Eric Martin

Horizon SouthBay Church

• Contact: 3737 Sweetwater Rd., National City, 619-500-2663, www.horizonsouthbay.com
• Membership: 100+
• Pastor: Eric Martin  
• Age: 51
• Born: Charleston, SC
• Formation: San Diego State University; Horizon Christian Fellowship-School of Evangelism, San Diego
• Years Ordained: 17

San Diego Reader: What is the mission of your church?

Pastor Eric Martin: Our mission is the same as every Calvary Chapel church—to win, disciple, and send. We win people to Christ through evangelization, by going out into the community to help people come to know who Jesus Christ is and how, through him, they may have eternal life. We disciple people by teaching the word of God in Bible studies and foundation classes, and by showing others who have come to Christ how to outreach and evangelize — how to teach God’s word to others. Then, finally, we send people out to continue to do the work of bringing others to Jesus Christ.

SDR: Where’s the strangest place you found God?

PM: One day I was riding the downtown trolley, trying to get to where I was going, when I felt God telling me to share the gospel with my fellow passengers. But I responded, “I don’t think that’s what I’d like to do right now, so if you really want me to do this, you’re going to have to point to one person I’ll share your word with. But to stand up and share your word with everyone—that’s not something I’m comfortable with.” So, I didn’t do it and I felt guilty. I kept thinking that maybe someone on the trolley that day needed to hear God’s word and I didn’t share it. So, I prayed and sought the Lord and asked him for repentance. The next week, I was on the trolley again and I knew in my heart that I was going to share God’s word. I shared what Jesus says in John 7:38: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” I finished speaking and thought that no one was listening — everyone had their earphones in their ears. But as I began to sit down, people began clapping — and someone gave me money, shook my hand and said, “I never heard someone share the gospel or God on the trolley before. Thank you!” And I thought at that moment that I had found my calling. I was going to be a trolley preacher. So, I got onto another trolley and shared again. But this time no one listened and no one responded. That’s when I realized that whatever else God wanted out of me that day, he just wanted me to be faithful and obedient to him.

SDR: Where do you go when you die?

EM: I believe what the Bible teaches — that there is a heaven and a hell. Whoever confesses Jesus as their lord and savior will go to heaven and be with God in heaven. However, those who do not, will be in hell — will suffer separation from God for all eternity. Because of both the promise of heaven and the threat of hell, we want to share the gospel with as many people as possible, to let them know there is hope in Jesus Christ. God does not desire that anyone goes to hell. He’s provided a way to heaven through his son’s death and resurrection, but God also respects free will. If someone is determined not to be with God in heaven, God respects that decision.