Support the Martin Family's Journey of Faith

This sweet family, that has given to so many others, have found themselves walking amidst the storms of life from every direction. Rather than allowing the physical, mental, and spiritual attacks from every direction on their family to beat them down, they are allowing their faith in God to not only strengthen their family bonds, but they are using their faith to bring communities together in prayer and love. They are sharing their faith and family with people from all walks of life across social media using their family page called, “Martin Homestead” to do their part putting positivity back into the world. So many people have asked how they could help them in some way, because we want to help them in their time of need.

Their oldest son, Tyler, is 25 years old. He married his high school sweetheart, just like his dad did with his mom. He enlisted into the United States Air Force, and has been stationed at Hill Air Force Base for the last six years. He and his wife have been blessed with three beautiful little boys, and their lives have been turned upside down over the last five months. Five months ago, Tyler was diagnosed with a kidney disease called FSGS, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. His immune system is attacking his kidneys, and he is in and out of the hospital. His life was recently spared from a blood clot in his leg, multiple blood clots in his lungs, and the lining surrounding his left lung full of fluid. He is currently fighting worsening kidney function and additional infections from his weakened immune system. His body isn’t responding to any of the treatments so far, his current treatment plan is having to be put on halt due to current infections in his body. His wife is at home taking care of the children, and she is thankful for facetime calls to be able to remind him what he is fighting for each day. His health journey is far from over, he is now unable to work, his career path and retirement plans are being altered, and nothing in his life is within his control other than his faith in the Lord and love for his family. He is tired, physically and mentally, but he knows where his strength comes from.

His parents, Travis and Heidi, who were able to be there when they almost lost their son at way too young of an age, would be there again if they were able to physically. However, they too are relying on facetime calls to keep each other strengthened. Heidi, Tyler’s mom and author of many motivational stories and devotionals on their family page, has recently had a stroke. Having been a nurse for 27 years, serving others comes naturally to her. Having been nominated for multiple awards and the recipient of both the “Mercy Award” and the “Daisy Award” within those 27 years of service, shows the servants heart that she exemplifies as a nurse. The role as a patient is a new role for her. She has had to learn to find words to speak full sentences, stand up with assistance and then alone, walk with a walker with assistance, remain upright as her world feels like it is often spinning, and create some type of independence while confined to a wheelchair. If you ask her, she will say she is fine, because she is; that is the positive attitude she is going to have, but those that know her, see the daily struggles that she is facing. As a mom, she wants to be there for her sick son, her special needs adult daughter, and her other daughter that is currently in college. As a Cath Lab Charge Nurse, she wants to be there for her patients and other team members. As a loyal employee, she feels guilty for missing work, and anyone that knows her, knows that she isn’t one to miss work.

What this family knows, is that they serve an awesome God, and that He doesn’t allow trials to break them, but to build them. They are using their trials to strengthen their faith and build up His kingdom for His glory. We all know that being out of work creates hardships financially. Focusing on the financial burdens of their bills and their need to get their families back together when their son is well enough to move across the country, can prevent their physical and mental healing of all the life event changes going on in their lives. We know that this family would never ask anyone for anything and would be the first to give their service and last dollar to anyone in need. You can ask anyone that knows them what kind of people they are. They love others, and they are the first one to offer to help others. Let’s help them now, during their trials of life, because that is what they would do for any one of us.