Founding Pastor

Our pastor grew up in Scotland and after being in Civil Engineering, returned to school to study for the ministry. After graduating, he served two churches in Scotland, being led by God to Canada in 1977 to Pastor a church in Pickering.

The Church saw tremendous growth and became renowned for its world outreach. In 2003, after much prayer and the study of the Scriptures, Safe Haven was birthed by God and the pastoral responsibilities were given to Dr. Martin. Our pastor also founded The Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission, and has served on Mission Boards including: Pioneer Clubs of Canada; Trans World Radio; Christian Blind Mission International; The Home Mission Board and the French Mission Board of the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches. Over and above this, he served as a professor at Central Baptist Seminary and Canada Christian College.

Dr. Martin and his wife Margaret have two wonderful children (and their spouses), and six beautiful grandchildren.