Above and Beyond - Virginia Dunk Team

Amy Martin

Personal

1.	What is you name/Age?	Amy Martin; 19

2.	Year in school?	Sophomore

3.	Major?	Women’s Ministry; Child and Adolescent Psychology

4.	Hometown?	Stafford, Virginia

5.	Members of your family?	4: Mom, Dad, 1 Sister- Emily

6.	Birthday?	June 1, 1987

7.	3 favorite bands?	Barlow Girl, Jeremy Camp, Relient K, Nickelback, Switchfoot, Creed, Evanescence

8.	3 favorite movies?	Anchorman, Emperor’s New Groove, A Walk To Remember

9.	Favorite sports team?	Washington Redskins and Indianapolis Colts

10.	How long have you been apart of the team?	Since November 12, 2006

Preferences

1.	Seinfeld or Friends?	Friends

2.	Shoes or Sandals?	Sandals

3.	Beaches or Mountains?	Beaches

4.	Right or Left handed?	Both Handed

5.	Double mini or Mini?	Double mini

6.	Main Course or Dessert ?	Main Course

Fun

1.	Your best dunk ? Your favorite dunk? Your favorite dunk to watch? A. Under the Leg B. Flip Dunks C. The new 2-Ball Flip Pass

2.	Dunks that you have invented and named? None…yet

3.	Most embarrassing moment on team? Trying to learn a 360…I look hilarious!

4.	Most inspiring moment on team? Learning 3 or 4 new dunks all in one day!

5.	Favorite cartoon character? Princess Jasmine

6.	Your biggest fear? Breaking bones, getting my heart broken

7.	What is your nickname on the team? Um…I don’t think I have one…yet

8.	Injuries? None yet…praise God!!!

Relationship

1.	Favorite Verse?
	Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

2.	Why did you join Above and Beyond?
	I know that this is where God wants me to be right now.

3.	Best aspect of Above and Beyond?
	Reaching teens where they are at with affinity groups that they are interested in. Above and Beyond is an excellent ministry in that it uses a “secular” activity to reach today’s teens. In today’s society the church cannot expect the typical teenager to freely walk through the doors. Above and Beyond has taken ministry to a different level. We have the opportunity to go to the teens because we are not the typical “Christian group”, and when the time is right, we have the opportunity to present the Word to them.

4.	Favorite ministry experience?
	Before I was even on the team officially, I got the chance to pray with several girls after a dunk ministry in Northern Virginia. It was awesome to see the automatic influence that I had on them! I love the part after the ministries when we get to socialize with and minister to the kids/teens. It’s so awesome to see God work in their lives!

5.	How do you prepare yourself for a ministry?
	Lots of prayer and mental focusing

6.	At least 3 people that have influenced you the most?
	1. My Mom and Dad- my parents are the most amazing people in the world! I am so thankful for them and all that they have done for me. 2. My Home Church Pastor: John Hodgen- When I was going through some really tough times at school and even at church, he was such an encouragement to me! He is an amazing man of God that I look up to so much! 3. On the Dunk team: K.J., Jeremy, Tony and Steve: These guys are amazing men of God! Since I have been hanging out with the team, they have impacted me so much and in so many ways! Thanks guys!!

7.	How & Why did you decide to give you life back to Christ?
	I was in church from day one, and I am so thankful that I grew up in a Christian home. I got saved when I was four, so I say that I was saved from a lot not out of a lot. I used to think that I didn’t really have a story, because I got saved when I was little and I never got involved in drugs or alcohol or any of that. Over the years I have learned that we all have a testimony to share that can impact somebody. I went to a Christian school from 4th-12th grade and I went through some very tough times concerning my beliefs, which made me angry with God. I didn’t understand why God would allow me to go through bad situations. I had to learn to trust Him in everything. We don’t always know or understand what God’s full plan is because we only see the small picture. However, God sees the big picture and He knows what is best for us! Looking back, I am so thankful for everything that I have been through because I have learned so many life lessons from it all!

8.	How have you grown since joining Above and Beyond?
	Since I started coming to practices back in February of 2005, I have grown soooo much! In dunk practice one day, we talked about living Above and Beyond as a lifestyle every day and that point has stuck in my head ever since. I am striving to live a lifestyle that is Above and Beyond not just in practice and at a dunk ministry but wherever I am every day.

9.	What aspect of the Above and Beyond life still challenges you the most?
	Not being stagnant. I think that many times we get in a place where we are just okay with life where we are. I want to always be striving to be better…to be more and more like Christ.

10.	Where do you see God calling you?
	Full-time ministry to teen girls. My passion is for girls specifically ages 8-15. I believe that the world through MTV, Cosmopolitan, etc… is reaching that age group and I want the church to reach them for Christ! Middle school is a tough time for girls, and my desire is to help them find their identity in Jesus Christ.

11.	What is your vision for Above and Beyond’s future?
	Above and Beyond has the potential to make world-wide changes! In today’s culture, reaching teens where they are at is so deeply needed. Above and Beyond is one of the best ways to help teens find God in this culture where they question everything. Our method of ministry may be different than what most people are used to, but our message will always be the same. Jesus Christ is our Savior and King and we do everything to honor and glorify Him! If you have any questions about God or just about life I would love to hear from you! My e-mail address is almartin2@liberty.edu. Well…that’s all from me! God Bless!! Live Above and Beyond!!!