I am thrilled to
announce that I am going on a mission trip to...China.
A couple of weeks ago, I
met with one of our church leaders, Bob Drew, and he asked me to pray about being
part of this mission trip. I prayed that evening that God would give me the
wisdom to make this decision. The next day, I turned on 91.5 Freedom FM on the drive to work. I went in a little later than
normal on that day, so I wasn't listening to my normal programming. The
message I heard was on mission trips to China. They discussed the needs
and successes that were going on in China. That night, we went to our
Connect Group and we were discussing the Holy Spirit. We were asked,
"What next step is the Holy Spirit asking you to complete?"
Some of our group members were discussing how fulfilling missions trips
were and some were talking about how they were called on future trips.
Stacy and I discussed it and prayed about it further and decided this is
what God is asking me to do.
Anyone who's read my
blog or knows me, they know that I've been very purposed to follow God's plan
over the past year. When He asks me to do something, I want to
be obedient without delay. I felt that I should do the same with
this and committed to go without knowing the exact details. This is very
rare for me because I'm a "planner". I thought it was important
to trust God on this. My flesh is screaming out though. Here's some
of my insecurities:
- I'm not a traveler: I've been on 2 planes
and both were because of my job. I didn't vacation much as a child.
Stacy and I have only been on 2 vacations in 10 years. It's
just not my thing.
- I had to get a passport. Believe it or not:
no passports are required when you cross the Ohio River to West Virginia.
- Time. We are leaving May 13, 2013.
- I don't even like Chinese food.
- Money. I had no idea the cost when I committed. I just knew that God would provide. I will need to do some fundraising to raise $2,500 for the trip. I don't ask for money. If I want something, I work more hours, sell more policies, and earn more commission. However, I feel like God wants me to humble myself and ask my friends and family to support my mission trip.
So, I do ask for your
support. Whether that is prayers, a donation, or travel advice, I can use
all the support that you can give. Really, there is no amount too small.
If each of my Facebook friends gave $5, I would reach my goal! If
you would like to make a donation by credit/debit card or check, please visit
Bibles for China's donation page HERE. You can add my name under dedication,
so they will know it's for my trip. You can also write a check to Bibles
for China and I'll mail it for you. You will get a
tax write-off because they are a 501(c). I would also encourage
you to visit their website HERE to research
the organization and read some of the amazing stories on their blog.
Finally, why am I doing this? Because
Jesus Served. I am so overwhelmed that he died for ME. ME! Do
you know ME?! Do you know the things I've done...the things that I will do? He does! Yet, He was mocked, beaten, had his flesh ripped apart, and was crucified for ME.
I deserved that punishment, but Jesus took it for ME.
Love,
Matt
P.S. We will
be delivering 10,000 bibles to the rural, poor Chinese!!!
