Reverend Matt

 When Matt was invited to fill in for a church about 90 miles away from our home for a couple of Sundays last summer, we had no idea where it would lead. We love the people at The Christian Life Church of Milton, and they love us, and after they invited Matt to be the permanent pastor, his mentor, Dr. Roy Lauter (who got him into this in the first place) encouraged him to pursue ordination through New Hope International Ministries. (This is the organization through which we have travelled around the world serving on short-term mission teams, and for which Matt serves as Chair of the Board of Directors.) Matt completed the process, was unanimously approved by the NHIM Board, and a special ceremony was held at our church on Sunday, December 10th, to commemorate the ordination.

Dr. Lauter examined and charged Matt before the congregation.

Several NHIM Board members came to the service and participated in the laying on of hands.

Matt and Amy with members of the NHIM Board

Family who made the trip for the service

Dear friends Steve & Pam, with whom we have served in Guatemala

Sarah & Cazavion, who have become family to us

Michael & Rebecca - friends who came for the service

Jim, who traveled with Matt when he was in music ministry in college, surprised us by coming all the way from eastern Kentucky!

It was a very special day for us, and we felt very loved and supported by our family, friends, NHIM Board, and Milton Church family.

You can watch the video of the ceremony here. The ceremony begins at the 55-minute mark. Matt's sermon is at minute 26.