January 13, 1988, Portland Observer, Page 7 RELIGION Scripture of the Week: NUMBERS:Chapter12 God W ill Show You How! God Gives Martin A Plan For Mount Olivet Continued from last week by Mattie Ann Callier-Spears After many weeks, days and hours; interviews, screenings and meetings — the Pulpit Committee of the Mount Olivet Baptist Church found a young man with a plan. His man is James E. Martin, from Bluefield, West Virginia. Rev. Dr. Martin is the product of a Christian family; who, at an early age, learned to love and respect his fellow man. More importantly, he learned to respect God as the Crea tor of mankind and this extra ordinary universe in which we live. He was born May 9, 1947, to Ola Martin and the late Riley Martin in Bluefield, West Virginia. He gained prominence and notoriety, to some degree, because of his academic and athletic abilities in the Taze well County Public School System. He entered West Virginia State Col lege _ on a basketball scholarship - in the fall of 1965, then trans ferred to Bluefield State College and earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration while working as an attendant for the Sinkford and Rich ardson Funeral Home in Bluefield. In 1974, Dr. Martin became the owner-operator of Mr. J s Mens Wear, a high fashion clothing store for young men. The store had lo cations in Bluefield and Welch, West Virginia, and continued to operate until economic conditions forced termination in December of 1979. Dr. Martin was employed by the Bluefield City Police for three years. He rose to the position of sergeant in his third year. During that year, he made a sin cere rededication to his life to Jesus Christ and received his Divine Call into the ministry. He preached his initial sermon on the first Sunday in August of 1979. He began prea ching at revivals and other services; but, the strain of both professions was tremendous. After much pray er by his mother and many Christian friends, God opened an unseen door. In August of 1980, Dr. Mar tin was offered the position of teacher/coordinator of Marketing and Distributive Education at Blue field High School - a position that had only been created a short time prior to that date; but, a position that God foresaw. Give God the praise!!! It was at this time that Dr. Martin realized his need for professional studies to help bolster his ministry. He enrolled in an off-campus pro gram at Trinity Theological Semi nary in Newburgh, Indiana, in the fall of 1980. The first of March, 1981, Dr. Mar tin was called as the associate past or of Union Baptist Church in Blue field. The very next week, he was called to the pastorate of Laurel Creek Baptist Church in Wolfe, West Virginia. He served these churches on alternating Sundays. He was ordained on May 9, 1981. In November, Dr. Martin became the pastor at Union Baptist and con tinued to serve both churches until he resigned Laurel Creek Baptist in May of 1982 to become full-time pastor of Union Baptist. During this time period, the ambi tious and energetic Dr. Martin re ceived a second B.S. degree in As an example of this, a friend wrote: "Things had finally come to a point of crisis; my life seemed to be totally out of control. I couldn't eat, think, or pray, and finally de cided to stop struggling. I didn't try to meditate or pray about speci fics. I just held onto the works 'God is healing everything now.' Miracles began coming through in less than twelve hours. It was as if every thing quietly and peacefully fell into place! I am so very grateful to God for this astounding experience, for His showing me how to do my part so He could do His the better!" Jesus Christ indicated clearly by His own words and actions that there were many different ways of communicating with the Father. Jesus often prayed by listening quietly within. At other times He spoke aloud, powerfully, the words that were needed to catch the atten tion of those who were held in a habit of disbelief. Again, He was often gentle and patient in helping His followers learn how to accept their healing, supply, or security, he was constantly showing how to LOVE Rev. James E. M a rtin and Family. Photo by Richard J. Brown Criminal Justice Administration from Bluefield State College. Dr. Martin entered seminary, earned his Master of Ministry de gree and a Master of Divinity de gree. His ability to deliver his ser mons improved; the church grew spiritually, numerically and finan cially. There arose a strong motiva tion for him to enter the doctorate program and specialize in Christian Counseling. This task required everything he had had and more, but with God as the forerunner, there was always consolation and assurance in knowing that there would be no failure in this endeavor. The task was demanding, study ing everyday and many hours of neglect to the family; but, he con tinued until he reached success. On August 10, 1985, he graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Ph.D. de gree (Doctor of Philosophy) in Chri stian Counseling from Trinity. His doctoral dissertation was entitled, "The Christian Faith and the Dilem ma of Teenage Commitment. In addition to all the above ac complishments, Dr. Martin has re ceived his teaching certification from Marshall University in Hunting- ton, West Virginia, his Master's de gree in Vocational Technical Educa tion from Marshall University in 1986 and was featured on Union Baptist Church's outreach radio broadcast called, "Soul Outreach , heard every Sunday morning on WKOY (AM 1240) at 8:00 a.m. Dr. Martin is married to the lovely Lynetta Patterson Martin of Pulaski, Virginia. They have three beautiful Why do more families call Cox time of need? daughters: Tiffany, 11 years old; Tara, 5 years old; and Ashley, 7 months old. Dr. Martin is a devoted husband and loving father. The Mount Olivet Baptist Church is truly blessed to have Dr. Martin as their new pastor. The plan that God has given Dr. Martin is three words: Trust, Co operation, and Prayer. If the church family will - trust the pastor's lead ership, cooperate with the pastor and with each other and pray daily for the success of God's program — Mount Olivet will be undefeatable. In one of Rev. Dr. Martin s ser mons, he parallelled a Christian s life to that of a salmon. He said, "A salmon lives in the safety of the ocean for many years, but some thing inside of him causes him to strain against all obstacles to get hom e. As he swims against the current, he may encounter a fisher man, some of his friends may get caught and eaten by a bear, some may get caught in snares that have been set ever so carefully for them and the horrible water falls — with gallons and gallons of water pound ing against their bodies; but, still they struggle against all odds to get home. Then they get home, lay their eggs and die. They sacrifice themselves that others might live. One day, we - as Christians - will see the fresh waters of heaven and we will have reached our goal. Then, and only then, will we receive our prize." (Philippians 3:10-14) "There is much work to be done here in Portland and in Mount Oli vet. I am here because the Lord sent me." potentials as expressed by the One communicate, express, and receive who proved that every "Gethse responses from the Father. mane" is but a door to new life, to In using the idea 'God is s h o w resurrection of the divinity within. ing me how ! I have found that Take hold now, my friend, of this needs were met quickly. These simple way of attuning yourself to words have brought a greater feel your Father's plan of good for you. ing of release regarding concern Let His wisdom show you how to over those dear to me, and have accept it. His love will enfold you in been a simple tool to use in any a manner you cannot humanly ima urgent need for guidance and cou gine. His peace will manifest itself rage. within your heart without any need "Thank You, God, for showing to understand how it can be so. me how !" has also helped me to God will reveal His processes of understand that so-called dry or un healing, even now, as you quietly productive periods are but fore turn to Him with the words. Thank runners of the greatest and best You, Father, fo r show ing me fulfillment. When I thought human how ! hesitancy and feelings of inade The clouds will lift. Your feelings quacy were hindering or delaying of aloneness will fade, and you will my good, I found the Father was in be warmed and comforted anew. reality helping me during th a t tim e Your fears of change and your into greater strength, faith, and apprehensions over demands, loss, understanding. God is, indeed, or the future will give way to cou always show ing us how ! rage and assurance. You will find Remembering this will deepen that nothing can prevent the Father and quicken your own faith, dear from showing you how to accept friend, and awaken you to a new your good. Let go and let His love awareness of your true oneness enfold you. Your Father cares for with the Father. It will help you to you and is show ing you how ! realize that you are a spiritual child — The Beginning of the Most High, with the same Fiorine Brown Fisher Passes Love is a blessing So hard to explain It flows from the heart Like the pouring of rain Such a gift from our Lord That lights up each day To be capable of it Is what we must pray There are so many loves That a person can render The love for your wife Is one oh so tender So much love that we have For our daughters and sons For our parents and friends And for everyone But the love that surpasses All the others we know Should be for our Savior That would constantly grow Albert N. Theel Funeral for Florine Brown Fisher of West Linn will be at 1:00 p m. Friday in the Greater Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ at 1234 N.E. Killingsworth, Portland, OR. She died Saturday in a Portland hospital at the age of 61. Born in Parson, Kansas, on May 10, 1926 to the parents of Alfred and Bonnie Jean Brown, she was the eldest of 4 daughters. She moved to Vancouver, WA, after completing high school. Florine pursued and obtained a degree in nursing and lovingly gave 21 years of her life to nursing the Veteran's at the Portland Veterans' Hospital. Surviving are her husband, Mr. 84 N E K illin g s w o rth • 281 0499 by Mattie Ann Callier-Spears "A warm spirit of fellowship always" cAr The Mount Olivet Baptist Church, located at 116 N.E. Schuyler Street, is having a two-day celebration for their new pastor's installation cere mony. On Saturday, January 16th, at 7:00 p.m., there will be a "Gospel Concert" featuring a 100-voice choir from the Antioch Progressive Bap tist Church in Sacramento, Califor nia. The public is welcome to come The Ark of Safety Church of God in Christ A -» -- *• • • Burial 2736 N E. Rodney • (503)281 4891 Portland, Oregon 97212 __ 285 0493 A Public Service of the Portland Observer <=>< 4236 N.E. Eighth Avenue Portland, Oregon 97211 (503) 287-0261 Psalm 34:3 your ability to think more clearly! brim m ing w ith hard facts on the lingering effect'- of drugs alcohol Name Address City anil chemicals Order your copy today from: It gives you the answ er to main (.lining m ental sharpness despite h .lu n g had these substances no m atter how long ago or how muc h ’ This brilliant book gives you the results ot years ot researi h in ease to u n d erstan d detail Allen Temple CME Church Phillip S. Nelson. Pastor »»hcpbVfc'KwsaP UC f f t V l C r f %• H o i : f'-r'.r A lbina M inisterial A lliance (comer o f 8th & Skidmore) Cremation of fi° a and enjoy. Then, on Sunday, January 17th, at the 11:00 morning worship, the Antioch Choir and the Mass Choir from Mt. Olivet will be singing. The Rev. Dr. Curtis J. Mitchell, pastor of the Antioch Church, will deliver the morning message. To conclude the celebration, the installation ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. O.C. Jones, representative for the Ministers and Missionaries Board from Upland, California, will be the speaker for the evening. Jesus Loves You! • The family suggests that remem brances be contributions to the American Cancer Society. YOU ARE WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT R Shipping Internment will be in Rose City Cemetery at 5625 N.E. Fremont, Portland, OR. Installation Celebration I R IK K A T IO N : An Illu s tra te d .Answer to Drugs is Cox Funeral Home has a s ta ff dedicated to the fam ilies in their hour o f need w ith lo w cost funerals. Albert Fisher, 2 sons, Mark Stanley Lewis and David Wayne Lewis of Portland, OR; 2 sisters, Mary Love of Kansas City, MO., and Minister Adeline Jeffries of Portland, OR; 2 brothers, Raymond Brown of Tul sa, OK., and Robert Brown of Port land, OR; 5 nieces, 6 nephews, 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchild ren and a host of relatives and friends. Only $ 1 2 .5 0 ! State/Prov Dianetics Center 709 S A SALMON STUFF T PORTLANO OREGON 97205 (503» 228 0116 "¿.4 a t i »»CÍ’í -• •’965 B» s * M» ’»n» , y Put» 4 a • a i e ^ e » a« im » Md « ••