Hel N Grace

This is a religious writing that contains the biography of the writer's long life of reflections on God's interactions within the needs of the world. All is put in short story form. The author hopes the reader will realize principles contained within the stories and give application to their own life. The stories are real events as revealed through personal experiences. It begins with the author's grandparents and continues though to most recent times. The author contends that our God is the same God from the beginning of the book of Genesis through Revelation. Jesus has revealed himself to be the author of creation with the Father and present with humanity through his Holy Spirit. All gifts of the Spirit, revelation of God's truth, including prophesy are revealed in today's world. God interacts in all people's lives and we can see it if we look for it.

Merlin was dedicated to the Lord for Christian ministry by his parents before he was born. He always felt the calling upon his life, but it wasn't until he had married with six children and at middle age that opportunity came to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree at Wittenberg University and a Master of Divinity at Hamma School of Theology, then accept a call to Parish Ministry. Within a few years Merlin believed that God had given him the massage that he was to leave the church and parish ministry and to 'go back to where he came from'. It came as a shock, but Merlin was obedient. He had given all to become a parish pastor, but went back to plumbing, but knowing within his spirit that God's work was first. Events written in his autobiography are convincing evidence of God's constant presence and care. It can be very encouraging for those who personally reflect on events of their life. Merlin grew up as a tradesman following the mentoring by his father in auto mechanics. He went on to trade school, after that came the grooming for occupations, machinist, construction equipment operator, even Merchant Marines, finally the plumbing trades and owning a plumbing business. Later years found that retirement represented more opportunities. Reflecting later in life Merlin realized that all events of life were meant for the purpose to best serve his Lord and humankind. Merlin has traveled throughout the world in Christian service. Travels took Merlin to the Philippine islands helping set up new Christian fellowships, to Romania taking the first broadcasting transmitter for Christian radio and building facilities for the radio station and Christian Church. Beginning the academic career after nearly twenty years in the trades had not prepared Merlin for the demanding academic challenges of higher education. College was difficult, but assurance of his calling into Christian Ministry was met with determination to go on. It was only many years after college and seminary graduation that Merlin was determined to go on to gain a Doctorate of Theology where he graduated with honors. Merlin and Bessie have been married over sixty years. Bess tells the story that she prayed many times before she knew me that we would marry. When we met she was convinced that I was the one she had prayed into her life.The talents, determination and dedication of their children, many grandchildren , great grandchildren and even great great grandson are proud results of a blessed marriage and of God's love given to the generations.