The Ripple Effect

I've debated what would be the last post before tomorrow, so after a debate on Fox's Hannity and Colmes and a Spartanburg County referendum, I've heard the people and have made a choice.
Just this week, Jed and I received an email from missionaries (check comments for xtra info on this word) in Senegal who we worked with back in 2001. Let me give you a little background info before I share that email with you.
Jed and I stayed in a village, Xende, for 4 months and was able to share chronological bible stories with the Wolof people. We believe that somewhere between 10 and 15 became believers while we were there.
However, our being there allowed for the stories to go to other villages and just give the missionaries a lot of help in their mission work. So, this week, we believe that what word we got from them is a small result of what little the Lord was able to do through us.
Please read this! It's an amazing true life, bible-like, story of Joseph of the Old Testament.
Here's an excerpt of what the email said:

A couple of weeks ago Yunus told us that his older brother had decided to step down as the chief of the village and he gave the village to the serine, religious leader, whose family founded the village a number of years ago. The serine lives in Touba but his son lives in the village. Yunus told us that the serine wanted to talk to him. When we heard this we all began to pray. Yunus has had a hard time in his village because he is the only head of household that is a follower of Jesus. Maggs has been doing a Sunday School in Yunus’ compound with the children and some women, and this has caused some concerns among the people there. We were wondering if he might be asked to leave or stop the Sunday School.

When the leader talked to Yunus he asked him what was being taught. He explained that the children were learning the 10 Commandments and some of the attributes of God and how to obey God. The serine said that sounds fine to him. In the end he asked Yunus to be the new chief. At first Yunus said no, but the serine insisted and then the village chose him to be the new chief. What a miracle!! He went from being persecuted to being chosen chief - almost overnight. Please pray for him.

Is that not awesome??!!!!

Last Home Visit

Tomorrow (Wednesday the 27th) I will play 9 holes of golf with my dad early in the morning and spend some quality time with the fam.
It's difficult calling my parents house "home" since I now call Boiling Springs home. I know that it hurts mom and dad's feelings when I don't refer to their place as home, even though I call Walhalla/Seneca my "home"town. So is where I live now home or is it where I grew up?
Anyways, I'm heading there early in the morning and will spend one of my last half days with them. I especially love spending time with my grandma Dora who I blogged about several weeks ago. Her picture I have is also displayed on my wallpaper on this very computer on which I blog.
I've grown somewhat jealous of my parent's home now that we "youngins" have moved away. Since we've left, they have added a sunroom, extended the deck, bought a gazebo for around the pond, and numerous other little things that make one proud of a home. I guess that's what happens when parents have the house all to themselves again just like before us kids came along.
Since I've been viewing Facebook the last couple of weeks, I've noticed old friends from both high school and college who've also grown up, gotten married, had kids, and are actually working like me. For some reason, I think that since some of my high school friends have not moved away, that they don't work and are still doing the same things as when I last saw them. Of course, that's not the case at all.
Well, as you can vividly see, the ticker says 3 or 2 days, whenever you decide to read this entry. We leave Saturday, the 30th from GSP at 6:40pm. We won't mind it if you come see us off. We'll be getting there around 4:30 and then proceeding through to the terminal at 5:30.
If you cannot come, please email, but most of all, stay tuned right here.

In Fair Weather and Poor Weather

It is so easy to be found in places that are experiencing success whether it be the sidelines of your favorite championship team or the church pew of a bustling and exciting church. You want to be there. You want to be a part of what everyone is talking about.

But when a season of drought, poverty, pain or suffering show its face, we want to tuck tail and run to the nearest next-best-thing. Whatever happened to commitment? What ever happened to the mindset of helping what needs helping?

My beloved Atlanta Braves are struggling right now. I feel like turning off the TV and go scrub the ring in my toilet rather than watching them.


I remember as a child listening to Larry Munson on the radio calling the action of a Georgia football game when they couldn't even beat Clemson (oh, those were dreadful days). I would feel horrible after a loss, but I still loved them. I still kept listening and wearing my red and black on gameday even if it was against a no-name team. Why?
There was a feeling of duty. That if I was not there cheering for them, they would lose. That they needed me. I know they can't hear my voice and even if I were in the stands cheering, one voice would not make a difference. But that didn't stop me from being in my bedroom on Saturdays.
Andruw Jones needs his fans just like anyone who is anyone needs a fan. Although his batting average is .198 and he's much to blame for the Braves losing, he needs to hear cheers when he comes to bat.


Now let's apply this to the body of believers also known as the church.
How many times do we:

1. neglect/avoid someone because they are struggling (financially, emotionally, spiritually, etc.)
2. sing in the choir, help out in nursery/VBS, or attend a function because we look forward it and not just because we're needed
3. cheer when no one else is and when it seems that our voice will be the only one heard

At a marriage ceremony, it's referred to as "For better or worse."
I want to be found as an all weather fan. Of both my sports teams and other groups as well as my teammates on the field and those I see everyday.

Friday Filler

As I sit here waiting to go to a Braves game, I feel led to share some thoughts, ideas, questions, and insight to what's ahead.
Since I've turned my TV off for the most part and began reading, not only has my IQ increased and I have alienated my friends, but I've been able to allow my creative juices to flow.

First, I think about what Jed and I have been doing for the past few months. We have been sharing what we're about to do as well as building sponsors to support us. But the most important thing in my mind in regards to a successful trip is that I first consider it already successful because we're obeying a call. Jesus called 12 unqualified men and considered them successful by their obedience to drop their nets and jobs to follow Him.
Secondly, I feel that in my mind, if someone or groups of individuals learn more about missions and maybe feel called to take part in a short-term or long-term mission trip because of what we're doing, then I consider it a blessing and an honor to be a part of that. Not about how much support we raise.

Jed and I have also spit-balled what may come of this in the long run. Now, we're not there yet by no means. But as we try to at least make out what this means in the big picture, we feel this is definitely just the beginning. What if we find "success" rebuilding a missionary school in Cebu? What if on a yearly basis, we are able to take the school to where it no longer is in need of teachers? What's next, we vision? Will a missionary school in another country need our services? Will this become our life ministry; rebuilding missionary schools across the globe?

Or what if the school needs us forever? What if we're there one year and come back to the US?

Art Linkletter Would Be Proud

Last week, I believe, I listed some lies of the devil told to us regarding our trip that have been meant to discourage us but have only fired us up more. We really have not faced many obstacles but rather blessings galore.
However, after having dinner tonight with a wonderful couple, Kelly and Sande Campsen, I feel led to share one-liners that have truly been worth sharing with many people and many times over.

1. Let's start with Kelly: while at one of their Sunday School class outings sharing about our trip, Kelly prayed for us perhaps one of the nicest, heartfelt prayers of the night. As he continued, he "qouted" a passage of scripture that I've never heard.
Let's listen in: "Now Lord, I pray that you would give us the faith of a pumpkin seed just like you have Matt and Jed."
I have never bit my tongue and thought about people in my life that have died so much before in my life to keep from laughing.

2. Pastor DJ is known to stumble over his words. I'm not sure if he reads this blog but hopefully you know that this is not to belittle him at all. Jed, Sterling and I are known to look at each other during services when DJ mispronounces a word or just says a word funny (you AMRBC people know what I'm talking about), By no means are we saying that we could possibly preach 3 sermons a Sunday and say every word correctly. But they sure are funny when he does. Here's an example:
One Sunday during Christmas, DJ was giving the invitation. As he was beginning he said this: "Some of you may just need to come down to the altar and say 'Thank you Baby.....Jesus for all You've done.' "
I wonder if he thought he was talking to Laurel for a moment by calling her "baby" but realized he was talking about another baby?

3. Just imagine 5 of your closest friends together and how you laugh at the most miniscule things. Now picture (if you are able) me, Jed, Julie Stribling, Joye Hall, and Diane Hall (Joye's mom). We're having dinner together and Diane has prepared a spread the pilgrims would be jealous of. She asks the blessing and, well, let's listen in again:
"... and now Lord we thank you for this meal and ask you to provide it to the nourishment of our b-butts, I mean bodies and our bodies to your service, in Jesus name, amen."

Even though we're not children, we do say the "darndest things."

If This Isn't Confirmation Then...

...I don't know what is!

Every time we feel as though we've come to a closed door, there is always one better to open. At this point, we feel as though every need has been met. The dominoes have fallen and not one left standing. That is deserving of praise to the Lord!
My mission philosophy has always been "Lord, I feel led to do this, so please stop me if it's not Your will." And 5 out of 5 times I've gone and had every need met.
So yesterday's need was met within an hour. We had 3 offers to do the newsletter and actually 2 are taking care of it. One was our neighbor who we didn't know for sure was reading our blogs and the other is a family with 4 kids who will be doing the stuffing and mailing. What an opportunity to teach about missions!

We are in Need...

Due to a recent bump in the road regarding our trip, Jed and I would like to voice a need to all our readers. We know many of you are doing so much already, so we do not want to ask too much of any one individual but for someone who feels to need to help us in some way.
Every two months, we plan to send out a newsletter in the form of an e-newsletter via email. This newsletter will be including all the events that take place while we are there. It will also include prayer requests and any need that may arise.
However, we have about 50 partners who do not have access to email therefore requiring that we send out a hard copy which is approximately 4 pages long. Sending this newsletter from the mission field will be quite expensive for us and not guaranteed delivery.
So, we need someone or an organization in the states to volunteer resources to make this possible. This will require someone to print off the newsletter and make copies from an email then send it to addresses which will be given. We plan to send out the first newsletter in August and every other month afterwards.
Please respond by email by clicking on my profile then clicking the contact button.

Thank you for reading this and I look forward to posting a praise report of an answered prayer!

Amazing Meals Part 3

Saturday, June 16: DJ and Laurel Horton's House- DJ has bragged about his wife's cooking and if you know DJ, somebody's feeding him something. Anyways, he was right.

Friday, June 15th: Linda Cantrell's House: Linda and Linda Bell cooked perhaps the best blueberry gelatin salad and chicken casserole. It's amazing since we've told everyone about moving to the Philippines how many people know someone who has been or is currently there. Linda Cantrell's husband spent many summers there doing mission work. It was great seeing pictures of his work back in the '90s.

Thursday, June 14th: Sharon Lestage, a teacher assistant at Lone Oak Elementary (Jed's school), cooked for us a tremendous spread including pot roast and squash casserole. We were able to get Sharon and her husband Bill connected to SKYPE so that they can communicate with us.

Wednesday, June 13th: Italian Pie with Pam Ray: One of my new favorite people I have gotten to know over this past year and a half is none other than Pam Ray. She is an ADEPT evaluator for Spartanburg District Six schools.

Tuesday, June 12th: We cooked dinner for the Starasto's (Frank, Tammy, and Patrick), yes, WE cooked: Frank is taking care of our financial "stuff" while we're gone as well as serving as Power of Attorney over Jed's house.

We have a week full of last dinners in the US before we leave in 12 days.
We have continued to be amazed by what the Lord is doing. HE is indeed showing out by what he has done just this week alone despite our weaknesses. I'll choose not to tell you specifically but you can just trust me, it's amazing.

The Circle of Life

Over the past couple of years, I've had phone conversations with my dad that constituted basically of "How are you?", "Are ya feeling okay?", "How much rain did you get?", and so on and so on. Then, he hands the phone off to my mom and we ask each other mostly the same questions and then we talk about family and so forth. I believe that for most of us, this is the situation.

However, just this morning did I realize what was so interesting about how my dad and I communicate. It's basically the same as my dad and his dad did when he was alive.
I remember every night around 6 o'clock or so, my dad would go out on the porch (once cordless phones became available) and talk with his dad. This became an everyday ritual once my dad's mom passed away. I'm sure that Dad and his mom talked about the same as Mom and I do today; Grandpa would talk and then pass the phone off to Grandma for Dad to talk to at a longer length and depth.

As I've thought about this today, aren't we going to act just as we've been raised? My students are most likely going to repeat the same patterns, both good and bad, as their parents did. Rarely does a child overcome environments where yelling and fighting are the aroma that fill the home and decide to build a peaceful home environment.
When boy meets girl and each experienced opposing atmospheres, are they going to run into trials once they become married?

As difficult as adolescence is, I believe that going through a change when parenting is on our court will be a growing pain like no other.

The Lies We Listen To

Ever since May 23rd (the last day of school), I've encountered many oppositions and flaming arrows of the devil that have been just downright frustrating.
I want to share some of these with you but please do not understand these to be manipulations so that you feel sorry for me or that you are obligated to support our ministry financially. My purpose is to show you that I do not have super human powers that makes me able to say yes to this opportunity. I have weaknesses just like everyone else and hopefully this will get you to pray for us and even consider short term missions or the call into foreign missions.

Lies that Satan is telling me that I am making a wrong decision by going to teach in the Philippines and how I've responded to him:

1. Matt, you know you're not really a "real" missionary since you're just teaching missionary kids?
6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his^[a]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12: 6-8

2. Matt, what happens if people are unable to support you for as long as you're there?
24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Luke 12:24

3. Matt, you know the Lord isn't going to bless this because you have some broken relationships in your family.
As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."^[a] 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10: 11-13

The Pre-Journey

For about a week now, I've decided to be more disciplined in my life. It begins with the TV.

Many times I have been known to sit in bed and watch Sportscenter for the 5 time in a row and will sometimes memorize the anchor's lines before he says them. I've watched an episode of the Cosby Show that I've seen 42 cajillion times and spoke its one liners as the character spoke. I know I'm on summer vacation, but I just feel dirty having wasted a whole morning or night.

So I've followed through with advice from many wise individuals and have replaced it with a positive habit...
An earlier post shared how I am a poor example of a teacher of reading...well, I am. Since last Wednesday, I've taken TV time and replaced it with reading the book of Joshua from the Good Book, finished reading an independent missionary book, and a Christian self help book that has been nothing more than perfect timing.

Since I've stopped watching TV by myself, I've experienced a spiritual renewal that Oprah cannot offer. The world hasn't ended, I still heard about Paris Hilton's blowup, the Braves are still mediocre, and my mind isn't flowing with a bunch of unneeded trash.

With all this spoken, I've realized its purpose. Just like anyone who's about to go on a long journey, he/she must get things in order such as materials, directions, and any other items specified as needed for that particular journey.
Preparation for my journey is not just raising financial and prayer support. It's not just shipping all the necessary school items or making things ready here.

The number one priority is making sure my heart is right. It doesn't happen overnight just like a weight-loss program doesn't work with one glass of water. It takes time to flush out all that junk that has built up. I've got some junk just like everyone else, but my pre-journey has begun.

June 10th, 1980

I know that Saturdays are the least of the blog reading days but I've decided to tell the story of my birthday since I'll be celebrating my 27th tomorrow and this week I've been highlighting event(s) from each year.

Tuesday, June 10th, 1980- 6:00 pm
My mom, dad and 1 1/2 year old sister Alana are finishing up dinner (cornbread and collard greens to be exact). My mom begins having contractions at a break-neck pace. My dad makes a phone call for someone to keep Alana. Then they're off to Anderson Memorial Hospital from Walhalla; 45 minutes away. About 10 minutes later, they're in Seneca and my mom says we better stop at Oconee Memorial because this baby is coming and we're not going to make it to Anderson.
My mom is in the emergency room and shortly later placed into a delivery room. As they wait in the delivery room for the doctor, Mom begins going into labor.
The doctor shows up around 9:00pm. The problem with that is I was born at 8:38pm and was delivered by a delivery room nurse. The doctor got there just in time to sign his name to the birth certificate. Boy, I sure am glad he didn't miss that.

And now, 27 years later, I find myself 3 weeks away from leaving the country for who knows how long, and separating myself from family, friends, and things and places I've grown to love. But as I've been recalling these past events, I am reminded by 8:38. No, not the time I was born, but Romans 8:38. Read this for your encouragement as it has reminded and encouraged me.

My First Memories

I've had fun recalling back to my childhood days and reliving events that happened each year of my life. Tomorrow, I'll tell the story of the day I was born. Here's the first few years of my life and of course, as far back as I can remember...

Age 6-1986- This is kinda silly, but I remember having 2 girlfriends in 1st grade, Angela and Cassie. The girls were friends with each other but both called me their boyfriend, so there was no jealousy. Also, I remember getting in trouble one time for calling my dad a bad name that I heard at school. He was saying goodnight to me and I responded my saying goodnight _________. I also cut my own hair with those plastic scissors you use.

Age 5- 1/2 day Kindergarten, or as I used to call it, "candy garden."
- I came home one day and told my mom an elaborate story of something that happened. I told her that the teacher sent me out of the room for no reason and I wondered around the school all day. I told my mom she called me some bad names and told me not to come to class ever again. Of course my mom called the teacher to find out what happened. I had made the story up. I don't know why, I guess I needed some attention.

Age 4-1984- Preschool at Rocky Knoll Baptist Church, Walhalla, SC- I had my first girlfriend, Tabitha. I too would stare at her picture for long periods of time, just like Rosalyn, admiring her beauty. My older sister Alana also had a boyfriend and everything her boyfriend did for her, I wanted to do for Tabitha. However, there was another boy that liked Tabitha and that made me jealous. I was 4 years old and jealous towards a girl already!!???

Age 3-1983- Okay, this as far as I can remember so I'll stop here with one last memory... This is the only memory I have of my grandma Frances Johnson. She died soon after my 3rd birthday, but I remember her coming to my party and giving me money. Five dollars is what she gave me. Now, that may have been all she had or that might have been what amounted to what grandparents give today. Everyone told of how godly of a woman she was. That's one word that is not used to describe many of my family members. Most if not all go to church but to be considered godly is rare. I wish I would have known her just a little...

Boogers, Scabs, Snot, Puss and Redemption

Part 5 -Yes, this is from age 9 down to 7. This is the time period in my life where 90% of my scars originated. I have about 5 scars I can think of with a story for each that might make some cringe. That's for a later post. I was also very interested in the previous mentioned items in the title. A part of me still is....

1989- 4th grade- My family moves from Walhalla to Keowee (Seneca) in the middle of the school year. I leave all my friends especially my best friend Josh which was a difficult time period. We moved from a neighborhood to what I still call the boonies; no kids my age within 3 miles. I remember vividly meeting the other side of the family that my cousin Scott warned me about, the Wards, with which I was "privileged" to ride the bus home everyday. That's where I really learned the importance of standing up for myself.

1988- 8 years old- I remember this being my favorite year in school, but I find it difficult remembering any specific events. This was the first year I had perfect attendance, my teacher recommended me for gifted and talented class, and I received a lot of awards on awards day. If I remember any later, I'll post them in the comments section.

1987-7 years old-2nd grade- April 14th-around 8:30pm- As much as I'm making a big deal of my birthday, the experience I'm about to tell you about is above all that has been mentioned or will ever be mentioned. For many years (a grand total of 7), I had rejected the Lord and thought church as something that people just go to. But this night something happened within my heart and I can still feel today.
These other moments mentioned that I said that I couldn't shake from my memory, well, I'm still experiencing the aftershocks of something this magnitude. I felt a tug on my heart that night that told me I was without the Lord Jesus and that if I continued on this road, then Hell was my destination. That night in my parents' bedroom I prayed and asked the Lord to forgive me of my sins and I placed my trust in him that night.
May 1st- my dad's birthday, I was baptized.
Check your calendars, these dates were both Sundays in 1987....actually it was in the spring of '88 but I was still in the 2nd grade.

Age 14 Down to 10

I know I have forgotten certain events, but the ones I am writing about are the ones that no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to shake from my memory mostly weird experiences. Here's some....

1994- Freshman year of high school- About 2 weeks into school, I forget a homework assignment for Geometry class. I'm so upset about this (this shows my dorkiness), I fake that I'm sick so that my mom comes to pick me up and then I return after the period is over so that I don't mess up what turned out to be 10 consecutive years of perfect attendance. And I thought I was cool in HS?
- freshman initiation is I think been banned now because of some hazing incidents, but I was able to dress up like a little girl by a senior friend of one of my sister's. I wore a headband, a wool shawl, and carried a stuffed pig around with me all day.

1993- 13 years old- there was a girl who I had such a crush on that whenever she was around, I would hold my breath so that just in case it stunk, she wouldn't know it. She liked a guy that many people thought looked like me which always left me with hope of her falling madly in love with me.

1992- 7th grade- I remember going to the doctor with "pain." I was complaining to my mom of my joints hurting as well as other regions "not suitable for television." I remember my doctor, Dr. Lee telling my mom it was growing pains. Definitely my most awkward year.

1991- 6th grade- I had a cousin, Jerrad, who was your typical athletic, ladies man type. He was friends with me on the bus, but at school he didn't talk to me (we all knew someone like that). One time, he tried to set me up with a girl that I liked, so he called her over to me and asked her out for me. I don't know if she answered b/c I was so embarrassed, I walked away.

1990- 10 years old- I actually had a girlfriend at this point whose name was Rosalyn. I remember her in my 4th and 5th grade class. I would stare at her picture for long periods of time. But at Christmas this year, I had her a present that I spent a lot of time thinking about and was ready to give it to her at our class party. We had an assembly beforehand and I was unable to sit with her. During the assembly, I heard a boy in another class ask her if she would go out with this boy named Marcus. I kinda laughed thinking "hey, she's mine; no way." Then, her friend yelled out "she says yes." I was broken hearted at Christmas. But her present for me was only a box of M & M's. I thought, "what? I got her a bracelet and earrings. Dumb girl!"

Age 18 Down to 15

I hope this series does not make me appear to be a self absorbed person. I believe that everyone, in order to move on, needs to look back and see where they have come from and what obstacles and/or mistakes have been made so that the past failures do not repeat themselves.

1998- My final season of high school baseball. My last game and at-bat came in the playoffs against a now highly touted minor league prospect, Marcus McBeth. Let's just say I didn't get a hit. I actually got hit by a pitch but the umpire didn't call it. But I'm not one to argue. When we lost and reality of my baseball career was over, I wept like I have never before. As I think back, I don't know why it was such an emotional experience for me. Probably because it consumed my whole life since I was a youngster playing in my yard with my dad.
-May 30th, High school graduation
-August- Enrollment at North Greenville. I remember that first weekend like it was a weekend at a camp. I was very excited about school. That soon ended when the first class came at 8:00 and it was College Algebra and Trig.
- November- I dated a girl whom I dated for only 2 months but the reason I'm telling about her here is that she was my last girlfriend. Yeah, it's been almost 9 years! I guess the Lord has given me many jobs to do since then.

1997- Junior year in high school- I had a long-distance girlfriend whom I met at a church camp who lived in Mauldin. I remember the break up... it was after Georgia lost to Tennessee one October afternoon and I was feeling low. Then the call came. It wasn't a good day.

1996- 16 years old- I finally get my drivers' license around August after failing the driving test the first time. I ran off the road on the 3-point turn, rolled through a stop sign, did not turn off the car when I was parking on the side of the road, did not turn my wheels towards the ditch, etc. I didn't even get to attempt to parallel park.

1995- 15 years old- I made a mistake on my high school baseball team. I was practicing with the varsity team when one day the other 10th graders went down to practice with the JV. So, I thought I had to go. About 20 minutes into practice, the head coach was hollering my name across the field. I ran over to him and he asked me why I decided to go practice with the JV. I told him why and he answered by saying, "Since you're making the decisions around here, then you go practice with the JV. I was planning on keeping you with the varsity." About 2 weeks later, the starting centerfielder was injured for the rest of the year. I would have been his backup and then become starter.

Day 6 of My Birthday

I posted late yesterday so that the boring years of my life were read by just a few. Now hopefully today will begin a little more exciting and blog worthy. Here are just the highlights so far of my short life. I'm revisiting by going backwards. Today we're at age 21 down to age 19...

2001- Age 21- January 20th, Jed and I left for Senegal, West Africa to live in a mud hut and teach Bible stories to the Wolof people.
- last week in Senegal, week of May 16th, I was perhaps the sickest I've ever been with some form of Malaria. Jed was awakened in the night when his bottom bunk bed began to shake from my shaking from the top bunk of a high fever.
- June 30th, I buy my first and current car- 1999 Honda Civic
-June -August- Summer School at NGC

2000- Age 20- Summer mission trip to Alaska with Marci Wood , Beth Painter, Eric Clayton, Jackie Rogers (then), Jed Dearybury, and a girl from Connecticut. We worked as a church clean up crew, backyard Bible clubs, VBS, and RA's, GA's, children, and youth camp counselors. During camp, we all had nicknames from Charlie Brown. I was Woodstock because I had bleached blond hair at the time (sorry no pic), Marci was Peppermint Patti, Beth was Lucy, Eric was Linus, and Jed was Snoopy. The pastor we worked with (Mark Christenson) was Charlie Brown.

1999- Age 19- I became part of an impact team at NGC that went to churches to do youth lock-ins, worship services, sunday schools, etc. This was a pivotal part of my life that has led me to where I am today. Steven Furtick was my team leader.
-I was a TL (team leader) at IMPACT youth camp for a week in Georgia.
- I worked at Winn-Dixie as a stocker, frozen food, dairy, produce, and meat depts.

The Seven Days of My Birthday

I've never been one to make a big deal over the day of my birth. I've had friends especially one in particular who does not let a stranger walk by without telling him/her about his birthday and how many days till then and a hint for a present. Many people celebrate not just one day, but a whole week of their birthday. In the Philippines when it's your birthday, YOU were the one who throws a party and invites friends.
However, as I get older I'm beginning to appreciate these days more and more and want others to share in the glory of them. So, for the next seven days, I will step back and reflect what has happened over the short time I've spent on earth and highlight some important dates and events. Let's count down from 27 and on my birthday, I will share the story of June 10, 1980.

Age 27-22 (2007-2002): Today's will be kinda boring; mostly my education and teaching career....
So, I won't be offended if I receive some Z's in my comment box. I promise it will get better...

June 30th, 2007- I will embark on my greatest step of faith yet; a commitment of service to teaching in the Philippines.
February 7th, 2007- The birth of Matt's Lesson for the Day
February 14-24, 2007- Operation Christmas Child delivery to the Philippines
August 2005-May 2007- I began teaching 6th grade at Beech Springs Intermediate School.
July 2005-Graduation from Converse College -MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) Elementary Education
January 2003-May 2005- Graduate School at Converse
August 2002-May 2004- Long-term substitute at Byrnes High School- 9-12 grade English
December 2002- Graduation from North Greenville University (NGC at the time)-BA English
January 2002-July 2002- Finishing up degree and working at Fatz of Greer waiting tables

4 Weeks Left

If you've noticed like I have, the ticker at the lower right of this page seems to be going pretty fast. We have a busy schedule up until then although the grunt work has been completed just this week.
I will try to enjoy a little bit of summer vacation with an Atlanta Braves game on the 22nd, some visits to the neighborhood pool, and some last visits with friends and family.

However, I will be without Jack Bauer and 24's Season 7 starting in January,

I will be attempting to keep up with my beloved Georgia Bulldog football team and the UNC Tarheel basketball season.

The Braves will be half-way through their season so I'm trying not to get too wrapped up in them before I leave.









Chik-fil-A's sandwiches and milkshakes will indeed be missed. As much heartburn as Dr Pepper causes me, I will miss it as well for it is not as available as Coke is.







My AMRBC church family as well as BSIS faculty tops my list of people that cannot be replaced.
Your contact through this blog and email is very important to our ministry because if you are supporting us in whatever way, this is also your ministry. You have helped get us to where we are and will keep sending us again and again.

Thank you.