Matthews Down Under

A day in the life? Thought you might like a look…

russ — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:47:58 +0000

Saylorville Church requested a ‘Day in the Life’ from our work in Australia.

We shared it with the church recently, but thought you might like a look into some of the things The Lord has going on in Sydney.

Some of it is jus for fun, but I hope this gives you a glimpse into a bit of our lives here!

Enjoy…

Matthews Down Under 2013

Busy May – Winning the City, Leadership and Prayer

russ — Sun, 05 May 2013 20:48:09 +0000

Greetings from Sydney

The month of May 2013 will be a busy time for the ministry work in Sydney. We wanted to share some of the events going on in the city and ways you can pray. Please go to the links to find out more.

Winning the City Breakfast, 15 May

Our annual fundraising event with speaker former Deputy Prime Minister Mr John Anderson AO.

As we enjoy a delicious breakfast together in the heart of the city, at one of Sydney’s loveliest establishments, we will share some fresh stories from the coal-face, our exciting future direction.

Pray for our fundraising efforts, help City Bible Forum win the cities.

The Forum: Leading the Aussie Way, 15/16 May

How is leading Australians different?

What are the essential characteristics of leadership?

There are some leaders we instinctively warm to, and then there are others we love to loathe.

Why? What attracts us to good leaders? Is it the oratory skills of an Obama, the courage of a Churchill, the vision of a Jobs, the brashness of a Branson or perhaps the humility of a Gandhi?

Against the backdrop of the imminent federal election, our specialist panel will consider if there is anything distinctive about the way Australians lead and respond to leadership. Has Jesus’ model of sacrifice and service left an indelible mark on our understanding of true leadership?

Our Forum panellists: John Anderson, Mark Scott and Andrew Scippione

Re:think series with Al Stewart; Wednesdays and Thursdays in May & June

We continue through the book of Mark and consider some of the big issues that are addressed throughout this incredible gospel account.

Could Jesus be right about … Leadership, Human nature, Religion, Himself and getting ahead?

Sydney Prayer Breakfast; 24 May

We hope to double last years numbers for the Sydney Prayer Breakfast. Our goal will to have over 1000 people in attendance.

Speaker: General David Hurley, Head of the Armed Forces in Australia

Finances: We are praying for our current support needs which are about at a $500/month deficit. We also accept one off donations to assist with the various ministries and family needs. It has been a challenging year and we would appreciate any assistance you are willing to provide.

To give go to this link: ABWE donations/The Matthews and put in our number: 0132363

Thank you for all of your support, prayers and we are thankful for all who write us.

The adventure continues,

Rus, Cathy, Becca, Hope, Joshua and Caroline

Save this for your Missions class… the answers you wanted to know about missions

russ — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 07:12:23 +0000

Acts 1: 7-8

⁷He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Every year we get questions from various Missions classes from around the US. We have had the privilege to share these questions many times over the years with students. Interestingly enough, they are the same questions people ask us at churches. So, here you go, the answers to your questions. Class or church, you are welcome to utilise these answers to your questions about Missions.

I will forewarn, my answers will be a bit different than other missionaries, but I hope they encourage and challenge you to think differently about missions.

Here we go:

1) Why did you choose missions?
I do not think we choose missions, I think that God chooses to send people to the mission field. Through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, God mobilises his people to do his work. The better question is: How did God direct you to missions? Studying the Word, Prayer and direction from Godly men and women. Interestingly enough, this answers the ‘call’ to missions questions, too. The question that needs to be asked to most people: are you even listening to God?

2) What were your first steps in becoming a missionary?

Pray about it…
Being in the Word constantly
Work: Are you doing the ministry work where you are now? If you are not doing the work that you will be doing on the mission field, where you are living now, then you cannot expect to do it here.
Pray with family and friends
Asking the question : Are you really meant for missions or full time ministry (I have met quite a few people who go to Bible College who are not meant for this work)? Asking God, our pastor and others on this direction.
Pray some more… Praying involves listening. Are you listening?

3) Where did you receive your training for missions?

Evangelism training
Bible Knowledge – Church and Bible College
Interviewing missionaries – Anytime a missionary is in our church or at our school, I would strive to grill them on life in missions
Real Life – Doing work in the real world. I worked for 14 years in retail and sales. I saw people where they were living. I knew how to discuss things with them and how they live.

4) How soon after you graduated from college were you on the field? Bible College: 2 months; University: 14 years

I have a degree in business and a Masters from a Bible College. I went to Bible college after I had been in business for 14 years. So I went to the Australia quite awhile since I went to university, but shortly after I went to Bible College.

5) Do you believe that the courses and life at your college adequately prepared you for your ministry on the field?

Yes and No, I think more of my skills for missions came from real life and learning from people. The Bible school portion was valuable and needed, but not nearly as important as real life.

Honestly, life on campus at a Bible College is not ‘real’, get out and experience the real world. Why? Because that is who needs Jesus.

6) Can you describe some of the gifts God gave you to minister on the field?

Talking
Listening
Teaching
Laughing
Organisation

6. My family

I know you are looking for spiritual gifts, but this is what truly helps me with moving forward with missions.

7) What was (is) the greatest challenge to you while on the mission field?

Other ministry workers & fellow believers who prefer tradition over sharing the Gospel.

8) If you have children, were they involved in the ministry?
They are one of the amazing gifts that the Lord has given us to know others. Having children allows us opportunities to be involved in our neighbourhood, local activities and school to reach out to people around us. They serve in the church in various and valuable capacities

9) Would you be open to having a short-term group on your field of ministry?

a. Yes with reservations, they would have to be a very special person. Someone who would be open to learning how to reach people here in Australia. Not someone who constantly is looking back at their experience in the US. Also, anyone who comes with the attitude that the ‘US is the best place for Christianity’ should not leave the US. Come to the field with a love for people and a desire to reach them for Christ.

b. The people who come should know their Bible, but not relying on their lessons in Bible College to communicate the Gospel.

c. A person who would be willing to come to Australia to serve the Lord, not to push their thoughts of what church should be based on their limited experience in life. (Sorry, kiddo, but anyone who is 18 years old or younger is limited in life experience)(If that offends you, please choose another field to visit!)

10)If you were to begin your mission career again, would you go to the field as a member of a mission agency or independently?

Mission agency – Even though they have their challenges. There are not too many people who could go to a foreign field on their own and succeed without a team around them. These ‘pioneers’ know who they are and do not need to hear any of these things, because they already think they know the answers. The majority of people (99.9%) would be better suited to go with a mission agency.

11)What tips would you give us as we prepare for global missions?
a. Pray about it…
b. Get a real job first, go work in the real world for a few years and live with, talk with and understand the real world.

c. Get involved in as many evangelistic activities in your church and community as possible. (If you ain’t ‘doing mission’ where you are, why do you think you can ‘do missions’ somewhere else?)

d. Go on a short term trip

e. Be willing to go wherever God wants you to go (That could be the most expensive city in the world, Sydney)

f. Learn a different language

g. Pray about it some more

h. Talk with your pastor… should you even be considering this adventure of missions?

i. Pray about it again!

j. Commit… if you are convinced you are going to do this and this is what God wants from you, go in 100%. No one year plan, no two year plan, no four year plan… jump in with both feet!

k. Go to our website www.matthewsdownunder.com or our Facebook page: Matthews Down Under, research us and other missionaries.

Well, hope all of this helps. Thanks for asking and please feel free to ask me more questions, if you survived these answers.

Sincerely yours,

Russ

(Yes, we use Australian spelling, because we are Australian)

Is the Bible Trustworthy? The Sydney Prayer Breakfast and other things

russ — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:13:15 +0000

Some key events coming up in Sydney that could use your prayers:

20/21 March : Is the Bible Trustworthy? Speaker Dr Greg Clarke

An in-depth discussion with Greg Clarke.

Much has been written about the Bible, recently that suggests it is not trustworthy. Can we trust it, or is it just another book of mythology? Greg will briefly speak to this issue, and then there will be an extended period of question and answer.

Dr Greg Clarke is a CEO, author, public speaker and academic, interested in religion in contemporary life. With a doctorate in literature from the University of Sydney, he has written books on topics ranging from The Da Vinci Code to the end of the world, from marriage to the life of Jesus.

27/28 March: The Resurrection: Fact or Fiction? Speaker Ian Powell

Is the resurrection true, or is it simply a tall tale? If true, it turns our assumptions about life and death on their head.

Join us to discuss this important issue. Ian Powell will briefly speak to this issue, and then there will be an extended period of question and answer.

29 March: A new beginning, the last supper Speaker Russell Matthews

I will be preaching on Good Friday from the text of the last supper.

24 May: Sydney Prayer Breakfast

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:15-16

I have the privilege of being on the Board for the Sydney Prayer Breakfast.

The Sydney Prayer Breakfast is an annual prayer gathering of Christians from all denominations who work or live in the Sydney CBD.

We seek to:

call on our Heavenly Father for his mercy and blessing upon the people of the city;
encourage believers in their trust and obedience to Jesus Christ; and
be a light to our fellow workers and neighbours in the city.

Jake Nauta… Music from Australia

We have been presented with a unique opportunity to share some of Australia with you in 2014. While we are visiting the US, we wanted to share some of the great music of Jake Nauta.

Jake has freed up his schedule to come back for some of our time in Iowa. He has agreed to lead music prior to my speaking at churches, youth events, outreach concerts, etc.

We just need to raise the funds for him to come back with us. The costs would be for flights, housing and traveling expenses. Depending on how much we can raise will determine if we can bring back just Jake or his band too.

If you are willing to assist with this project, contact us through our email matthewsdownunder@icloud.com. Once we have the funds we can determine the venues and events that we can coordinate around this great Australian artist.

We think you will truly be blessed by Jake coming to the US. Pray about it and consider assisting with the Jake Nauta project.

As always, thanks for your prayers and supporting out family.

The adventure continues…

Russ, Cathy, Becca, Hope, Joshua and Caroline

City Bible Forum in March

russ — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 04:51:31 +0000

We wanted to send you an update of things to be praying for in March 2013.

13/14 March

The FORUM - On the 7th day… God unplugged

What is the role of technology in a healthy life? How can we rest when we’re always online?

The Forum invites you to set your mobile to silent, to come ready to text us your questions, and explore the impact of technology in our busy lives.

20/21 March

Is the Bible trustworthy?

In Depth discussion with Dr Greg Clarke

Dr Greg Clarke is the CEO of the Bible Society of Australia. He will look at the topic that intrigues and confounds many Australian during this season of Easter.

27/28 March

City Bible Forum – The Resurrection: Fact or Fiction?

Extended Q&A session with Ian Powell

All details will be on citybibleforum.org/sydney

Think Big event

Thank you for your prayers in regards to the Think Big event on success.

The talk was well received and we had a good crowd at the event.

The adventures continues…

The Matthews Family

Day 5 update for 2013: Seven years and we look forward to the rest of our days in Australia

russ — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:34:36 +0000

It has been seven years since we arrived in Australia. We have had good days and challenging days. Yet, we see this as our home.

I look out my window and see the palm and gumtrees, I hear the Kookaburas and Cockatoos and I see and smell the season as it is transitioning to autumn from summer. We forget that we have a different accent, because we consider ourselves Australian. It is very different than the life in Iowa or Maryland, but it is amazing how the Lord has made this feel, look, smell and sound like home.

The work is hard, but all work for the Gospel will experience hardship. We experience resistance everyday, but there is always an underlying hope. Sometimes, as ministry workers, we go through the thought process of ‘no one understands our difficulties’, then we turn around and realise that the Lord has equipped and designed us to fit into this atmosphere. If anyone understands our difficulties, it is Jesus and that soothes the soul.

We hope that the few people that read these updates can celebrate with us. Celebrating that the Lord has placed us here for just such a time as this. A time to do His work, in His timing and in His manner. The fruit and results are in His hands. We are here to do His work, as long as He sees fit. We pray that is for the rest of our days and those days will all be for His glory.

Thanks for partnering in prayer and financial support in this journey… this adventure.

Russ, Cathy, Becca, Hope, Joshua and Caroline

(This will be the last of the daily updates this month, we will continue the monthly updates throughout 2013)

Daily Update 4 – Bible Study Fellowship & City Bible Forum

russ — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:36:07 +0000

BSF: Bible Study Fellowship

Cathy will be one of the children’s leaders at Bible Study Fellowship this year. In the past few years, this has become one of the most rewarding ministry opportunities for Cathy. She has been involved in leading in the children’s ministry, develop key relationships with the women in the community and grow in the Word.

This ministry has been a blessing on many levels for Cathy. Evangelism, Discipleship and personal growth in the Word.

This year they will be going through the book of Genesis.

City Bible Forum

This year we will continue with the evangelistic talks at our weekly meetings. We have started off the year with good attendance and many new people coming along each week.

We are working through the book of Mark this year. We will break it up into 5-6 week blocks between some of our other events. So, each block will look to be a stand alone project, but will follow the outline of Mark’s Gospel.

Example: this first sereis is Ok God… What do you want with me?

February 6 / 7	Ok God… are you there and do you care?
February 13 / 14	Ok God… what is the plan and where is it taking me?
February 20 / 21	Ok God… what’s the number one priority in my life?
February 27 / 28	Ok God… what do I need most in my life?
March 6 / 7	Ok God… but why is religion so often ugly?

Now that is real football! The season begins

russ — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:20:54 +0000

AFL season begins

Even though we were thrilled the Ravens won the Super Bowl (three of our kids were born in Baltimore and Cathy is from Maryland). We are even more excited about the beginning of Australian Rules Football soon beginning. Josh will be playing again this year. This will be his 5th year of AFL.

Watch the promotional clips, it is a bit different than NFL. AFL promo: dont click if you are squeamish

Different country, different rules. Same applies to doing missions.

Pray we are able to be light for the Lord amongst the players and their families in 2013.

When we come back to our churches in 2014, we would love to teach the youth groups this great game. Of course, not the tackle version. Come on, Americans need pads to play football. we will go soft on you all. This is Australia, mate!

Are you getting our updates?

Week of updates

2013 is looking to be an excited year for ministry in Australia. We wanted to try a series of shorter updates this week. Giving you some of the key things that will be happening in the coming weeks in our various ministry centres in Sydney. If you are a regular supporter or reader of our updates, we would love to hear from you.

Could you just drop us a quick line to acknowledge that you are getting our updates? Also, love to get your feedback on how we can improve our updates.

Email: matthewsdownunder@gmail.com

Thanks for taking to time and for your support of our family.

To get our updates go to matthewsdownunder.com and click on the free RSS feed.

2013 Daily update 2: On the 7th Day… God Unplugged

russ — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 23:14:41 +0000

The Forum: 13/14 March 2013

What would happen to you if you lost your mobile phone? Has technology made our culture more productive or have we lost the ability to unplug? Could you give up social networking for a month, a week or even a day? Are we more social or less social with social networking? Does God need a URL for us to consider Him?

Panellists: Justine Toh, Karina Keisler and Dr Graham Barker

City Bible Forum will be looking at one of the key discussion points in modern culture. Technology and rest, do we need to unplug or how can we unplug? Leading up to the the discussion on Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, we will look at this topic that has people falling out on both sides of the discussion.

The details will be on citybibleforum.org/theforum

You can watch past Forums on citybibleforum.org

2013: Daily updates – Are you getting these updates?

russ — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:38:10 +0000

2013 is looking to be an excited year for ministry in Australia. We wanted to try a series of shorter updates this week. Don’t worry, we will not be doing this all year. We just wanted to give you some quick updates of things coming up with the family and in the ministry.

We will be giving you some of the key things that will be happening in the coming weeks in our various ministry centres in Sydney.

If you are a regular supporter or reader of our updates, we would love to hear from you.

Could you just drop us a quick line to acknowledge that you are getting our updates (This is through an RSS feed from our website: Matthews Down Under) ? Also, love to get your feedback on how we can improve our updates.

Thanks for taking to time and for your support of our family.

Email us at matthewsdownunder@gmail.com or Facebook, Matthews Down Under

Monday update

Think big : success

Evangelistic event

Russ will be talking at an up coming young adults/ youth event at the end of February. He will be discussing success and what the a bible has to say about the subject.

This is an evangelistic event. Please pray for the event and that many people will come along and The Lord will be glorified in it all.

The adventure continues…

The Matthews