In Memoriam: Martin Bauer December 25, 1932 -- October 23, 1985

Howard Comis
October 1985

Martin Bauer

Everyone clearly knows the struggles of living a life of faith and maintaining spiritual discipline in the midst of a society that is predominately engrossed in this sensual world, whose value systems often conflict with those of men and women of faith. Sometimes reading the Principle is not enough to clarify and reinforce our spiritual understanding and faith. Despite our diligent attitude in studying, doubts often remain and confusion lingers.

However, when we see an individual embody many of the realities that we have read about in the Principle, then the truth becomes more of a living reality: It comes off the pages of a textbook and into the very core of our life.

One regret that I have concerning the tragic murder of Martin Bauer was that I had the opportunity to know him for only a short period. He was so busy in such an enormous range of activities that it was difficult for us to spend time together. However, in this short time he made the Principle come alive for me as he walked his lonely and sorrowful path, a path other great figures such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus walked before him.

It was not an easy road for our dear elder brother Martin. For the past 11 years, since joining the movement in New York, he poured out his sweat, tears, and finally his blood for this Caribbean island, the Dominican Republic. Like Noah he faithfully tried to build the "ark" as others, including early members, stood by unable to understand or support his efforts. As Abraham gave up his worldly profession, likewise Martin gave up personal success and wealth and position to dedicate all his energy for Heaven. Unfortunately Martin was never able to bring his physical family to the same level of dedication.

We can notice many parallels between Martin's life and the life of Jesus. Martin was born on December 25 and lived in the Dominican Republic for 33 years. Like Jesus, malicious rumors and false accusations were fabricated and spread even after his death.

The Bible points out that there was a dispute over the bodies of both Moses and Jesus. Similarly, it was difficult to delay Martin's funeral in order for Dr. Bo Hi Pak to come and perform the Seunghwa Ceremony because Martin's family did not understand our church's tradition. One can easily understand their point of view. In the end we were permitted to perform the Seunghwa Ceremony because of their respect for Martin's personal faith. But because we were not allowed to delay, Dr. Pak was not able to personally conduct the ceremony.

I would have to write a very long article in order to fully explain all that Martin endured. To begin with, because True Parents cannot safely visit most mission countries, and because Father's sermons and other internal guidance material are not always available in other languages, many native members are not able to grasp Father's heart and way of life. Therefore, quite a few members, not knowing a heavenly standard, spoke disrespectfully to Martin. In the various businesses that Martin initiated not only employees but members tried to steal from him. Martin was the victim of false accusations, some that were, sadly enough, communicated to his physical family and to this day are thought of as factual.

After educating and elevating members Martin was often betrayed; many walked away from the movement in the early years. In third world nations there is also the tendency for people to be corrupt from the highest positions to the lowest. Martin suffered a lot in trying to start and maintain business ventures due to this pervasive corruption. Martin gave everything while others often took without expressing gratitude. Even nature seemed an adversary as Hurricane David destroyed Martin's entire bakery operation in 1978. How Martin was able to accomplish so much in such an unfavorable environment is truly a miracle.

Despite these problems Martin always created a spirit of joy and encouragement around others. Martin's favorite expression in response to the question "How are you?" was: "Cada dia esta mejor (Each day is better)." But in reality each day grew more difficult as Martin fought to get bank loans to expand our flower farm in the Dominican Republic. Martin shouldered his responsibilities well, never complaining despite the lack of support. Martin once shared with me how precious were the times when he felt God's consolation. With comfort from heaven Martin could continue the lonely battle.

Martin Bauer was only one man, yet when his life was taken we felt such a tremendous absence, the same as members feel when True Father is not there to attend a Belvedere service or a church celebration.

Unfortunately, in spite of the many lessons we learn from the past, we often take lightly the value of a leader until some tragedy erases him from this physical life. Of course we know that Martin's life was not in vain, yet nevertheless, those here who knew him in a special way truly miss him.