability with other pastors to help them in their fight against temptations to sin;

• being uncompromising in their ministry, regardless of the circumstances, as we learned from Pastor Pinero’s teaching from Ezra;

• recognizing the spiritual warfare in which we’re engaged against principalities and powers competing against the word of God for the consciences of men;

• and so much more, including one of the most powerful gospel sermons (Isaiah 53:6) I’ve ever heard by Pastor Albert Martin on Sunday morning.

Beyond the feast on the word of God, making friends with other pastors in Latin America was a great blessing for both me and Pastor Mark as we work to plant a church in Guatemala — a small part of a great work the Lord is accomplishing, with the help of your church, by shining the light of sound doctrine in a region plagued with so much false teaching. We are all privileged to be part of this good work!

So again, I want you to know how much your hospitality meant to me, and to Pastor Mark as well. We hope that someday we can return the favor, should you visit Orlando.

Meanwhile, I am continuing to pray for your family.

I hope our paths cross again soon.

With love,