After piling our equipment and backpacks into the long white van we had rented to drive us the two hours to Conception, Iloilo, Philippines, Pastor Rick Martin boarded the van and proceeded to sit in the furthest rear seat. I hopped in after him and sat next to him in the back. Pastor Martin, an extremely valuable, seemingly never–ending fountain of ideas, information, and inspiration, was willing to let us drink in all the wisdom that we wanted. The day went by too quick. As we talked in the back seat about church, college, and other ministries, my focus was glued to every word. Every story, every idea, every procedure he spoke about—I wanted to retain it all. He was a great help, tremendous resource, and incredible example. Here are some characteristics of Pastor Martin I observed while sitting in the back seat.
1. Organized – Iloilo Baptist Church currently has 26 different outreach ministries designed to reach people with the gospel. In addition, Pastor Martin oversees Iloilo Baptist College, which has a large student body and whose alumni have planted hundreds of churches throughout the Philippines. They are gearing up for the Every Village Campaign, which is organizing their graduates to send a witness to every town and village in all of the Philippines. Pastor Martin also has his hands in their Annual Youth Conference, Annual Easter Presentation, Missions Conference, Annual Christmas Presentation, and the church orchestra, which consists of over 100 instruments. It was incredible to talk to him about the details of all of this and more! Our God is a God of order, so it only makes sense that His work also be done orderly.
2. Purpose–Driven – While discussing the details of nearly every facet of the Iloilo Baptist Church, it was so obvious that everything was done for a purpose. There was not a ministry or moment that Pastor Martin wanted to waste without having a specific purpose behind it. There weren’t too many different purposes for those ministries either. There were basically two: to reach people and to plant churches. Truth be told, that second purpose is in order to complete the first purpose. The church and college ministries were vast and varying, but the purpose was narrow.
3. Fun – Personally speaking, Pastor Martin is one of the most fun and likeable people you will ever meet. It wasn’t all fun and games every moment, but he had such a great and funny personality. He could not stop picking on each of us throughout our time there. He made the ministry enjoyable. What a tremendous balance after working so hard in the ministry, to still be able to have fun!
4. Motivated – I believe that Pastor Martin has been able to be such a hard worker because of his narrow purpose and because he is very wise in keeping himself motivated. For quite a while, we talked about the life stories of missionaries William Borden and Charles Cowman. We also personally spoke about the inspirational
1. Organized – Iloilo Baptist Church currently has 26 different outreach ministries designed to reach people with the gospel. In addition, Pastor Martin oversees Iloilo Baptist College, which has a large student body and whose alumni have planted hundreds of churches throughout the Philippines. They are gearing up for the Every Village Campaign, which is organizing their graduates to send a witness to every town and village in all of the Philippines. Pastor Martin also has his hands in their Annual Youth Conference, Annual Easter Presentation, Missions Conference, Annual Christmas Presentation, and the church orchestra, which consists of over 100 instruments. It was incredible to talk to him about the details of all of this and more! Our God is a God of order, so it only makes sense that His work also be done orderly.
2. Purpose–Driven – While discussing the details of nearly every facet of the Iloilo Baptist Church, it was so obvious that everything was done for a purpose. There was not a ministry or moment that Pastor Martin wanted to waste without having a specific purpose behind it. There weren’t too many different purposes for those ministries either. There were basically two: to reach people and to plant churches. Truth be told, that second purpose is in order to complete the first purpose. The church and college ministries were vast and varying, but the purpose was narrow.
3. Fun – Personally speaking, Pastor Martin is one of the most fun and likeable people you will ever meet. It wasn’t all fun and games every moment, but he had such a great and funny personality. He could not stop picking on each of us throughout our time there. He made the ministry enjoyable. What a tremendous balance after working so hard in the ministry, to still be able to have fun!
4. Motivated – I believe that Pastor Martin has been able to be such a hard worker because of his narrow purpose and because he is very wise in keeping himself motivated. For quite a while, we talked about the life stories of missionaries William Borden and Charles Cowman. We also personally spoke about the inspirational
stories of some of his current Bible college students and IBC alumni. These stories and testimonies help keep him motivated. It would be wise of all of us to keep encouraged by similar testimonies and biographies.
5. Humble – I’m sure, as it’s human nature, that Pastor Martin battles pride, but you would never be able to notice it. Over just the few days that we were able to be with him, we watched him interact with his church members, IBC alumni, current students, staff, public school kids, youth, and adults from every walk of life. In each, he spoke with such a meek and genuine spirit.
6. Kind – As a fruit of his humble spirit, Pastor Martin’s sincere kindness was evident. The large amount of time that he spent with our group, the way he interacted with people, and the way in which people interacted with him just proved his kindness and love for people.
7. Faithful – There is no better demonstration of a love for God than to remain faithful in His will. Nearly every Christian could choose to do right and follow God’s leading for a few months or years, but faithfulness is a proof years in the making. What an incredible and inspiring example for Christians. We each can possess this trait if we continue to live in God’s will.
5. Humble – I’m sure, as it’s human nature, that Pastor Martin battles pride, but you would never be able to notice it. Over just the few days that we were able to be with him, we watched him interact with his church members, IBC alumni, current students, staff, public school kids, youth, and adults from every walk of life. In each, he spoke with such a meek and genuine spirit.
6. Kind – As a fruit of his humble spirit, Pastor Martin’s sincere kindness was evident. The large amount of time that he spent with our group, the way he interacted with people, and the way in which people interacted with him just proved his kindness and love for people.
7. Faithful – There is no better demonstration of a love for God than to remain faithful in His will. Nearly every Christian could choose to do right and follow God’s leading for a few months or years, but faithfulness is a proof years in the making. What an incredible and inspiring example for Christians. We each can possess this trait if we continue to live in God’s will.
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