In a few short days I will officially be halfway through the World Race. This missions journey to six nations so far, has been profoundly humbling and a great opportunity to proclaim the Good News of Christ to lost peoples. In many ways it has been everything I anticipated overseas missions might look like and in numerous ways it has had aspects that I never ever saw coming.
Yet, through all the ups and downs, I have remained thankful for the love and support that you all have shown me, so that I can be where I am today, in Chaing Mai, Thailand, and be small part of bringing the news of salvation to a city of 300,000 people and only 1.5% are Christian. If it wasn't for your love, your encouragements, your financial support, and your constant prayers I would not have had this opportunity. And for you I thank God continually. The church families that I have been blessed to be a part of, Northside Church of Christ and Western Heights Church of Christ have been exactly that to me on this global backpacking journey, FAMILY. Every time I see a comment on one of my blogs, a "like" on a ministry picture on facebook, my mom or dad telling me someone from church said hello and that their praying for me has been the wind in my sails as I experience the hardships of living in the 3rd world countries we minister in.
I hope my ministry for the LORD has been encouraging to you some way. Overseas ministry for me six months ago was the the unexplored West of imagination for me, much like Louis and Clark, but now God has shown me how rewarding and fruitful it can be. God's people are growing overseas and no matter where you are, "in the field", or giving support back home, all of us are a part of advancing the Gospel to all nations and I am deeply grateful to labor alongside you.
Brother in Christ,
Matthew
