Hey guys, I just got back from Kentucky on Saturday night. The two weeks I spent in Kentucky was a great experience. Through the hardship that many people were facing here I got to see the Lord at work. It was an honor to get to partner with Samaritan’s purse and be a part of their ministry. While working with Samaritan’s purse I learned how to gut out houses, and I also met a lot of people and got to hear their stories. My favorite part about working with Samaritan’s purse is that the work is important but the homeowners matter more. We built relationships with homeowners and loved them while also doing quality work. The days were challenging at times but so worth it because we were serving God through it all and bringing hope and joy to others. While at Samaritan’s purse we were fed well. We have a good breakfast and dinner every day. I definitely grew spiritually through these two weeks. I learned what it actually means to pick up your cross everyday. In Luke 9:23 it says “ If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me”. These two weeks were very tiring and more physical than the rest of training camp. After the first few days getting up at 5am was getting tiring. I woke up at 5 so I would have some time to pray before we had to be ready by 6. Learning that sometimes I am going to have to sacrifice to spend time with God through this trip was a big thing. But I was joyful through this experience and would do it all over again because it is not about me, but about serving God and bringing others to Him. I had the opportunity to evangelize at night and a few times during the day people would come up to us. I had the opportunity to share my story and how Jesus has changed my life and still is. Throughout the week some were saved, others were already, and some did not want to hear it. I learned that evangelizing is one of my gifts and that it is not all about saving a person in the moment always, but planting seeds and bringing them closer to Jesus wherever they are in their walk. I encourage you wherever you are in your walk with the Lord to keep taking steps toward Him. I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone, because that’s where you have to trust the Lord, and I promise He will use you even if you are scared or unsure. I have learned that God will call you into uncomfortable situations but that is where you grow the most. Through this journey I am trying to step out where I am weakest, strongest, excited, and scared so I can let God use me for His glory and grow in every area. Jesus wants to use you but you have to be willing to let Him. Saturday I am leaving to continue my journey in Guatemala and will be there until January. I can’t wait to see how God will use us while we are there. Please keep my team and me in your prayers as we travel, and are in a different country. I love you guys and thank you for all of the support.
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I am so proud of you. When the work gets hard, that when you will see Jesus is carrying you. I love you always! Enjoy every moment!
Continuing to lift you and your team up Matt. So proud of you all for the work that you are doing and the example you are setting. God bless…prayers for strength, safety, guidance and peace in your continued journey! Love to you all!
Matt, we miss you and your sweet spirit. We will be praying that you and your team remain strong and that you accomplish the mission God has for you. Please keep us updated. We love you.
So proud of your hard work and dedication, your growth spurts, Matt. I am sure you are ready to move forward to Guatemala. Still have you in our prayers. Love you very much.
Pop and Ms. Joyce.
Excellent words my good man. Keep inspiring others with your uplifting spirit!!
Hi Matt. So good to read your update and your experiences while with Samaritan Purse. We pray for you and the team as God’s live is s h are is so many ways. Keep Walking with the King of Kings. Proud of you!!
Matt as always, your words encourage many as well as myself. I know that working with Samaritans Purse has been a once in a lifetime experience for you and the team. My prayers for you are never ending and as you leave for Guatemala Saturday I pray for a safe and inspirational experience for all of your team! Always know Poppa Joe loves you!!!??
I am deeply inspired by the mission you have chosen. Your words reach deep into my soul. Your will to help and bring love and goodness into the lives of those in need is a model for all of us. It it Faith in action.
Your chosen path seems to me very similar to that of a man I greatly admire. I have had the honor of attending his Sunday School lessons twice. Both have been uplifting and life changing. That man is Jimmy Carter. You are able, like him, to instill hope and love and goodness in other lives.
May God bless you and keep you safe.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. So proud of you! I’m sure you make God smile!
Matt, what a great opportunity to get to work with Samirtan’s Purse!! Also , getting to know the homeowner’s and hear their stories. I am so proud that you are obeying the Lord and allowing him to use you to help others in need. You are such a blessing and I am so honored to call you my grandson. I love you more!!! Rara
Servanthood—thank you for your “Yes!” It is a daily walk, Matt, and you continue to demonstrate that. Thank you for picking up your cross daily and denying yourself. You truly are a man of God!
Matt, it does not surprise me, at all, that you have the gift of evangelism. The thing that excites me the most it not that you have this gift, but that you have been using this gift, practicing what God calls you to do and obeying! You are awesome and I am so glad you got to have this great experience in KY with Samaritan’s Purse!
Thank you, Matt, for sending this us!! I have posted on Juniper Bay’s Facebook Page. If you are leaving Saturday, you will have time, I hope, after you get to Guatemala and have a few days to get set in, to send me an update on your arrival and any other information for the church.
May God Bless You tremendously on this trip and bring you back home safely to your family! In Jesus Name, Amen!