Psalm 139… what an elegant description of the intimate knowledge of the Almighty as it concerns His creation. To think, the Lord has an intimate knowledge of me… such a wonderful and scary thought. It is so frightening to know that our life, our thoughts, all that we are is laid bare before Him. I know, like no one else, the filth that the He who is perfect must see in me and I am ashamed. On the other hand, I take great comfort in knowing that I cannot hide who or what I am from my Lord and Savior. Recently, this Psalm spoke volumes to me as it pertains to the future.
As many of you know, I (Matthew) am a planner and organizer. It is a fact that I would love to have my future planned out to the day. Unfortunately, our family can currently only see a few steps in front of us. We currently know that our family will return to Brazil for another term with our organization and that I will be working on my Doctorate during this time. What exactly this next term will look like we do not know. How we will pay for school is still unknown as well. The organizational side of my personality detests this reality. It seems to me that life would be so much easier if God would just e-mail me a schedule. Nevertheless, I must live without such a plan and the spiritual-side of my personality loves this fact. For you see, this side of my character has complete trust in my Lord and God. It desires to lie at the feet of the Savior and find peace and rest in His presence.
As I have this internal struggle between the need to trust and the need to know, I am again and again brought to Psalm 139 and especially verse 16. Here, this Davidic writing says, “… all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” For one who wants to but cannot know the future these words bring great comfort… so, it into you hand my most precious Savior I leave my next term, my family, and my life.
26 September 2010
14 September 2010
A Letter...
To my family and friends,
God is good! As many of you know, we have accepted a new position with the IMB and will be serving another term here in Brazil. Beginning in February of next year and for three years after, we will be the Logistics and Educational Coordinators for the Peoples of the Amazon Region. It is such a blessing to be called to serve the Lord here on the foreign mission field. The rich blessing the Lord has bestowed on us is not only seen in a continued calling to Brazil but it can also been witnessed in those whom He has called to support our family. So often, we are reminded of the financial and prayer support that is daily lavished upon us. So many give generously and for this we are grateful.
I write this letter to ask again for your support. The Lord has given me (Matthew) the opportunity to return to school to further my knowledge of church growth and evangelism through the pursuit of another degree. I will be attending The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to obtain a Doctorate in Ministry. The road to this degree will be long and taxing. It is with this thought in mind that I write to ask for your assistance. I would be greatly encouraged if you would be a prayer warrior. As I begin this process, I need many who are willing to share in this ministry by weekly bringing me before the Throne of Grace. As I accept the responsibility of learning and the undertaking of a large financial obligation beyond my means, I pray that you will partner with me as I am in pursuit of this degree.
It is with thanks to God for His exceeding grace and favor that I write you, for I know He is faithful to provide to those whom He has called. Please continue to pray for our family as we are living so far away from our home continuing on this journey of faith and obedience. We think of you all so often and love each of you. We would love to hear from you when you have the time. Thank you for being faithful to pray for us, for being willing to give of yourself, and for being faithful in what God has called each of you to do.
God bless you,
Matthew Gilpin
Logistics and Educational Coordinator for the Peoples of the Amazon Region
God is good! As many of you know, we have accepted a new position with the IMB and will be serving another term here in Brazil. Beginning in February of next year and for three years after, we will be the Logistics and Educational Coordinators for the Peoples of the Amazon Region. It is such a blessing to be called to serve the Lord here on the foreign mission field. The rich blessing the Lord has bestowed on us is not only seen in a continued calling to Brazil but it can also been witnessed in those whom He has called to support our family. So often, we are reminded of the financial and prayer support that is daily lavished upon us. So many give generously and for this we are grateful.
I write this letter to ask again for your support. The Lord has given me (Matthew) the opportunity to return to school to further my knowledge of church growth and evangelism through the pursuit of another degree. I will be attending The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to obtain a Doctorate in Ministry. The road to this degree will be long and taxing. It is with this thought in mind that I write to ask for your assistance. I would be greatly encouraged if you would be a prayer warrior. As I begin this process, I need many who are willing to share in this ministry by weekly bringing me before the Throne of Grace. As I accept the responsibility of learning and the undertaking of a large financial obligation beyond my means, I pray that you will partner with me as I am in pursuit of this degree.
It is with thanks to God for His exceeding grace and favor that I write you, for I know He is faithful to provide to those whom He has called. Please continue to pray for our family as we are living so far away from our home continuing on this journey of faith and obedience. We think of you all so often and love each of you. We would love to hear from you when you have the time. Thank you for being faithful to pray for us, for being willing to give of yourself, and for being faithful in what God has called each of you to do.
God bless you,
Matthew Gilpin
Logistics and Educational Coordinator for the Peoples of the Amazon Region
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