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“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8  Richard Michael Martin September 18, 1952 - December 3, 2020 It is with deep sadness that Lutheran Church Charities shares that our brother in Christ, colleague, and friend Rich Martin has gone home to be with the Lord – a fact that we also rejoice! Rich was a friend to all, who put others over himself and was dedicated to being present with those who were suffering and in need. His life was a life of presence.  “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12  CLICK HERE to read a testimony from Rich on his faith that was read at his Celebration of Life Ceremony. If you are so moved, the family has requested that memorials to honor Rich’s servant life be made to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, CLICK HERE.  On November 21, Rich was directly admitted to ICU due to complications from COVID-19 and fought the good fight for 12 days. On the evening of Thursday, December 3, Jesus welcomed Rich to be with Our Heavenly Father.  Two days prior to Rich receiving his crown of glory, a small group of family, friends and LCC staff met outside Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Rich’s room window to conduct a prayer vigil. Prayer was initiated by Pastor Warren Schilf of Rich’s home church, Immanuel Lutheran in Palatine. It was followed by additional group prayer and singing to lift the spirits of Rich, his family and friends, the staff of Advocate Good Shepherd and others suffering with Covid-19. A nurse in Rich’s room was holding a phone for Rich to hopefully see and hear the live prayer vigil virtually outside his window. Rich was a man of great faith and compassion, a faithful servant to everyone he came in contact with. He held several positions with LCC, most notably as Director, K-9 Deployments as well as Director of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses. Rich fully lived LCC’s Mission of sharing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Our prayers and support continue to be with our colleague and family member Dona, their daughter Sofie and her husband Marty, and their entire family.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 The posted obituary can be viewed at: https://www.davenportfamily.com/obituary/Richard-Martin Comments are closed.
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