By By MaryClaire Foster
Seeing beyond what many would and have seen as a lost cause, Martin Weber took God’s calling into an often forgotten part of society, bringing the Christian message to those in prison.
Weber, who founded We Care Ministry more than 35 years ago, died in his sleep Saturday at the age of 84.
Weber was the prison Chaplain with the Alabama Department of Corrections for nearly 20 years and was instrumental in convincing the department to allow volunteer ministers into prisons.
In 1970, Weber founded New Life Foundation, which became We Care in 1983 with the addition of a sister crime prevention program that has since been removed.
Don Metzler, We Care vice president and business manager, said Weber was a man dedicated to his ministry, family and church.
Gene King was Weber’s pastor and is married to Weber’s granddaughter, Judy.
Theresa Scott said Weber was a unique, soft-spoken man, but had the ability to change hearts and minds when he spoke.
Memorial gifts may be sent to We Care Program, 3493 Hwy 21, Atmore, AL, 36502, and earmarked for the Martin Weber Endowment Fund.