St. Matthew Pastor's Blogs

"we read about love, but love like this we've never seen before."

Rob — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:37:26 +0000

Come hear our St. Matthew team share our stories on April 15th, 7pm in Walled Lake room 304.

People of the Book Ministries gave us permission to share this article from their most recent Minaret Newsletter.

Way to go my brothers and sisters from St. Matthew!!!

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April 12 Minaret People of the Book Ministries

Michigan Churches, MOST Ministries and POBLO

team together to Expand Vision for North India

From March 8-19, 2012 8 people from four Michigan congregations went to North India on a mission trip that provided lots of hands-on ministry, including hosting an eyeglass clinic, teaching indigenous pastors, and purchasing motorcycles for area missionaries. The team was led by Rev. Rob Nelson of St. Matthew in Walled Lake, Sandy Hardies of MOST Ministries, and Rev. Dr. Gary Rohwer of POBLO. The host was Rev. Daniel Masih of Everlasting Life Lutheran Church, Dasuya Punjab State. This dynamic Lutheran ministry, which is already strong in human care outreach, was taken to a new level of awareness and respect within the region. The eyeglass team, trained through MOST Ministries, tested and fitted nearly 600 individuals for eyeglasses. The clinic was held over 4 days.

On opening day, prominent leaders of the Dasuya community attended the event, taking part in a ribbon cutting ceremony. They gave their highest level of approval and encouraged the church to continue such services.

Pastor Daniel Masih remarked concerning the spiritual fruit resulting from the clinic, “Everyone in Dasuya now knows about Everlasting Life Lutheran Church. Because of this service event, the name of Christ, and Christ’s church now has twice the respect it had before.” A prominent Hindu business man who brought his wife for eyeglasses commented, “In the history books concerning religion we read about love but, love like this we’ve never seen before.” As part of the ongoing ministry of Pastor Daniel Masih in loving people and teaching the Gospel to the community, which is less than 1 % Christian, 12 adults received Christian Baptism in a beautiful service held on March 15th. The mission team led two songs in the service, and Rev. Nelson and Rev. Rohwer helped serve communion. The 12 people who were baptized were formerly Hindus or Sikhs. The worship service was attended by 300 Indian believers. This mission trip was the first joint trip through POBLO and MOST Ministries.

Pastor Daniel Masih (on right)

Community Leaders take part in a Clinic Team is honored with flower lays

ribbon cutting Ceremony

The others who went included Chris Neinhuis of Family of Christ Church in Grand Rapids and Kathy Chrzanowski, Karie Azzopardi, Scott Maloney, and Anna Pulis-Vickers of St. Matthew in Walled Lake. The vision team worked long days, but did so side by side with 25 local Christian men and women. Together, they helped bring a lot of joy to the people of the community. And, with an immediate impact: through the 587 people receiving eyeglasses, 12 new non-Christian families came for the March 15 worship service.

Rev. Robert Nelson preaches Rev. Gary Rohwer of POBLO with Rev. Rob & Sonnu

at worship service pictured with new motorcycle for missionaries

Members of St. Matthew donated money for the purchase of motorcycles for two missionaries. While there, Rob Nelson went with Daniel Masih to purchase the cycles at a local Honda dealer. The cycles were presented to the two missionaries the same day. Their Gospel witness and church planting efforts over very bad roads will be greatly enhanced through these gifts.

Pastor Nelson commented, “We had an unparalleled time of Christian fellowship with Pastor Daniel, his wife and children, and with the other Christian leaders. We were greatly moved by the sacrifices they all make to follow Christ in North India, and I’m sure it was clear to everyone that God is moving powerfully through this ministry to reach lost people. Several of the team from my church immediately declared that they’re coming back next year.” Sandy Hardies stated that “Out of the 25 MOST teams I’ve led, this was one of the best.” “The hospitality was Indian style (out of this world). The food was absolutely wonderful. We all felt the Spirit of the Lord was in this place.”

If your church would like to think about joining a future trip to North India through POBLO and MOST please contact Rev. Dr. Gary Rohwer at (313) 563-2051 or Debby Suchyta (734) 994-7909.

Heading Home

Rob — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 02:22:33 +0000

Many things have happened since our last blog. I began Saturday with our devotion on Matthew 6:19-21. Jesus taught how we should not store up treasures on earth, but instead store up treasures in heaven. Over our time here it is clear that all the things we accumulate on this earth will remain, but the treasures that will last are truly the relationships that are made on this earth. We are praying that with all the seeds that were planted we will meet and grow in our relationships in heaven.

Next we went to Pastor Daniel's house for breakfast followed by a full day of shopping. This is really the most challenging part of the trip for me. I can't stand shopping...ask my wife. But with the thrill of bartering and unusual finds I managed to survive.

We ended our shopping day by stopping at a Punjabi style restaurant with many other local goods. I think we all found things we were looking for at this final stop. They even had a spot for bumper cars, not your traditional Punjabi sport, but we all took turns behind the wheel with our new friends. This was a great way to end the day.

We are all filled with emotion over parting with our friends. We call other believers "brother" and "sister." They have definitely become family and are already treasures here on earth.

It is Sunday morning and we are heading back to the U.S. We start in a local airport Amristar, then Delhi, Paris, D.C. and finally Detroit. Please keep us in your prayers as we return. It will be a long stretch with many transfers and long lay overs.

Thank you for your prayers over our time in India. We have felt God's peace and protection. We look forward to sharing our stories and pictures.

God's Blessings!

Pastor Rob

A beautiful week comes to an end

Rob — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 03:57:48 +0000

Eyeglass clinic is over. Passed out 707 pairs of glasses to 587 people. It was truly an awesome experience. The people were so gracious, appreciative and patient. The lines started 3 hours before we opened and some people came such a long way they actually spent the night at the church which was our base of operations. We have grown close to many of our interrupters and helpers, we could not of done it without them. These people are so filled with the Holy Spirit you can feel it all around you. I'm not sure who is overflowing into who, but we are all overflowing into this community and into India.

Anna

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We are looking forward to today. The day's plan is to spend the day shopping in the market after having a Punjab breakfast at the house. I for one am happy to have a day to relax. We have laughed a lot this week. I will take these memories and always treasure them. I pray that the work here will continue to grow and am blessed to be here and to be a part of this wonderful experience.

Chris

Our Special Service with Friends

Rob — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:26:02 +0000

Good evening from India... The church service was from 11am to about 4pm today.( yes that is right) There were a total of 12 people that were baptized. We came into the service as a team and went down the center of the people with everyone clapping and cheering. The music was outstanding, each song lasted over 8 to 10 minutes. ( We would like their team to come to sing at our prayer and praise team.) Our team was asked to come on stage to sing two songs.

After the service we made some balloon animals and that was very special, the children were very happy. There was a lot of picture taking and fellowship. Karie is very famous at the picture time, boys look out.

I am now turning the blog over to Sandy ( just like at home I can't do anything right)! Here is Sandy..

In addition, Pastor Rob preached the sermon for the day with translation of course. The sermon was about Philip and the Ethiopian. After the service, everyone was fed dinner sitting on the floor of the church. 350 people were all served in 20 minutes. That meant a lot of dishes - no paper plates here.

Eyeglasses and Chai Tea

Rob — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:49:07 +0000

Here we are in Dasuya at the 3rd day of eye glass clinic. It has been an amazing adventure. There have been so many people at the clinic every day. We have quit taking registrations at 10:00 AM each morning and are working until 6:00pm serving the people.

The smiles on the people as they see at a distance or to see to read for the first time is a joy you cannot describe. It must be experienced. Several people are using the New Testament they received in the witness station or their cell phone to use as their reading material instead of the handout we have. The women are excited that they can see well enough to thread a needle. (This is hard for me too.)

The incredible lunches have been made by Pastor Daniel and Elizabeth everyday. There has been a long grain rice dish, curry chicken, regular chicken, lentile soup, potato cakes with a "Chinese" type sauce, fried fish, fresh fruit, roti (flat bread), other potato dishes, and lots of chai tea (Panera Bread is not even close).

The opening of the clinic was a very special ceremony including a ribbon cutting, and cake. We have also witnessed the blessing of a baby, and most of the team went to a service at Pastor Samuel's house (Pastor Daniel's brother). There was an "Indian" version of a "Prayer and Praise" service with a dinner afterward at the house.

We are going to a church service tomorrow which should be about 4 hours with anywhere from 5 to 10 baptisms. There will be a dinner after for the entire congregation. I have a picture of the pile of dishes that will be used. I am excited to hear the music and see the people. Vision (Pastor's daughter) is gonig to be singing. We have been blessed to hear her sing already and she has the most amazing, powerful voice.

The Lord has blessed this mission already, and we pray that He will continue to bless us. There have been at least 400 people tested so far. That is 400 people who have been into the church and have been told the story of Jesus. We can only pray that their hearts will be open to the Holy Spirit and will come to know Jesus.

Please continue to pray for our safety, health, and pray for the people we have touched and those we will touch the rest of the week.

Sister Chris

Hey Pastor Rob here.... If anybody has any questions, please ask or comment below! :)

This is the day the Lord has made!

Rob — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 06:14:38 +0000

Happy Sunday morning!!

God says that where two or more are gathered in His name, He is there also. We experienced that this morning in our worship time. Our formal worship that we're used to was traded for a time of worship in a hotel room. It was a neat experience to have all 8 of us gathered in a room and singing praises to God. We lifted our voices and prayers to Him. God inspired our scripture readings and the sharing of His Word. Pastor Rob and Pastor Gary also shared part of Pastor Daniel's testimony with us. God is moving in powerful ways! We pray that your worship time is equally as uplifting and full of God's presence.

The rest of today is dedicated to traveling to Dasuya. We'll be heading to the airport in a little while. After flying into Amritsar, we'll take a bus to Dasuya and get settled into our new hotel. Tomorrow, we'll be setting up the eye glass clinic and start our work there. Please pray for our work, but more importantly for Pastor Daniel's work as he ministers to the people this week and after we leave. May God open the hearts of the people that we help.

We thank you for remembering us in your prayers. Please know that you are also in ours.

God's peace,

Karie

Adventure to the Taj Mahal

Rob — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 17:31:45 +0000

We were tourists today. We went for an adventurous ride through Delhi traffic, which makes the traffic at home look like a piece of cake. Then on to Agra and the Taj Mahal. It is a symmetrical wonder. Actually a tomb for the queen, completed 22 years after her death. We are all well and blessed to have such an experience.

Anna

Welcome to Dehli

Rob — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:39:53 +0000

We got off our plane and made through customs without a hitch. Pastor Daniel met us at the airport. One change this year compared to last is that we had a nice sized bus that we could all fit in the bus. All the luggage was in the compartment, too. Bonus!!! Last year most of our luggage was on the roof.

It is 1:05 am and we just arrived at our hotel in New Dehli. We had a fairly quiet ride from the airport except for seeing two elephants on the side of the road.

We will be going to the Taj Mahal tomorrow. We need to catch a few zzzzzs. We'll keep you posted.

Thanks for ALL your prayers. God is answering

Rob

It's 2:51am in our heads, but 8:52am in Amsterdam

Rob — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:51 +0000

We made it safe and sound to Amsterdam. If you gauge your flights by how many movies you can watch we were on a 2er. One more long flight to Dehli. We will arrive at 11:30 pm. It's going to be a long day.

No Ordinary Eyeglass Mission

Rob — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:08:58 +0000

We added another facet to our eyeglass trip... balloon animal making!

"Why," you may ask? Who doesn't like a balloon?!!!

I got an email out of the blue from a friend of St. Matthew that has been a part of many of our celebrations. She offered to teach a few balloon techniques. A few popped balloons later we now know how to make an elephant, dog, turtle, mouse, flower and the most challenging of all... the snake.

One day we will take a break from the clinic while the church holds a huge celebration. That's when we will share our balloon making skills with the children and "big children" who are patient enough to wait in line.

Meet the Team - Pastor Gary

Rob — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:40:28 +0000

My Story

My name is Gary Rohwer and I have been a missionary pastor for 26 years. Places where I have been blessed to tell others of Jesus include Nigeria, Los Angeles, Pakistan and now India. I've always felt a strong calling from the Lord to help get the Word of God to those who've never had a chance to hear it before. I believe that when we, the church go out to any new group of people to share the Living Christ, God blesses that effort and doors do open.

How has God’s hand led me to be on a part of this trip?

I see that God has blessed us with a wonderful opportunity to come alongside an awesome ministry in India. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we can be a blessing to brothers and sisters there who are a little different than we are, but who share the same, faith, same Christ, same gift of life forever. So I am so happy to be going now the second time and to see what God has been doing by the power of the Holy Spirit, and by His grace, contribute just a little bit to the good work there.

What do I look forward to?

I look forward to the smiles of new believers, the great fellowship I have with the missionary, great music and great food.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for our trip that we can pray for, teach, encourage, and uplift God's people in a significant way.

Meet the Team - Chris

Rob — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:21:08 +0000

My Story

My husband of 12+ years and I are members of Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Comstock Park, MI. Family of Christ is a mission church plant just outside of Grand Rapids. I am the Trustee Team leader and was involved with the building and moving into of our new building last year. I really enjoy helping people and playing flute at church and in the Sparta Community Theatre productions. I work as a tooling engineer for a plastic extrusion company. I have been at my present company 10 years now, and love the family I have there as well.

How do you see God’s hand in leading you to go on the trip?

I learned of this event through an announcement at a Sunday service. I thought and prayed about the opportunity and about a week and then started asking some questions. I found it kind of ironic that the movie Gandhi has played twice on TV since I’ve decided to join the team. I have been blessed with everyone around me wishing me the best. I have met amazing, generous people because of my mentioning this trip.

What am I looking forward to?

I am looking forward to meeting the people and doing what I can to help make someone’s life easier, better, or more enjoyable. I am also looking forward to this adventure in general. This is all new to me. I have never been on a mission trip before, let alone fly outside the US. I am excited, a little anxious, but am going with an open mind and heart.

Prayer requests:

Please pray for all of us to have safe travel. Pray for us to stay healthy. Pray for our biological, church, work, and social families to have strength and thank God for our families for their support of our efforts. Pray for peace.

India Mission Blog - SENDING with Blessing

Rob — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 10:22:44 +0000

Two groups of people are needed for a successful mission trip... Senders and Goers. Not everyone has the time, resources or gifts to go on a mission trip. If you can relate to those feelings your help is just as invaluable. Senders cover missionaries with prayer, assist financially, donate supplies and send with God's blessings. Both parts are crucial for the mission.

This Sunday the St. Matthew team will be commissioned in all Sunday services. Join in sending this team to India.

If you are reading this blog for the first time, our MOST India Team 1206 will be going to India to help a congregation host eyeglass clinics. Each of us will carry a suitcase full of eyeglasses. By conducting the clinics, we open up a means for the pastor of that congregation to be able to reach out with the good news of Jesus so that the people will be able to see not only physically, but also spiritually.

Over the past six days you’ve met the majority the India team in this blog. We still have two members yet to introduce. Check back to meet the rest of the team.

Until then you can hear Pastor Daniel’s testimony told by Gary Rohwer.

You can download a more complete description of the trip, India facts and prayer requests here.

Prayers for Today

Keep the India team in your prayers as they are commissioned and sent with God’s blessing to share his love and mercy with others in India.

Meet the Team - Team Leader Sandy

Rob — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:34:29 +0000

Sandy has been chosen by MOST ministries to lead our eyeglass mission trip to India. We are blessed to have her expertise and her leadership. Meet Sandy...

My Story

I am a retired teacher and my husband Ren is retired from Ford. We have one son, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren ranging in age from 10 to 14. In my spare time, I like to golf, hike, camp and snowmobile. I have always had a passion for missions and so have served in many positions in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Through that connection, I became involved in the work of MOST (Mission Opportunities Short Term) Ministries and in the last 10 years have served on 24 mission teams to places all over the world.

How has God’s hand led me to be a part of this trip?

Doing what I do is a real blessing from God because it combines my interest in geography, culture, travel and of course mission. My first mission trip was to India doing women’s ministry and now I am going back to another area to lead this eyeglass team. God’s hand is in it all and I am a small part of something much bigger. I always love to see how I (we) plan things a certain way and God show us His special surprises in a better and completely different way.

What you look forward to?

I look forward to meeting and working with Pastor Daniel, his family and congregation and also getting to know the rest of our team better. Nothing brings brothers and sisters in Christ closer than being on a mission team together. I’m also looking forward to helping the people coming to our eyeglass clinic to be able to see. But more important than their physical sight is to be a part of helping them have the means to see spiritually.

Prayer Requests

Pray that our team has safe travel and that our luggage arrives safely with us. Pray also for our health and well-being and also for team cohesiveness. Pray that we are given opportunities to spread mission seeds to those we have the opportunity to meet.

Meet the Team - Karie

Rob — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:08:25 +0000

My Story

I've been active at St. Matthew since I was a toddler and was blessed to have been raised in the Day School. After attending Lutheran Westland, I went through the Family Life program at Concordia University, Ann Arbor. Among the many joys I experienced there was the semester I spent in Segovia, Spain. I believe that was the start of my love for travel. After college, I spent 6 years at Peace Lutheran, Waterford working with youth and families. In 2009, I began my current position with a great company, Action Benefits. That's the Cliff Notes version of the first 30 years of my life.

My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. I love playing with my nieces and watching them grow and develop. They really have better one-liners than any movie I've ever seen! I live with my sister, Danielle, and we love to play golf and spend time up North. I love sports of any kind . . . seriously, any kind. I enjoy working with the Family Ministry team and learning from Lavern's expertise. One of the greatest ministries we have at St. Matthew is our Small Group ministry and I feel so blessed by the members of our small group.

How do you see God's hand in leading you to go on the trip?

International mission trips have been a long-time dream of mine, but it was something that was always "in the future." I have always had such respect for Dave and Pat Siems and the many mission trips they've taken. In passing this Fall, I mentioned to Pat that I'd like to go on a mission trip (again, with no urgency in my plans). Within a couple weeks, Pastor Rob was asking me to consider this trip to India because Pat passed along my interest. My very first question to him was, "What will I eat?" Being an extremely picky eater, I knew Indian food was not on my list of foods I would eat. After a few discussions with Pastor Rob and the initial informational meeting, I felt that God was calling me to go and He even calmed my fears about the food. (The running joke in our team is that at least half of my suitcase will be food). God has truly paved the road and guided every step in our preparations for this adventure. While I wasn't "ready" to go on an international mission trip, God was ready to send me and He fit all the pieces together.

What you look forward to?

I am excited to visit a new place and a new culture. I'm looking forward to meeting Pastor Daniel and seeing the incredible things God is doing through him. But mostly, I'm excited to see the joy on the faces of people that can see clearly for the first time and to see how God softens their hearts to hear the Gospel.

Prayer Requests

That God would use this trip to create relationships between Pastor Daniel and the people of his village which will ultimately result in relationships between those people and God. For our safety in traveling. That God would ignite a passion for Him and His people in our hearts. For my family - their health and peace of mind while I'm in India. And, of course, that I won't starve. :)

Meet the Team - Scott

Rob — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:21:32 +0000

My Story

Born in Williamston, MI...46 years old. Married to Jennifer, Father to Kate- 9 years old. Bachelors in Business Management from Northwood University. Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager for Charter One Bank. Currently on the Foundation Board at Church, and an active member of the Men's Floor Hockey Group. Avid Lions and Spartans fan!! Loves to golf, bike, run.

How do you see God's hand in leading you to go on the trip?

Gently "nudged" by my wife to talk with Pastor Rob and look in to taking this trip, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this team after the first meeting with Rob and the other interested participants. I have a large Indian population at the bank, and I talked with many of my customers about India, what I should expect, and I heard clearly from them how much help the people needed. I see this as an incredible opportunity to participate in serving others in another country, over and above the role my family has played in the Human Care Ministry at St. Matthew the last few years.

What you look forward to?

Just to be a part of helping people to see! I can't imagine someone who currently can't see clearly, and the amazing experience it will be to give them the gift of sight. We take that for granted here in the US, being able to go to the Eye Doctor and pick out glasses at Costco. To be able to give them the ability to see what they haven't been able to will be awesome.

Prayer Requests

Safe journey for the entire team. The ability to overcome our fear of the unknown and jump in feet first to this opportunity. The ability to focus on each person we meet and make a difference in their lives. Pastor Daniel and his ministry. My family at home.

Meet the Team - Anna Maria

Rob — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:11:41 +0000

My Story

I was born in Malta, the youngest of 4 siblings. My family came to the U.S. when I was 3yrs old. I was raised in a very strict Catholic family and in turn raised my two daughters in the same tradition. I have attended St. Matthews for the past 6 years. I am remarried and work as the executive administrator of a dental office in Livoinia. I am active in two small groups and am on the International Ministry team. I feel that in the past 5 years I have made great strides in my faith walk. I have never felt closer to God, and the credit for that goes to the flock of wonderful believers that I have had the pleasure to get to know at St. Matthew.

How has God’s hand led me to be on a part of this trip?

I first heard about the mission trip while serving dinner at St. Paul, Pontiac the week before Thanksgiving 2011. Kathy Chrzanowski was there and she asked me….would you want to go on a mission trip to India. My immediate response was Yes, but of course I did go and pray and think on it before I committed. I feel like God is pulling me out of the rat race so I can refocus on what is important, His path for me. I believe this trip is where He wants me.

What do I look forward to?

I look forward to touching the hearts of many, spreading seeds abundantly and praying that many will come to know Jesus as their Savior. As for myself, I hope to return richly blessed with great experiences that bring me an even closer relationship with God. Plus I won’t have to drive on M5, 275 or 96 for 12days, thank you God!!

Prayer Requests

My prayer request is for all God’s children to accept Him as their Father. Also, that the skills of the medic are not tested and everyone stay healthy on the mission trip.

Meet the Team - Kathy

Rob — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:58:11 +0000

My Story

I am a widow. I have boy/girl twins and another son. I have been a Lutheran all my life. I have had many different leadership roles in the church over my lifetime. Since retirement from my full time teaching job five years ago (although I still sub), I have learned to sail and scuba dive. I can now captain a 30 foot boat in the sailing club to which I belong. It is the American Sailing Institute (sailasi.org). Let me know if you would like to sail with me sometime!

I also have been blessed to be able to travel. Most recently I was sailing in the British Virgin Islands. I also have traveled on mission trips. Several years ago to Alaska to teach Vacation Bible School, more recently to Guatemala with Thrivent Builds and Habitat for Humanity, and now I am heading to India for an eye glass mission trip.

How has God’s hand led me to be on a part of this trip?

How this India trip came about was when I was meeting with Pastor Rob for a small group leaders meeting, he asked if I might be interested in going because someone had given him my name (whoever you are) thinking I might be interested. I responded that I would pray about it, so how soon do you think my prayers were answered? The next weekend I was serving Thanksgiving dinner at St. Paul's Pontiac, the young man standing next to me in the serving line and I were talking. To my surprise his dad is the minister in charge of POBLO ministries. A few minutes later his dad was asking me about going to India. It was then I said, "Okay Lord, I received your answer quickly and loud and clear!" So now a few months, a few shots, a passport with a visa in it, and some training I am on my way to a new adventure in India.

What do I look forward to?

I am looking forward to, of course, seeing the country, meeting the people, and helping more people to not only see better with their eyes, but to see and experience the love of Jesus for their souls.

Prayer Requests

My prayer requests are for the team's health, welfare, and our seed planting ability. I know we will never know the extent this trip will influenced the people of India, but I am sure we will be blessed in our faith walk through this experience.

Meet the Team - Pastor Rob

Rob — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:46:05 +0000

My Story

I joined the St. Matthew community as an Associate Pastor in the summer of 2008. I have lived all over the U.S. and across the ocean. I was a military brat, pastor's kid and missionary kid. All these opportunities have given me a heart for ministry cross-culturally and a desire to reach those who question God's love for them. I enjoy spending time with my family. I've been blessed to be married to Nicki for 17 years. I have three growing boys and a baby on the way.

How has God’s hand led me to be on a part of this trip?

I helped lead our first trip to India last year. I saw many people open to hearing about Jesus. I also saw that our church has many blessings that we could share with other brothers and sisters in Christ in India. It seems that God always puts the right people in the right place at the right time. Pastor Daniel mentioned a particular need and we have a great mission partner in MOST ministries and we have pioneering members who felt led to go. The rest is history… or will be.

What do I look forward to?

I look forward to seeing Pastor Daniel, his family, the other pastors and members. I can still see many of their faces in my mind. I also can’t wait for others from our church to experience the richness in culture and faith. I can describe it to others, but it is really hard to grasp unless you can experience it first hand. It may sound cliché, but I really do feel like I get more than I am ever able to give.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for my family and our baby that is due in August. Pray for our health and safety. I would also appreciate your continued prayer for Pastor Daniel’s church, family and the communities that he cares for so deeply.

Can't get INDIA out of my mind!

Rob — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:12:09 +0000

Last year I went on a trip to India with Matt Hulteen and Dr. Darren Schweymaier from St. Matthew and Pastor Gary Rohwer from People of the Book Ministries. We had a wonderful trip and finally got to meet Pastor Daniel Masih face to face. You may remember we supported Pastor Daniel in our Pay It Forward series. It only made sense to build on this relationship and meet him. I was hooked. God is doing amazing things through Pastor Daniel.

So we are going back again!

A team of eight people are going to India to hold an eyeglass clinic sponsored through MOST ministries. The eyeglass clinic is one of their standard short-term missions and they do a wonderful job. Our trip will go from March 8-19. If you want to read more of the description of our trip and India you can read a description at the MOST website here.

There will be five total coming from St. Matthew on this trip: Karie Azzopardi, Kathy Chrzanowski, Scott Moloney, Anna Maria Pulis-Vickers and me.

Over the next few days I'd like you to meet our team and the others who will be joining us: Sandy Hardies (our Team Leader), Christine Neinhuis, and Pastor Gary Rohwer. They don't know this yet, but I'm going to put them on the spot and have them spill their guts in this blog by first introducing themselves :-) I'll start it out in the next blog.

Please pray for Pastor Daniel and those we will meet in your prayers!

Pastor Rob