The golf team at Williams Baptist University is adding lifelong golfer Nathan Martin to the squad this fall. Martin signed with WBU on January 29 surrounded by friends, teachers, coaches, family and most importantly, his mother and father.

Martin has led his high school golf team to earn two conference championships, according to Sylvan Hills High School Golf Coach Greg Frantal. “When I first saw his swing, I knew he was a natural,” Frantal commented.

At the age of four, young Martin’s natural ability became apparent because of his father, David. He picked up his first golf club after finding his father chipping shots in the backyard, and what began as curiosity about his father’s hobby quickly transformed into his own personal passion.

David admitted, “Nathan quickly became better than me at golf, but it’s okay because it’s an absolute joy to watch him play.”

At the age of 16, Martin’s life was forever changed by the heartbreaking news that his father had cancer. While most would assume that Nathan would be driven to despair by that crushing news, he said God’s grace and peace delivered almost the exact opposite effect.

David led his family not to dwell on what they might not have, but rather to be thankful for what they do have. Nathan and his mother Jennie both say readily that they are walking examples of God taking care of people during life’s toughest seasons.

“The journey has been tough, but it’s our story and it’s what has made Nathan the young man that he is today,” wrote Jennie.

David is still fighting cancer, but from his perspective, every day with his family is a gift. It is his hope and everyone’s prayer that David will get to see Nathan move into college and compete in a college golf match.  That will happen this fall, as Nathan begins his journey with the WBU Eagles.

Williams is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge, Ark.