Mario Martinez has been preaching at SARM since 1997. His church, Faith Bible Church has been involved with SARM basically since its inception in 1975. The former pastor, Lee Patton who led the church for 46 years until he passed away during Covid, basically made sure someone regularly preached at the Mission on behalf of Faith Bible Church.  

​

Mario says, “It’s been a blessing… It’s a good opportunity to come here….We are sowing seeds.  Each man might not make a decision that night.  But he can never stand before God and say he didn’t know that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone.”

​

Mario is in charge of the Faith Bible Church team of men who faithfully come to SARM every Thursday night.  Mario and his wife have donated and served many meals to the Mission. 

​

At 63 years old, Mario says, “I have been retired for four years now.  I am 100 percent invested in serving the Lord. I want to have a servant heart.  Jesus came to serve.”  Mario’s career was with Coca Cola and later, other vending-related companies. In addition to preaching weekly at SARM, he does evangelism in the community on Monday nights.  He also has a Good Samaritan ministry.  He owns a van in which he keeps clothing, shoes, socks, and other items that he gives to people in need. 

​

“The people here, the staff are great” Mario says of SARM.  “This place has been blessed because they continue to reach the community.  I saw the new dorm built.  The money is being wisely invested.  I admire the work being done here…I believe SARM is doing a great job.” 

​

He says that he knows that he is doing the right thing when the men come up to him after the service and say that they received confirmation from him about their prayers.

​

Mario concludes, “I thank God for allowing me to come to SARM… I am very grateful to be here. “