Rev. Dr. Andrew Martinez and Family

At a special congregational meeting on Sunday, March 13, the Rev. Dr. Andrew Peter Martinez was confirmed as the future Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church.

Here is some background about the Martinez family, who is presently living on the Outer Banks in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

Andrew  (“Reverend Andy” or just “Andy”) was born in Temple, Texas and grew up in Dallas as one of seven children. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gordon College, a Christian school in Hamilton-Wenham, Mass.; a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree, Church Growth concentration, from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif. For the past six years he has served as Pastor/ Head of Staff at a Presbyterian church in N.C. Previously, he was Head of Staff and Co-Pastor in Waynesburg, Pa. Before that, he served as Assistant Pastor in Calif. As a Pastoral intern, he worked secular jobs while helping to found three new churches. He also has served as Director/Vice-President of Dallas Can! Academy, an alternative school that gives troubled kids a second chance in life.

Andy is an avid biker who loves being outdoors and enjoying nature. He likes to hunt and fish, and recently learned to golf. He loves to read and enjoys being with people and seeing how God works in their lives. He is passionate about teaching, and feels his gift is to be a catalyst. Six months ago he spent time focusing on his values and re-clarifying his direction in life. He is thrilled to see the gifts in each person and amazed at what people can do with those gifts when they are encouraged and affirmed. Rev. Andy and Lisa have three children, Peter, Lauren and Joy Claire. You can read more about them below. His father (a doctor) and his mother (a nurse) are retired in Cape Cod, Mass.

Lisa   has been married to Andrew for 29 years and was born in Quincy, Illinois. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a theater major from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Fuller theological University in Pasadena, CA. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 1993 and a Counselor Under Supervision since 1983. As a teenager she attended Interlochen Arts Camp. She enjoys kayaking and swimming. She also enjoys singing the Star Spangled Banner for marathons and sports events. Lisa’s parents are realtors in Quincy, Ill. and attend the Presbyterian Church there.

Peter   is 21 years old, a junior at Appalachian State University in N.C., where he is majoring in pre-med and also an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) working on his paramedic certification, and a Wilderness EMT and guide. As a community group leader for Campus Crusade for Christ for the last two years, Peter has discipled underclassmen. He has been an ocean rescue lifeguard supervisor for five years, surfs any chance he gets, and is an avid rock climber and adventurer. Within two weeks of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Peter had organized the first medical missionary team to serve there. During his visit here in January, Peter asked lots of great questions about our church.

Lauren  is 20 years old and a sophomore at Wake Forest University in N.C. majoring in political science with a double minor in Latin American studies and art. She is presently studying abroad in Santiago, Chile, focusing on Spanish and videography. She is an avid photographer and has published photographs in Ivy League college magazines. While working in Haiti, she documented the devastation and used her work to encourage companies and organizations to continue donating medicine, supplies and assistance. She has worked as an assistant to David Allen Harvey, a well known National Geographic photographer. She teaches middle-school classes at a surf school, staying with the girls as they move up each level. She is an ocean rescue life guard supervisor and trained first responder. Needless to say, she loves swimming and running.

Joy Claire   is a very busy 17-year-old junior in high school. She plays trumpet in the band and sings in the choir. Her beautiful voice is a treat to hear. Joy Claire plays the piano and has enjoyed being in plays and musicals at school. She has been on the swim team for three years. She has served on the DARE County Youth Council to plan and promote involvement in drug-free activities. She participates in two youth groups – a worship band and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was the Superintendent’s choice to attend Governor’s School this summer to study English in Raleigh, N.C.

Pedro,   a Great Pyrenees dog, was born in Lancaster, Pa. Pedro is a large white fluffy dog with beautiful eyes. He will greet you with a big bark to announce your arrival!