Dr. Martin served for 40 years as an Ordained United Methodist pastor in the Western North Carolina Conference. He is a Vietnam combat veteran serving with the 26th Marines at Khe Sanh in 1968. He has been married to Shirley Bruce for over 49 years, have one son and two grandchildren. His family is now living their retirement in Greensboro, North Carolina. He received his undergraduate degree from Pfeiffer College, Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, and his Doctor of Ministry from Trinity. Growing up a preacher's kid gave a unique perspective on ministry. He has learned over the years that relationships are of vital importance for ministry to go forward. Usually appointed to churches that needed some relationship building, Dr. Martin knew that skills as a listener, putting others first, and seeing all of us on the same journey helped to heal past broken relationships and build even stronger ones for the years to come. I believe you will see his relationship with his congregations and those who called upon him to help in time of need between the lines as he spoke to the grieving hearts before him in each of these situations. It is his hope and prayer that you will receive some comfort, grace and peace as you read through and meditate upon the grieving heart.