Author: Martin Wiles

The morning was beautiful; we had no reason to expect a storm. My brother, two children, and I had set out for an overnight camping trip on the Appalachian Trail (AT). No sooner had we reached the gap where we were planning to camp than … Read more

I've been known to miss what I focus on — even when it's a large target. I had always hunted deer with dogs and a shotgun: I would stand on the side of the road or the edge of the woods and wait for the dogs to run the deer to me … and … Read more

He had called me to come before, but never like this. The first time I came was as a fisherman. My brother and I were cleaning our nets when He came strolling along the beach. He invited me to leave my nets and way of life and fish for … Read more

Joseph was his father's favoured child. I've never been the favoured son, but I have been the spoiled grandchild. I know what it feels like to bask in the favour of a grandparent and be given special attention. These exclusive favours are … Read more

Power can be used for good or harm. German physicist, Otto Hahn, discovered how to split the atom in 1938. Scientists feared that Nazi Germany might use the knowledge to continue their attack on Europe. World-renowned scientist, Albert … Read more

I saw my friend's name appear on my phone. For three years, we had pastored churches in the same town and had become fast friends. We hadn't talked recently, so I was anxious to catch up. But the news that he shared wasn't what I wanted to … Read more

I'll never forget the summer I helped a local farmer pick watermelons. The workday at my regular place of employment ended at 3:20 p.m., so I had plenty of daylight to burn before dark. This particular summer, I chose to spend those hours … Read more

Whatever I once was, in Christ I am no longer. One by one, the youth of our church paraded before a troubled teenager and hung unwelcome signs around her neck as the congregation listened to the contemporary Christian song, *Beauty from … Read more

After a half mile and a 400-foot elevation increase, I was huffing and puffing. My only relief was knowing that I'd soon be travelling in the opposite direction. My wife, middle brother, and I were on a four-day trip to the mountains for … Read more

As I was enjoying a peaceful evening, a text arrived from my daughter. My middle brother, who was severely depressed because of his family breakup and impending divorce, instructed her to call our mom and tell her that he was going to our … Read more