Priscilla A. Martin – A Tribute

As we look back on 2020, most people will likely remember it for the pandemic that swept across the globe, which created much loss and tumult. But as the BRF looks back on 2020, we will remember that we lost a faithful servant who took up the cause of Christ and the BRF for many years. In the July/August, 2020 edition of the BRF Witness (Vol. 55, No. 4, p.14), it was noted that on June 17, 2020, Priscilla Ann [Miller] Martin, the lifelong marriage companion of brother Harold S. Martin, entered into the presence of Jesus.

Sister Priscilla was born on August 11, 1934 and grew up in York County, PA. She was the youngest of three children and their family lived in a 2nd floor apartment at 1044 Mt. Rose Avenue in the city of York. Her grandparents lived on the 1st floor.

She graduated from Mt. Rose Junior High School (which went through the 10th grade) in May of 1950. Her parents both grew up in the Church of the Brethren, but in the 1940’s they joined the Dunkard Brethren Church for a number of years. However, they later joined the Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren in Spring Grove, PA. She accepted Christ as Saviour at the age of 13, during a summer revival meeting at the North Codorus Church.

Priscilla got to know of Harold S. Martin by reason of the fact that Harold’s father, Noah W. Martin, was asked to preach at the Pleasant Hill congregation in the spring of 1948. In November of 1948 Harold and Priscilla had their first date and were married on August 31, 1950 (the 20th anniversary of Priscilla’s parents). Harold and Priscilla began housekeeping in the 2nd floor apartment at 1044 Mt. Rose Avenue, where Priscilla had grown up. Harold still had two semesters to spend at Millersville State Teacher’s College, from where he graduated at the end of 1951.

In the fall of 1952 Harold began teaching mathematics at the Spring Grove Junior High School in York County, PA, where he taught until June of 1977. During that time he and Priscilla moved from Mt. Rose Avenue to Powder Mill Road, then to Orchard Road and then finally to a house in North Codorus Township, where they lived for 33 years. In May of 2000 they moved to a cottage at the United Zion Retirement Community in Lititz, PA (Lancaster County). And in 2019, they moved to the Lincoln Christian Home in Ephrata, PA (Lancaster County).

Harold and Priscilla had six children (Stephen, Stanley, Sherwood, Christine, Delphine and Berdene – who went home to be with the Lord on August 9, 2001). As of mid-2017, Harold and Priscilla had (27) grandchildren and (15) great-grandchildren.

Harold was called to be a deacon at the Pleasant Hill congregation in the spring of 1951, and then called into the ministry in the later part of 1952. These callings would define and shape the rest of their lives. Sister Priscilla was a faithful companion in ministry, and was a great encourager to many.
Harold held many revival meetings and teaching conferences over the years, and travelled extensively. And after their youngest child was married in 1988, Priscilla travelled with Harold to almost every preaching and teaching engagement. They also directed (10) international tour groups, mostly to Europe and the Middle East. Harold also had an extensive writing ministry, and Priscilla did a lot of proofreading for him.

Harold has described Priscilla as a very sweet person who related well to people. He noted that during revival meetings she would try to sit with different persons each evening – often with widows and single mothers, or persons who seemed lonely. He also noted that she was a neat dresser and a good cook, preparing healthy meals. In fact, in 1991 Priscilla wrote a cookbook entitled, “Foods That Are Good for You.” It has gone into several countries and has had a printing.

Priscilla also wrote a book in 2017 entitled, “Faithful Living for Young Women.” And in 2006 she taught a class of pastor’s wives at Sharon Mennonite Bible Institute (SMBI), and a class of more than (30) girls and women at Brethren Bible Institute (BBI). One of her stated goals was to do all the good she could, to all the people she could, in all the places she could, and to live simply, so that others could simply live.

Brother Harold has been involved with BRF since its inception in 1959, and he and Priscilla have represented the BRF at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference for many years. Priscilla’s outgoing personality and concern for others has been a great blessing to many and she will be sorely missed. As we look back on 2020, we will remember the life of Priscilla A. Martin, a faithful servant in the service of our Lord.

In 2023, Brethren Maine Missions (BMM) purchased the Building Materials Exchange.  The Last Sheaf Building Materials Exchange provides exposure and connection with the community of Lisbon while offering a variety of new, used, and salvaged building materials, tools, and supplies at greatly reduced prices.

Why “The Last Sheaf?”

The Last Sheaf is a reference from the Bible where God says:

When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19 (NKJV)

Links:

  • https://lastsheafbme.org/

Highlights:

   GOD is faithful! The sun shines and GOD is with us, the rain comes down and GOD is with us.

 

   Since we’ve taken ownership of the Last Sheaf BME, we’ve made roof repairs, insulated the ceiling, repaired walls, etc. There were times it felt like every step we took there was another thing to fix. 

 

   We have two people on staff (Craig Keeney and Peter Bucher) assisted by a tremendous team of volunteers. We work together to make repairs, do pricing and inventory work, assist customers and more.  Interacting with and helping customers is the highlight of our day. People come with material needs; they need product to build or repair their home. People come with spiritual and emotional needs, as well. We purpose to get to know the individuals who come through our doors in order to share hope, truth, and love.

 

   One individual who had visited the Last Sheaf a couple of times was loud, large, and in charge. He had a “Goliath” personality. He made me quake in my boots a little (maybe a lot). His language was at times not appropriate anywhere, but especially not in a public place. One day he was standing right beside me and was about to speak that which I did not want to hear.  In a very quiet voice, I called him by name and before I could say any more, he apologized and said, “You are right. I shouldn’t be talking like that.”  Then he launched into a spiritual conversation with me. I was totally taken off guard by the change. He has been a different person ever since. Now he is more like a “David” personality. I now look forward to opportunities to speak with him.

 

   Donations of products/materials as well as finances are always appreciated, but the prayers of the saints are as vital a need to the work at the Last Sheaf, as anything.

Just as in biblical times the last sheaves of grain from a harvest were to be left behind to benefit the needy, we are taking leftover building materials, tools, and supplies and making them available at greatly reduced prices to those in need.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to benefit low-income homeowners, and to reduce waste in the environment by repurposing surplus building materials, enabling low income homeowners to better maintain their homes.

THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Captivity… Dreams… Rulers… Fire… Lions… Prayers… Kingdoms. From a dedicated youth to a faithful sage, Daniel’s life stands as an example to follow.  Yet beyond his personal life, God gifted Daniel with a message of future events.  Though difficult to grasp, these events would shape the world for the coming Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ as King.

STUDIES IN LUKE

Luke presents a warmly personal and historically accurate account of Jesus as “the Son of Man.” This course will survey the Third Gospel, with emphasis on the unique events, miracles, and parables of Jesus found in it.

HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

This class will provide a broad overview of general church history. We will then focus on the Anabaptist and Pietist movements, especially as they relate to the formation and development of the Brethren groups. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

ONE FOUNDATION

This course is intended to lay down a measure in a world where truth is slippery and often subject to interpretation. Where “Christian Values” become a political slogan, and “good people” are our allies despite their faulty core beliefs. Where Facebook “friends” post memes about the power of God, despite a lifestyle that is anything but Godly. In the process we often fight among ourselves, doing Satan’s work for him. The purpose of this course is to lay the measure of Jesus Christ against the cults, religions, and worship in our contemporary world.

THE APOCRYPHA

While Protestant translations of the Bible contain 66 books, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches recognize additional canonical books as well.  Where did these books, collectively known as the Apocrypha, come from and why aren’t they part of our Bible?  How reliable are they, and what value is there in studying them?

STUDIES IN 1 AND 2 PETER

The goal of this class is to acquire a firm grasp of the teachings and themes of these two general epistles. Peter covers topics from salvation and suffering to spiritual deception and the return of Christ. These letters are packed with warnings and encouragements for Christian living.

THE GREAT I AM’S OF CHRIST

A detailed study of Jesus Christ and His relationship to the “I Am” metaphors in John’s gospel. Why did Jesus describe himself in these terms? How do they relate to each other? We will look at spiritual and practical applications to further our Christian growth.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES: AN AMERICAN CULT

Have you ever been visited by someone who said they wanted to study the Bible with you so that you might discover the truth together?  Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to have much in common with evangelical Christians, and they seem to be well versed in the scriptures.  But what do they really believe and how can we effectively witness to those who have been ensnared by this false religion?

THE BOOK OF HOSEA

While we may consider Hosea as one of the minor prophets, his message vividly illustrates the major doctrine in all Scriptures.  The theme of God’s unconditional love is magnified and extended beyond those deserving it.  God expresses tender words towards His erring people inviting them to turn from sin to reconciliation with Him.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

This course will look at basic principles and polity of leading the local church. We will examine the balance between upholding a spiritually focused organism of ministry and cultivating proper order for effective organization. Practical applications will be emphasized. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.