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 From early childhood Martin knew he had been called to service for God's will. Not knowing much about differences in faiths, he wanted to become a priest. By the time he had entered Jr. High School he knew he was to preach God's Word. He always had his Bible in hand, in and out of school. At that time he was attending a local Baptist church. At the age of 14 he had a talk about what he thought God was calling him to do with the pastor of the church and was set on a path of study and reading.
He married at 16 and within months was back to speaking God's word. He had been called to the home office of the Southern Baptist and was asked if he would be interested in pastoring a small church in one of the neighboring towns. Being very young and full of enthusiasm for God, he said yes. Martin pastored that church for one year.
During the summer of 1981 his grandfather (UPC) has asked if he would come to a revival his church was having. Martin talked to my wife about it and they both decided that it would be nice to show him a little family support. His grandfather told him that it is a good time to go, because there was a very strong movement of the Holy Ghost happening at this revival. Martin prayed all day for God's will.
Upon arriving to the United Pentecostal Church evening revival service the only thing Martin could say was, "WOW! What a movement of God!". Martin received the Holy Ghost that evening and was baptized in the name of Jesus. The next morning he went back and give his notice at the Baptist church, finished there one month later. Now with the anointing of the Holy Spirit he was even more on fire for the Lord than he had ever been. He began a new series of Bible studies and all the reading requirements that the UPC had for their ministers. He finished their requirements and once again started preaching, but this time things were different.
Martin's marriage ended in 1985. This is when he became angry with God and the church and was out of church for quiet a few years.
Martin says, "I can Praise the Lord that I'm back and He has laid His calling on my heart even stronger than before. Many things have changed from those earlier walks with God. I have raised my two daughters alone and they have turned out just fine. I have come to terms with my own sexuality and am out to my family and friends. I also have a stronger love for my Lord. I think about His love and all that He has done for me and the tears start to flow. I have deeper, more intense feelings than I had in years past, so my walk with God can be almost overwhelming at times. I just remember that this is when He embraces me and carries me."
Martin has recently relocated in central Illinois, near Springfield, to be close to his mother and other family members.
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