LEGACY

“Legacy isn’t what you leave for people, it is what you leave in people.”

Martin Sanders, a man who crossed over from this side of eternity to the next, leaving behind one large wake of a legacy, has completed his race. We are eternally grateful. A few snapshots of the man.

“How old are you in your mind right now?”

That question was our first real introduction to Martin. Ingrid had just spoken at a large denominational event. Even though the word on the street was that it was excellent, she was tearing her talk apart - “I wish I had done this,” “I left out my final story.”

Martin, “how often do you do this?”

Ingrid, “do what?”

Martin, “tear your own work apart.”

Ingrid, “I just wanted it to be better.”

Martin, “how old are you in your mind right now?”

Probing - yes!

Ingrid’s response, “who are you and who asks a question like that?”

Probing - yes! Mean spirited - no! Martin was a soul doctor and simply making a diagnosis.

This led to one of the most transformative mentoring relationships that I (Chuck) have had the privilege of watching up close and personal. Martin started the process of transformation that makes Ingrid the person and minister of the gospel of the kingdom that she is today.

We minister around the world and meet people who were asked the same question by Martin and it led to the same transformation. People interested in growth - whole person inner and outer growth - found a great mentor on the other side of that question. People just wanting to be coddled never got past that question.

After transformation, Martin was about equipping and empowering.

After that first meeting, our family returned to Mali, where I assumed the Field Director role. I was in over my head. One day, a box of books showed up. Martin had mailed them months earlier. Some of the best resources that could help a young leader.

A few weeks later, the phone rang in the office in Koutiala. It was Martin checking in. Our family never called us in Mali. Martin didn’t care what it cost. People, and leaders of people, were worth the investment.

Then in God’s design, our next assignment would be in Nyack, at Alliance Theological Seminary. Seven years of rubbing shoulders. Coaching, learning, door opening - that is what Martin did for us!

And not just for us, our family. Martin was present for the big events, the major rites of passage, and simply to ask probing questions. Ask our adult kids about some of his questions.

Martin, “Chuck, you work too hard. You need to work smart. You need a fun coach.” Martin became my fun coach - England, Ukraine, France, Australia, Ireland - all involved hard and meaningful work but with moments of renewal worked in. I have learned to play and keep my soul well watered because of Martin.

Martin, “I’ll come as one of your keynote speakers but only if you will invite Ingrid as well.” That was the first time that organization had a woman speaker and it was Ingrid’s open door to international ministry. She has now ministered in over 40 countries.

We have so many Martin stories. We have so many Martin memories. But our favorite Martin line is one that we are reminded of by others we meet around the world.

Martin, “Chuck and Ingrid, together, are my best friend.”

Martin was a giant in the kingdom. Physically and spiritually. He had that big teddy bear warmth that made hugs safe. He had that Jesus-like ability to look into your soul that kept him from being soft.

No one person could ever be Martin’s best friend. He was a giant. All of us who had the privilege of being embraced by the shadow of his hug or of being launched in his love, are his best friend.

Martin - faithful son, brother, uncle. He carried the Sanders name well.

Martin - faithful husband. He carried Dianna across many thresholds.

Martin - faithful father. He was and is so proud - he could brag about Beau, Aime, Lauren and Eric without making it about himself.

Martin - faithful friend. Tell your Martin story to someone today to inspire them.

Martin - faithful blesser. When he opened his hands to bless or give a benediction, you were embraced by the Father.

Martin - faithful minister of the gospel of the kingdom. With Martin, you experienced Jesus, you just didn’t hear about Jesus.

Idyllic life? Far from it. Martin suffered loss like no person I have met on earth. His life has been like a contemporary biblical Job. I could never get my mind around how much he has had to endure. Martin and I sat around the fire pit on several occasions and talked about his suffering. Our conversations would always end with me shaking my head, “I just don’t get it.” And my prayer for Martin, “please Lord, give him a break.”

So the Lord has given him the best break possible. Martin has finished his race. He has seen his Master’s face - the one whom he proclaimed as Savior and Lord to so many - and there is no better reward.

He is reunited with his family and friends that have gone before him, and most importantly his beloved Dianna. They were a team. And the next time we get to be present with them will be in the presence of the crucified, risen, and ascended Jesus.

What a legacy! His name is not on any building. He does not leave behind a huge institution that bears his name. He leaves behind us. And how we invest in the people around us keeps growing his legacy. It is a generational legacy. It is a multiplication legacy. It is a Jesus legacy.

Lord, thank you for allowing us to walk on earth with this giant of a man, friend and colleague.