Salvation journey and into Africa ( Part one )

From the time I was six until the age of twenty one my life revolved entirely around three elements: Scripture, talk of the Bible, and strong Christian role models. I attended Lincoln Christian High School in Lincoln, Nebraska where the Bible was deeply rooted into every facet of life. On Sundays I attended a strong Bible centered church. All of my friends were raised in christian households, each day involved activities with two parents who loved the Lord and experienced His blessings. As a student I struggled mightily, my attention span lasted about 45 seconds before it had raced off into the imagination unknown. My early school career was notorious for driving my teachers crazy with bizarre drawings of dinosaurs and animals. But they were good!
Middle school and high school were a blur of regular junior high pranks, wrestling team participation ( which I was terrible at ) and testosterone fueled anctics. Though raised in the church and a school that heavily emphasized the gospel and importance of knowing the Lord I really had no true walk with the Lord until I was a few years removed from high school. My life is an example of someone who can know the truth but place the personal life changing relationship on the backburner while I find many in the many pleasures of a dying world... now as a missionary and teacher I am amazed at the Lord's redeeming and amazing grace. Wretch like me indeed that has experienced tremondous life changing fruits over the years. Journeying to Africa is only the beginning.

Remarkable to me to view a creature this fierce and remember that the Lord says are enemy prowls waiting for an opportunity to destroy.

Jeramiah, football, and the Zoo


What a crazy and wonderful weekend. Jeramiah, a great friend from Kenya came to visit me in Lincoln. Never did I think that one of my close friends from Kenya would ever be able to come and experience Nebraska life. The Omaha Zoo, Nebraska football, the State Capitol Building. Heck, even driving a car around my hometime took on new and entertaining experiences. Makes me long even more for the return and also to trust the Lord that much more. He has provided a great friendship at a time when I really needed that breath of fresh air. Thanks Jeramiah, see ya in a few weeks in Kenya.
Tutoanana rafiki. Matthew

At times I am in wondering awe at God's creation; And also our Father's wonderful sense of humor. Me? To Africa? Sweet.

Purposefully Pursued

Frequently I ponder deeply the enormity of what God did for me. Christ defined true love...He inhabited a dirty, battle scarred earth that after creating, in perfection, His perfect beautiful painting, then had to watch it's inhabitants crumble and ruin the masterpiece. Yet, despite our deep and eternal grievance against Him and His justice, He decided to eternally preserve His crafted artwork be sending His only son to live on the dusty, nasty dirt roads. Jesus experienced disease, saw death, heard cries of pain and wept with His friends. This is what drives my life...Christ I know saw my face during His time on earth. He knew that without living perfectly, then bravely embracing the torture and brutality of the cross, sinners like myself would spend our remaining eternal existence without light, hope, joy, and purpose. He purposefully pursued me. How can I know this truth and not give my own self as He calls me. Anything less than us following wholeheartedly God's calling on our lives equals sin and fear. Two aspects of human nature I know far, far too well unfortunately. He however is what must compel us all forward. Matthew

Six weeks until a return home

Six weeks, is that possible?

Test Post

Heading to Sudan in about 6 weeks. Just wanted to see if this blog thing works. Hopefully I can figure out how to post comments, pictures, nonsense....