“Wow,” I exclaimed, “see how much you’ve learned from all those movies you watch!” “Rather,” one of the students spoke up, “see how much we’ve missed because of all those movies we watch!”

It has been an interesting semester so far in North American History. I have never seen this level of creativity before and love the way the students are choosing to communicate history through contemporary means (like a made-up Instagram account or a game of Minecraft), as well as old school methods (dressing up like a preacher to illustrate how the theory of Manifest Destiny was justified by taking Scripture out of context). I think maybe enthusiasm is building, though the number of homework assignments completed is still unimpressive.

It has been a beautiful monsoon season this year with “normal” rainfall, which we haven’t seen in many years. Thank you, if you prayed we would get rain this year.

These are some photos of the San Francisco Peaks before they saw their first snow a few days ago. The flowers and grasses were magnificent this year and the burn scars on the mountain are beginning to heal.

This coming weekend the students and Spiritual Formation mentors are spending the weekend at Lake Powell, near the Utah border, for their annual Kickoff Kampout. Pray for their safety and that God would be honored through their time together.

Thank you also to any who prayed for my birthday celebration on September 12th. It went very well. I believe God was honored! I will add a copy of what I shared with those who attended to the end of this document.

Please keep our fall conference in prayer as we plan to discuss some sensitive and potentially divisive issues. Continue praying for God’s will and provision in campus expansion.

Gratefully,

Martha

I could have been born in Afghanistan and spent my life without opportunity to explore the gifts God has given me, covering my face in shame for being born a woman. I could have had to endure the lawlessness and violence of Haiti. I could have grown up in deep poverty, or slavery, or severe abuse. But instead, I have greeted every morning free from the sound of bullets or air raid sirens. I have walked openly freely pursued what I perceive to be God’s calling on my life. I have been blessed with opportunity to complete multiple college degrees. I have been given a decent voice and an ability to hear certain things musically that not everyone hears. God has blessed me with a creative mind and a ready sense of humor. Did I choose these things? Is there anything in which I can boast? What do I have that has not been given to me by God?

I have been enabled to travel in 49 of the 50 United States, plus four other countries. I have been blessed and challenged by exposure to, and immersion in, a different culture (Navajo) than the one in which I grew up. I have had loyal friends, an ever-expanding circle of family, a fulfilling ministry and purpose in life. You all are testament to the blessing of meaningful relationships. Why did I have the privilege of hearing the name of Jesus before I was even born when so much of the world lives and dies without ever hearing His name?

I have had access to healthy food and good health care. I have been cradled in a faith community where there is integrity in the leadership and compassion in the body.

There have also been times of near despair. I have known deep loneliness, doubt, fear, anger. I have been hurtful and mean. I have failed, been sinful, selfish, prideful, and evil. But I have also known forgiveness and grace. And I have been blessed in the past several years to have people nearby who will speak into my life and who have found me worthy of their time and effort.

How do I intend to develop a heart of wisdom that I can present to God? I desire to listen to godly counsel, to respond to criticism with a willingness to change. I hope to allow people to speak into my life and to keep learning and growing in godliness till the day I die, by the grace of God.

Sing: 10,000 Reasons

What is Our Hope in Life and Death?

5 Lord, you are my hope.

    Lord, I have trusted you since I was young.

6 I have depended on you since I was born;

    you helped me even on the day of my birth.

    I will always praise you.

7 I am an example to many people,

    because you are my strong protection.

8 I am always praising you;

    all day long I honor you.

9 Do not reject me when I am old;

    do not leave me when my strength is gone.

14 But I will always have hope

    and will praise you more and more.

15 I will tell how you do what is right.

    I will tell about your salvation all day long,

    even though it is more than I can tell.

16 I will come and tell about your powerful works, Lord God.

    I will remind people that only you do what is right.

17 God, you have taught me since I was young.

    To this day I tell about the miracles you do.

18 Even though I am old and gray,

    do not leave me, God.

I will tell the children about your power;

    I will tell those who live after me about your might.

19 God, your justice reaches to the skies.

    You have done great things;

    God, there is no one like you.

20 You have given me many troubles and bad times,

    but you will give me life again.

When I am almost dead,

    you will keep me alive.

21 You will make me greater than ever,

    and you will comfort me again.

22 I will praise you with the [piano].

    I trust you, my God.

I will sing to you with the [guitar],

    Holy One of Israel.

23 I will shout for joy when I sing praises to you.

    You have saved me.

24 I will tell about your justice all day long.

    And those who want to hurt me

    will be ashamed and disgraced.