Pastor David Martinez of Victory Outreach
June 18, 2010
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A dear brother in the Lord and fellow Pastor, 67 year old David Martinez, pastor of Victory Outreach Church of the San Fernando Valley, whose ministry has affected the lives of thousands of former gang members, drug addicts and others over the last 35 years, has gone on to be with the Lord. This was a Godly warrior who served the Lord faithfully here in our city.
He had suffered a heart attack in December and then passed away of of a heart attack on Sunday while vacationing with his family in Yosemite. His son, Miguel, has been attending our church for the past six years.
Dennis McLellan of the L.A. Times reported this week that “The Pacoima-born Martinez, a former gang member, founded Victory Outreach Church of the San Fernando Valley in 1975, after reaching out to the area’s gang members and drug addicts.”
I will miss this Brother in the Lord. He served and reached people that were truly hurting and often times overlooked. He reached those who many deemed unreachable, ministering to those caught up in drugs and gangs. He put his own life on the line to help win people to Jesus. Often times when someone passes there is someone who comes along to pick up the slack. But in my opinion, Pastor Martinez will never be replaced. His love and compassion will be an example for all of us. Our valley was impacted by his life and service. He was a dynamic preacher, a man of prayer and he loved our work here at Shepherd. Every time I ever talked to him he was always so encouraging.
His service is today, (saturday June 19th, 10:30 a.m.) at Shepherd of the Hills Church
David I will miss your smile, your spirit and your ability to reach all men. Praying for your family and your church. May you finally enjoy the Jesus that you so greatly preached about.
In love,
Pastor Dudley C. Rutherford
