Hey guys, Sorry I have not posted lately. Since the last time you heard from me we have been evangelizing, serving, and learning and worshiping God. I also got to go on a hike with my squad to get a change of atmosphere. When I first got here I met people with many different backgrounds who desire to serve Jesus. I have had to learn to be open minded and listen to people who come from different backgrounds so I can grow in Christ and understand their views. These past two weeks have been great during teachings. We have learned about prayer, spiritual gifts, conviction vs. Condemnation, and how to approach people from different countries and how they view the gospel. We also took a day and did a recap of the Bible from beginning to end and it was amazing. We had great questions that can be hard to answer. We have learned so much and have gone very deep in learning about the gospel and the role as Christians that we have in it. This week, things have started to make more sense to me and I am grasping a better understanding of the gospel and the role we play as ministry. There is a lot to do and learn and we can never stop growing.
The hiking trip was quite an experience. I have only hiked one other time in my life, and during this hike we went 2.2 miles uphill. I was thankful for my teammates to be with me during this experience. I hiked with 30lbs of gear and when we got to the top we enjoyed the view. I set up my hammock so I could sleep in it and enjoy the view but something came up. As I was going to bed that night I helped a teammate zip their sleeping bag and I dropped my compression bag with my sleeping bag in it. When I realized it, it was rolling down the hill & I began to chase it. It kept rolling as I chased it and hit the cliff, stopped, and then rolled off. Because of this I ended up having to sleep with two of my leaders in a two man tent with a backpack as my pillow in the freezing cold. My word for this journey is embrace. I am going to find joy in every moment. No matter how bad the food is, how wet the tents get, I am satisfied because my joy is in the Lord. In life we may not always be happy but we have the choice to always be joyful. I challenge you to find Joy in Jesus no matter your circumstance.
I have been getting up most mornings exercising and running to get in the best shape I can be in. One of my teammates comes and shakes my tent at 6am every morning and sometimes earlier. Also I have enjoyed learning how to swing dance in my free time. Where I get time by myself I have been praying, reading my word, and trying to have a more intimate relationship with God.
Tomorrow we will be leaving to go work with Samaritans purse for two weeks in Kentucky from the major flood they had. We are going to be gutting houses and spending time with people who have been affected by this tragedy. I have been told this is going to be a difficult and tiring two weeks, so please keep my team in your prayers and pray Christ will move.
Love reading your posts! Sorry about the sleeping bag but now you can check that off the list b/c I bet it won’t happen twice!! Let’s hope!! Message if you can- I know you’ll be very busy in KY but it would be awesome to see you. We love you & continue to pray for you & the team!!
Matt I love reading your blogs it is so interesting to hear about what you are experiencing. I am so happy for you and what you are doing for the Lord and helping others. Can’t wait to hear all your stories and what you have learned when you get home. God bless you and your squad. I love you more!!
It’s great to hear from you Matt and all that God is doing in your life. We’re so proud of you!
Our prayers continue for you and the team!! God Bless You!
We love to hear from you and are so proud of you!
-Lindsey and Austin
I love how you are embracing every single moment, the good and the challenging ones! You were made for this, I have no doubt! I love hearing about everything you have learned over the last month and learning with you. I can’t wait to hear about and see all the great things your team will do in KY. Keep on embracing and keeping your eyes in HIM! We Love you ??
I am so proud of you and this journey you are on. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you return.
Matt, your journey has started out to be a very big learning experience. I’m so glad you have such a great group of people on your team to go through this journey with. I’m sure you and your team will accomplish great things while you’re in Kentucky. I’ll continue to pray for God to direct you all down the paths of the people that need you the most. So proud of you! I love you more than you can possibly know!!??
Thank you for sharing this journey Matt. Please know you are being wrapped in love and prayers as you continue to grow and serve Him.
I’m thankful that you are enjoying your experience and growing in your understanding of God. There is nothing quite like hiking and camping in the mountains to test every aspect of your being and to reveal the wonders of God’s creations and to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit! Continued prayers for God’s blessing for you!!
So proud of you and your team.We will continue to pray and may God continue to bless you in everything you do to glorify the Lord
Oh no. Sorry about your tent and sleeping pad. Will you be able to get another one? I really like what the following that you said in your blog. I have found it to be so true in my life. “My word for this journey is embrace. I am going to find joy in every moment. No matter how bad the food is, how wet the tents get, I am satisfied because my joy is in the Lord. In life we may not always be happy but we have the choice to always be joyful. I challenge you to find Joy in Jesus no matter your circumstance.” Good word, Matt.
I am so proud how you have followed the calling on your life. I am sooo sorry about your sleeping bag but to see how you can find joy in that is a testament to how you are allowing God to use you. I am praying for you and your team. Mat you continue to allow God to put you where you need to be for HIS Glory. Love and miss you!