Dear readers,
We are excited to announce the addition of Deacon Desiderio “Dez” Martinez and Dr. Cindy Sena-Martinez, MSCP, PhD to the Must Read Alaska writing team. Deacon Dez and Dr. Cindy will be writing for Faith Watch, a developing section of our website focused on providing well-reasoned commentary on political and social issues from a biblical perspective.
Deacon Dez is a retired Air Force Veteran, currently working for Pratt & Whitney as a Senior Technician on the F119 Engine for the F-22 Raptor. He was ordained as a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church 23 years ago.
Dr. Cindy is a Thomistic Psychologist and Fullness of Life Coach who weaves the timeless wisdom of Thomas Aquinas with modern psychological insight to help others flourish as the body/soul composites God created them to be. Her life and work are nourished by the same deep wellsprings: quiet time in God’s presence, contemplative study of the Creator and the human person as He designed us, cherished moments with family, the joy of discovering new places through travel, and the peace of being immersed in the grandeur of nature. Dr. Cindy works one-on-one with individuals and families in a journey toward wholeness through holiness, helping them to live with greater freedom, purpose, and joy in every dimension of their humanity.
Deacon Dez and Dr. Cindy have been married for 40 years and have 4 children and 8 grandchildren with another on the way. Deacon Dez and Dr. Cindy have called Alaska home for 32 years.
1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” This verse will guide Faith Watch, as we strive to share the truth of God’s Word and defend our Christian faith.
Respect does not mean a lack of boldness and passion. Gentleness does not exclude the discussion of hard truths and tough logic. Our society is starving for Truth. And we are taking an unequivocal stance: ultimate Truth is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
Despite fundamental disagreements between Catholic and Protestant communities, Christians of differing denominations believe the same core truth: humanity is in desperate need of a Savior from sin and Jesus Christ is that Savior. All who are willing to come to Jesus Christ are set free through Him and made righteous through His perfect righteousness. There are many important theological points, but this is the core of the Christian faith and that which we defend most ardently: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human, he died on a cross and rose again for the salvation of the world, and He exists in triune relationship with God the Father and the Holy Spirit.
The degradation of our culture is of far more importance than denominational differences between Christians who worship the same God. The conscience must be pricked. The soul must be awakened to the evil around us. We must seek Truth, Justice, and Love— all of which are perfected in God Almighty alone.
The story of Jonah reminds us that we must go to Nineveh. We must go where it is hard. This is the only way we will reach the people that God wants us to reach. We are not seeking the perfect words, the perfect theological arguments, or the perfect people. We will plant seeds, allow others to water, and always look to God to bring the increase.
We are excited to welcome Deacon Dez and Dr. Cindy to our team. They bring with them a unique skillset, experience, and ministry that will shine light into our Alaskan culture and communities. Must Read Alaska is humbled to use our platform to glorify Jesus Christ and to unabashedly proclaim what we know to be true, what we know to be just, and what we know to be love.
God bless,
The MRAK Team
