Someone You Should Know — Bernice Yarbrough Martin

Someone You Should Know — Bernice Yarbrough Martin

Round Island Baptist Church, Athens
Limestone Baptist Association

Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Favorite Hymn: “Jesus Loves Me”

Hobbies: Keeping scrapbook items; writing notes to and calling people

Family Status: Widow for 48 years after 30 years of marriage to William Marvin “Jack” Martin; children: Frances Pressell, Linda Williams, Thomas Granville Martin and Larry Martin; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; now deceased, two children — Elizabeth Faye Martin and William Morris Martin — and one grandchild

Bernice Yarbrough Martin, 98, of Athens, has been a worker in her church. She assisted teachers in Sunday School and Training Union, helped in Vacation Bible School, served on a pastor search committee and was a nursery worker. She also was the church custodian for 35 years, retiring at the age of 86. She was a worker outside the church as well. Until she was 79, Martin was a babysitter, a service she provided for about 40 years. And until she was 79, she served with Council on Aging, keeping house and preparing meals for some of its clients. 

Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?

A: I had a very dear friend who carried me to church. Her name is Martha Hudson. We started at Round Island Baptist Church. She witnessed to me. My son was 3 years old when I made my profession of faith. He was 69 in June.

Q: When and how were you led into your ministry work?

A: They just asked me if I felt I would want to do it. I told them I’m not a teacher, but I would help.

Q: What does the ministry work demand?

A: Just being there. I loved it and I just gave over to do it.

Q: What do you get from the ministry work?

A: I learned more about how to live a Christian life (by) watching others.

Q: How do family members support you?

A: They prayed for me. I appreciated that and I still need the prayers.

Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?

A: Writing notes and praying for people.

Q: What difference will this ministry work make for you in the future?

A: I hope that what little I can do will help the people I pray for and write to. I ask people to pray for me.

Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?

A: He saved my soul. I’m hoping I have lived a good, Christian life.