Photo by William Krause on Unsplash
An interview with Martina Keast
Since becoming a grandmother in 2016, I have had an interest in nurturing the faith of my grandchildren.
Through this series, I want to learn — and share — what other grandparents are doing to intentionally pass on their Christian faith to the next generation.
Martina Keast lives in Edmonton, Alberta. She gave her heart to Jesus at 25 when her kids were invited to Sunday School. The pastor of St. Albert Nazarene Church drove her and her children to church every Sunday, as she was a single parent while the children’s father was in jail.
Do you go to church? If yes, what denomination?
“Yes, while in BC (during the summer we are here), we attend a Pentecostal Church. In Edmonton, we attend a United Church.”
How many grandchildren do you have?
“Four biological. nine step-grandchildren (it’s complicated), one great-grandchild.”
What do your grandchildren call you? Why?
“Oma. Because I am of German heritage and because it is easier than calling all of the various step-grandmas and real grandmas, and oh, it’s a mess.”
What ages are your grandchildren?
“24, 22, 12, 9 (34? 33? 31? 28? don’t know the rest) 6, 4.”
Did you raise their parents Christian? If so, what sorts of things did you do with them?
“Yes. Sunday School, VBS, Christian School, Home Schooling.
“But we were not living a Christian lifestyle at home. It was all to put on a show.”
What Christian traditions did you participate in with your children? Do you do the same with your grands (grandchildren)?
“None, because my partner was against everything, and I was in survival mode.
“I was deeply depressed, putting on a good face at church, and being extremely miserable and awful at home. Apparently, I screamed at my kids a lot.”
If you raised your children Christian, are they still practicing?
“My children believe in God but they are not attending churches anywhere. I did not model true Christian love. I modelled the opposite. Why would anyone want that?”
How do your children feel about you sharing your faith with their children?
“I am not allowed to share my faith with two of the biological ones. The other two are older. It’s their choice. The two younger ones, my partner’s, yes.”
How do you share the Bible with your grandchildren?
“I don’t.”
Do you have a favourite Bible verse specific to raising godly children?
“No.”
What sort of activities/games do you do with your grandchildren to reinforce their faith?
“I gave several years of my life to babysitting my grandchildren to help my daughters and to spend time with the grandchildren. I spent a few years with the older biological ones riding bikes, taking them to the Boy’s Club and I took them to their first Christian Summer Camp.”
How do you share prayer with your grandchildren?
“I don’t see them very often.”
How do you pray for your grands?
“I am ashamed to say it, but I rarely pray for them. But when I do, I make sure that I pray God’s will for them, not mine.
“I pray for them to have jobs, to keep them safe, to not kill themselves if depressed.
“I used to pray that they would not get into drugs and alcohol. This seems to be a prayer that was answered with the two older ones. I pray for them to have safe spouses and healthy children.”
Do you have a special bedtime or mealtime prayer that you say with your grands? If so, please share it here.
“I am not allowed.”
What suggestions/words of advice can you offer other grandparents?
“Love Jesus with all your heart.
“Forgive yourself for any mistakes you made, even those that brought harm to your children and miserable lives to your grandchildren.
“Trust the Lord in all things. Give Him all the praise and glory. Do what He has called you to do. Never put kids or grandkids before the call of God.”
What mistakes/words of caution can you offer other grandparents?
“If you, like me, raised your children in a volatile, chaotic, unsafe home, learn to forgive yourself.
“Offer heartfelt apologies.
“When you are ready, stop trying to make up for anything you did, live your life for Jesus, and trust Him to make everything come together in His time. Do not become or stay codependent. Get healing, seek counselling, therapy, or whatever you need to heal yourself.
“Begin modelling a new way of life and leave a legacy that will leave your story of transformation behind for generations to come.”
Are there any resources that you would recommend to other grandparents?
“The Power of a Praying Grandparent by Stormie Omartian, The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian, Prayers That Avail Much by Germaine Copeland and Praying God’s Word by Dr. Hazel Hill.
Are you comfortable sharing a prayer here?
Dear Jesus, I pray for every grandparent listening to this message. Please help them to let go of any guilt, shame, frustration, and anger toward themselves.
Please help them to look to You for their future, and their transformation. Give them an idea on how to leave a grand legacy behind.
I pray for the grandchildren, those near and far. Fill them with Your love, grace, and mercy. Keep them safe as they attend school, work, and extracurricular activities. Send your angels for their safety.
I also pray for the parents. Help them to forgive the past, and heal their trauma, pain, and any injuries experienced. I pray that as they are willing to release some of their anger, that you would fill them with love, mercy, and grace. Give them hope that as a family unit lives can be transformed as they surrender to the one and only Jesus Christ of the Bible.
Bio:
Martina is a doctoral student, author, spiritual wellness coach, Expressive Art Practitioner, and online course creator who experienced recovery from sexual abuse, domestic trauma, depression, dissociation, and codependency. She is blessed to serve Jesus as a World Changer. Here are a few places you can find her: https://msha.ke/releasingcreativestream