Andrew David Martin

Andrew David Martin Sr., beloved man of God who served over 60 years in the ministry, went home to be with the Lord on April 16, 2026, at the age of 86.

Andrew was born on May 7, 1939, in Bayou Blue, Louisiana, to Charlie and Bella (Matherne) Martin. On December 5, 1959, he married Ann (LeBlanc) Martin. Together, they raised three children, David, Becky, and Cecil, and, over the years, opened their home to countless traveling evangelists and visiting pastors. Their family always included the church family-prayer, scripture, and old songs of the church filled every room.

Andrew began preaching at Bayou Blue Assembly of God at age 17. Apart from short periods working at a dairy farm and roughnecking offshore, he spent his days answering the call to preach the Gospel. In the first half of his ministry, he would become known as Bro. Martin and would study under Louisiana's greatest full gospel ministers, such as Bro. Cecil Janway, Bro. Howard Holton, and Bro. Marvin Gorman. He would lead congregations in Thibodeaux, Venice, Crowley, and Westlake. He would do more than just preach, he would pastor, visiting hospitals and nursing homes, praying over graduates each May, ushering in the new year with watch-night service, laying loved ones to rest, dedicating newborns, marrying, baptizing, on the rare occasion, singing.

The second half of his ministry was almost never lived, as Bro. Martin received a death sentence at age 38. Sent home to die of cancer, he refused, declaring that he wished to live long enough to see his grandchildren-if the Lord was willing, he would be healed. The Lord willed him not only to live but to shepherd the congregation of Grand Lake Faith Temple for the next 40 years. There, he would preach every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night, offering the faithful members of his congregation at least 6,000 sermons about the Lord and His love. He would lead over 50 mission trips to Mexico, building churches and providing food, clothes, and toys to families under the care of missionaries at the U.S./Mexico border. He would read the Bible from cover to cover at least once every year.

For the rest of his days, Bro. Martin never did anything if the Lord wasn't willing. Would he leave next week for that vacation in Branson? "Lord willing." Did he plan on buying that new car? "Lord willing." Were we still on to meet for dinner at Tony's Pizza after Sunday night service? "Lord willing." No matter the place or circumstance, he was always in the Lord's will. Bro. Martin understood that "the gifts of God are without repentance," meaning that if the Lord anoints you to preach, then you will preach until your soul leaves this world. No surprise that among his final words were an assurance that "the anointing of God will fall on the church." Amen.

Bro. Martin was preceded in his passing by his father, Charlie, his mother, Bella, his brothers, Luke, Kirk, and Silas, his sister, Margie (Boudreaux), and his son, Andrew David Martin, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Ann, his daughter, Becky, his son, Cecil, his son-in-law, Daryl, his daughter-in-law, Mona, and his grandchildren, Samantha (and husband Jacob) and Megan (and husband Andrew), as well as his great-granddaughters, Stella and Eloise.

None of them will soon forget the teachings of their husband, their dad, their paw-paw, whose love and wisdom far exceeded the pulpit. Their lives reflect the Aaronic blessing he prayed over them, which, in Hebrew scripture was more of a promise than a possibility: "The Lord will bless you and keep you. The Lord will make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord will lift his countenance upon you. And the Lord will give you peace."

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Grand Lake Faith Temple. A funeral service, led by Scotty Poole, will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m., with a graveside service shortly thereafter. The family would like to express their gratitude for Danny Kingham who was Bro. Martin's most cherished friend and for Access Urgent Care and Heart of Hospice who offered care during his life and peace during in his transition. If you would like to honor Bro. Martin, provide a donation in his name to Grand Lake Faith Temple in lieu of flowers.