Foreword

“Are Angels not all ministering spirits, sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit eternal salvation? Therefore, we must pay closer attention to what we have heard…” (Hebrews 1:14 -2:1).

G od’s Word is replete with the mention of angels. We find them intervening in the affairs of nations, often executing judgment upon them. Angels are found to offer comfort, herald the Gospel, and guide the people of God. They are also shown to afford relief and protection for the people of God regardless of crisis. The latter are known as Guardian Angels.

Russell L. Martin is a multi-gifted brother in Christ. He is an exceptionally gifted storyteller. He is excited about sharing the Gospel and fleshing it out. Whether it be in his beloved song lyrics and music he composes for the body of Christ or in his writing of this book, Rusty loves glorifying God.

I first discovered Rusty Martin when I became his Worship Pastor at New Prospect Baptist Church in 2010. I could tell as I led worship that Rusty loved the Lord. His whole manner of worship was so reverent and respectful of God’s presence among us. Not much time had passed when my wife, Sandy and I were invited to his home. He and his wife, Laura welcomed us with open arms. We quickly realized we were all kindred spirits. I soon appreciated that what you see is what you get with my friend Rusty. He is what you call the genuine article. He is a man of God. He loves his wife, family, and his horses. The deep southern “country” life suits him to a tee. Let me warn you now, don’t let that “southern gentleman” nature fool you. Rusty has been around, he’s had ups and downs in his life. He’s seen a thing or two, because he’s been involved with a thing or two. All of this is Rusty Martin and so much more. It forces him to create. It drives him to communicate. It motivates him to produce and fashion incredible stories about that which matters to him most, that which has saved his life, and gripped his heart…His God.

As much as I am astounded by the songwriter who is Rusty Martin. I am even more excited about the storyteller, Russell L Martin. When he first told me about writing this book, I had no doubt that he could. However, I marveled at the short period of time that it took him to write this book. The only explanation is the fullness of God in his life and therefore the prompting of the Spirit. I am convinced this book was written from a place of overflow; a place where the words flow like the water over the rocks of a southern creek.

I am an educated man; it has been my delight to read many books. There are a rare few novels that caused my soul to tremble and my mind’s eye to see so vividly that which the author writes about. “Scars of my Guardian Angel” is such a rare book indeed.

I want to be in that throne room when God scolds Satan: “Silence son of darkness. Have you wisdom so great that you now see into the mind of The Alpha and Omega? Were you there when I formed the springs of the deep, or when I breathed life into the nostrils of man?”

I am transported to Heaven when one finds out about the athletic prowess of one John the Baptist and that we might find a baseball league there, when we read “…when I first got to Tabula Rosa, he hinted around about playing baseball, Allayer and Nipper said he was a strikeout king.”

I rejoice at the visual imagery and heart capturing script that is the “Valley of the Children” “God calls this the Valley of the Children because this is where we receive the aborted babies…Tears of joy fill my eyes as the ancestor pulls the aborted baby back through the portal…” Wow, glory to God!!

This book is full of real life stories mixed with the possible spiritual activities of God we will find on the other side of death. When I first picked this book up to read, I could not put it down. It is full of hope and mystery. One can find tears of sadness and joy in these pages. I can easily see Heaven and walk down her golden avenues and admire the various mansions. I am reminded of the wiles of the devil and to know my enemy. You can quickly realize an Angel’s role in your life as a child of God. There is so much here to digest, and such an easy read.

Find yourself a quiet place and a couple hours. Be prepared to feel the brush of angel wings, the wrinkle of a gentle smile as it appears on your face, and then hear the gentle breeze through the trees and the laughter of aborted children as they run across your front lawn. You will struggle to walk away from the journey of Chado Cole. Do not be afraid to embrace the nearness of God.

Russell L. Martin knows he has a Guardian Angel. That knowledge has caused him to share this incredible tale of what it could be like to be in a personal relationship with your protecting Angel. Furthermore, and more importantly, to be in a relationship with a Savior that provides that Angel for you! It is my prayer that God will use this book to bring you great encouragement and joy in your journey.

Rev. Ronnie J. LaLande

CEO, GospelMaxx

www.gospelmaxx.com