Author: Martin Wiles

"God gave me that gift, but I guess now I can't use it anymore." I heard the discouragement in Mom's voice as she spilled her despair into my lap. I had taken her for her weekly hair-fixing appointment. As we sat in the driveway, she … Read more

They had a plan, but God's better plan overruled. Three boys in tow. That seemed enough to them. Not to God. On the day our son-in-law was to undergo a surgical procedure in Arkansas, USA, to ensure no more little ones came along, the … Read more

At almost every meal, it sat on the table. I remember many things about my paternal grandparents — probably because I stayed with them most of the time when I was small. My grandmother served as my first babysitter, and I gladly … Read more

I can see them now — all daintily lined up on stools. But that was only the beginning. In a time that many don't remember — although it wasn't too many years ago — most women's work was at home, not in the workforce. They cooked, … Read more

"I need a book of stamps," she said, and I knew why. She needed to make connection points. For as long as I can remember, Mom has used postage stamps — for one, to mail bill payments. She is and has been a snail-mailer. She doesn't like … Read more

I am familiar with hiding. Apart from the regular game of hide-and-seek, my cousin and I often invented other hiding games. We invented imaginary giants to hide from in my grandfather's barns. If we chose to play cowboys and Indians, one … Read more

He stood and talked to his brother, never realizing that in a few moments his life would change forever. When I became his pastor, he was a vibrant man and a diligent church worker. Some years before, his life had been changed when he … Read more

My wife and I once faced a financial situation where the outgo exceeded the income. We needed to escape, but we had no means to merely pick up and leave, nor did we have any employment awaiting us. The longer we stayed, the worse things … Read more

They were our neighbours, and they loved Christmas. The first church I pastored was a small congregation located several miles out in the country. Our next-door neighbours were a retired pastor and his family. Although it was only him, … Read more

When my wife yelled, "Come here!" I knew something was wrong. I was napping in my recliner on a Sunday afternoon when she called for help. Since I was only twenty feet from her, I asked, "Can't you just tell me what you want?" But … Read more