<p>
	About a year before receiving his doctorate in biochemistry, Martin began thinking about whether God would have him change from basic research to a career designed to use science to help the extremely poor and to be involved with Christ&rsquo;s &ldquo;Great Commssion.&rdquo; He spent the next twelve years trying to understand whether this was a calling or whether God even calls someone to a specific field. After this period of discernment, Martin founded ECHO International, where it grew to become an international resource for missionaries and development workers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Martin devoted his life to solving problems small-holder farmers face, which are often directly related to environmental issues. He is co-author of&nbsp;<em>Amaranth to Zai Holes: Ideas for growing under difficult conditions</em>, an extensive compendium of tropical agriculture plants and techniques, and has written and spoken widely on tropical agriculture, missions, and development.</p>
<p>
	Martin continues to volunteer for ECHO in technical writing, speaking and teaching on subjects related to small-farm tropical agriculture and urban gardening.</p>
