The 2012 World Discipleship Summit in San Antonio, Texas was a chance for me to reconnect with God, with my spiritual family. Little did I know that I would reconnect with my physical family. When my mother died, in 2007, I had lost contact with all the members of my physical family. I had no way of contacting any of them.
“God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing” Psalm 68:6
I knew they lived in various places including Texas, California, Atlanta and Louisiana. However, I did not have enough information to contact them. Psalms 145:8, says, “The LORD is gracious and compassionate … and rich in love.”
God himself arranged a family reunion during one of the conferences in a way that was nothing less than miraculous.
At the opening session of the 3,000 attendee Singles Conference, I was walking around near the main stage in the huge hall, checking on sound levels, observing the singers and in general making sure things were going well. A sister seated in a wheelchair up front, was watching me. She motioned to me from her wheelchair, hoping to get my attention. While this would normally be a distraction to have a conversation during worship, God had prearranged a very special meeting. I bent over to give her a hug, and see how I could assist her. Much to my surprise, she asked me what my name was. I told her I was “Tony Martin,” she repeated my name with excitement and announced, “Don’t you remember me, I’m your cousin, Johanna! Boy I haven’t seen you in 35 years!”
We embraced, hugged and danced, in the midst of thousands of singles, who were also jumping, shouting, singing and dancing to the song, “Lord You Are Good and Your Mercy Endures Forever.” While the singles were celebrating, we were having our own private celebration so masterfully arranged by the Father. This was such an unlikely place for a reunion. The timing, the music, the needle in the haystack scenario. God’s DNA was all over this. She then proceeded to let me know that her son and daughter-in-law (Miguel and Gina) were also at the conference, and they were disciples as well. Later, I had a chance to reunite with other members of the family, where we had a chance to sit together and fellowship at the ATT Center, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. What an amazing testimony of God’s love.
Miguel was converted in LA and became a disciple in 1992, Gina, my cousin-in-law, was converted in 1996, I was converted in DC and became a disciple in 1994; Johanna was recently converted in May on Mother’s day of this year.
Back row from left to right
Miguel Martin, Tony Martin, Gina Martin and Johanna Martin
front row left to right
Milyon Martin, Maxwell Martin (children)
What happen to me, blows me away and strengthens my faith to believe that …God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” The lyrics of Brian Craig’s song is very appropriate to my situation: “On the Mountain of the Lord, It will be provided,” The LORD, indeed provided for me. He allowed me to reconnect with Himself, reconnect with my spiritual family and reunite with my physical family.
Tony Martin
