Early Life in a War-Torn Nation
In a recent podcast, Martin Matthews shared how growing up shapes every child, but for him, those early years were defined by the harsh realities of conflict. Born in Liberia in 1984, Martin experienced the brutality of civil war at an age when most children are entirely insulated from the dangers of the world.
“I saw my first casualty of war. Yeah. At five years old in Liberia, there were child soldiers.”
With his father serving as a political prisoner and later as the Secretary of State, Martin’s family was often caught in the crosshairs of political upheaval. The atmosphere was charged with constant uncertainty. At night, young Martin would listen to the terrifying sounds of gunfire echoing outside their home.
“I used to lie down on the floor listening to bullets go by at night, and I would just picture being in America.”
The Roots of Diplomacy and Resilience
Liberia’s unique history deeply shaped Martin’s worldview. Established in 1847 by freed American slaves who settled in West Africa, the country became known as the “lone star of Africa.” Martin inherited a rich, complex heritage that bridged the Americo-Liberian community and the indigenous Bassa tribe.
His father played a monumental role in shaping his understanding of society, politics, and diplomacy. Despite enduring imprisonment and political turmoil, his father was recognized as a pioneer of multi-party democracy in Liberia.
“My father was a political leader in Liberia. Yeah. He’s actually considered the godfather of multi-party democracy in Liberia.”
Even as an eight- or ten-year-old child, Martin engaged in deep discussions with his father about peace talks, conflict resolution, and societal problems. These profound conversations planted the seeds for his future dedication to leadership and community transformation.
Dreaming of America
As civil war intensified across West Africa, Martin and his family moved through multiple countries, including Sierra Leone and the Ivory Coast, seeking safety amidst ongoing regional instability. Throughout these turbulent relocations, Martin held onto a singular, enduring dream: coming to the United States.
Watching American movies on television stood in stark contrast to the chaos around him. He imagined a peaceful life where children could play freely without fear.
“America is the most desirable country in the world, and America also takes more immigrants legally than any other country on earth.”
After enduring decades of upheaval, Martin successfully immigrated to the United States through the legal immigration system. He arrived with a fierce determination to build a stable life, pursue business ventures, and create meaningful opportunities for his future.
Discovering Scientology and Rebuilding Life
After settling in the United States, Martin pursued an entrepreneurial path and eventually founded a successful financial services company with his wife, Chelsea. However, as his business reached a critical growth plateau around 2016, he sought new tools and principles to break through the barrier.
His path crossed with author and entrepreneur Grant Cardone, whose public endorsement of Scientology caught Matthews’ attention. Interestingly, Martin first learned about Scientology decades earlier in West Africa, while reading international magazines and admiring successful actors who credited the philosophy with their stability and happiness.
Driven by curiosity, he visited a Church of Scientology in Atlanta to investigate for himself. What he found transformed his personal and professional life. Beyond business expansion—which saw a dramatic 400% increase in his first year of applying the principles—the philosophy provided vital tools for overcoming the deep-seated post-traumatic stress stemming from his childhood in a war zone.
“It’s helped me in all areas of life.”
Empowering Youth and Fighting Drug Abuse in West Africa
Today, Martin channels his experiences into humanitarian action, most notably through his extensive work with Drug Free World, the world’s largest non-governmental drug education program. Recognizing the devastating impact of drug abuse and synthetic substances on the youth in Liberia—where approximately 20% of the population struggles with addiction— he mobilized a dedicated team of volunteers.
Under his leadership, the initiative has trained 179 volunteers, distributed over 25,000 educational booklets, and reached tens of thousands of young people in schools and communities across Liberia. The program’s impact has even garnered recognition from national leaders, inspiring hope for a generation recovering from the scars of war.
“We want Drug-Free World to be a national drug education program for the Republic of Liberia.”
Martin’s extraordinary journey from listening to bullets in a Liberian war zone to becoming a thriving entrepreneur, humanitarian leader, and advocate for positive change stands as a testament to human resilience. His life’s work is driven by a powerful vision to uplift individuals, restore hope, and empower others to take control of their own futures.
“Scientology is an opportunity; it’s an opportunity for you to find out who you really are, what you can do, and what your full potential is.”
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