"Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames" Paraguay

Being the national directors of "Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames"("Las Puertas del Cielo y Las Llamas del Infierno") in Paraguay is a challenging but fun job. Not only do you work with people who are sometimes not that committed in their relationship with Christ, you also have to deal with electrical issues, props being misplaced, power outages, etc. It makes for an interesting time of work and ministry.

This weekend, we had the privilege of doing the drama outreach in Villa Elisa, Paraguay. The churches name is Centro Familia de Adoración or Family Worship Center. When we started the drama, the church had around 40-50 people. After three nights, they are now trying to consolidate or disciple the 206 people who gave their lives to Christ. 

Here are few testimonies. I wanted to write them down before I forget: 

Thursday night: Before the drama begins at each church, I give an altar call for the cast. On this first night, 12 cast members gave their lives to Christ. It was amazing!

After the drama ended that night, a young lady came to me with her family and explained that she had just arrived from Spain that afternoon. Her family brought her straight to the drama. She came up to me afterwards and told me that God has been chasing her. She said she just can't run anymore. She came forward and gave her life to Christ. So, all the way from Spain to meet Christ. What would have happened if we would not have done the drama?

Also, on Thursday night, the altars filled with weeping couples, fathers, mothers, children, teens, etc., as the Holy Spirit was moving on their lives. It was emotional and amazing! God knows how to change live. We watched as 67 people gave their lives to Christ.


Friday night: During the altar call, I felt a strong need to speak to fathers. There is a scene in the drama with a father and son where the father encourages the son to work hard and he'll get all he wants. He even goes as far as to say that the son's mom has enough religion for all of the family. There is no need to accept Christ. Giving your life to Christ doesn't get you the nice car, the nice home, etc. Only hard work does. They both end up going to hell in the drama. As I was talking to them during the altar call, I had them all bow their heads, and I asked the fathers about their lives. I asked them if they have been trying to provide everything for their families except for the one thing they really need, a personal relationship with Christ. I told them that the only thing that could help their family was for the fathers to become the spiritual leaders that they needed. One gentleman, that God laid on my heart, looked directly at me and nodded his head. He was the first to raise his hand and the first to come forward. Many fathers came forward as we saw another 67 people give their lives to Christ.

Saturday night: As we were beginning the drama, there was a heaviness in the building. It was palpable. You could feel the tension and sense a presence that wasn't very nice. I was trying to introduce the drama and begin the ministry. It was very difficult. I finished the first part and exited as the cast began the opening scene. I walked out of the church and began walking around the outside praying. I could just sense a presence of something that was coming against the ministry. The cast could feel it, the pastor could feel it, and you could sense it. It was tough! We prayed throughout the entire drama. Towards the end, some of the cast came and informed me that the four drug addicts/drug pushers from the neighborhood (the one's who use and control the drug flow in the neighborhood) had come to the drama. I told them that wouldn't it be amazing if God saved them tonight. Guess what happened? Yep, He did! I found them in the audience and spoke directly to them in the altar call. The Holy Spirit gave me a boldness and confidence that I normally don't have, and all four came to the altar. What is even more amazing is that the pastor informed me that they all came to the church service on Sunday morning and were asking questions about salvation, Christianity, etc. Pretty cool!

I sometimes don't understand why me and how God can use me? Don't get me wrong. I know He can use me, and I enjoy when He does, but I am still amazed each and every time. He is so good to me and to my family. We love Him and love serving Him in Paraguay. 


The same God that works in Paraguay can and will work wherever you live. It just takes a complete reliance on Him. I have been saying a lot lately that many Christians will tell you that they believe IN Jesus Christ, but the one thing that I have noticed is that many Christians do not BELIEVE Jesus Christ. What I mean by that is that they believe that Jesus exists, and He may even be their savior, but they don't really believe His words and His promises. He promised to never leave you. He promised to be with you when you go and make disciples. He claimed to be the Son of God, He said that all power was given to Him in heaven and on earth, He healed, He saved, He taught, and so much more. Yet, sometimes we find ourselves not believing that He actually meant what He said and that He spoke the truth. He also promised He would return again some day! Do you believe Him? Do you believe His words are true? 

I hope you do. If not, and you would like to, then pray this simple prayer and mean it in your heart, and you will be saved. Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, but I know you love me. I ask you to forgive me of my sins, come into my heart, and save me. I believe you are the Son of God. I confess to you my sins, and I give you my life. I want to live for you the rest of my life. Help me to leave my sins behind and serve you. Help me to love others as you have loved me. Thank you for dying for me so that I can live with you. In Jesus name, Amen.


If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, then you are saved. It's vital that you do 3 things, right now. First, tell at least three people what happened just now in your life. A good one to tell would be a pastor of a church that preaches the Word of God. Others, would be family members and friends. This step will encourage and build your faith in Jesus. Second, you need to pray and talk to God, every day. What is praying? It's communication with God. Just speak to Him and tell him how you feel, what you are thinking, and what concerns you. Reading the Bible is the best way to hear from God. He speaks through His Word. Third, it's very important to find a place where you can be with friends who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. That is why we have to attend church. It builds us up, helps us feel part of a community of like-minded believers, and it helps us learn. It is critical that you find a place that teaches the Word of God and it's truths.

I trust and pray that this blog finds you where you are at and encourages you to live for Christ. There really is no better way to live. Maybe you've tried many other ways, and you just need to give it to Him. I promise you that He can and will save you!

Please feel free to contact me via this post, email, or on twitter.


Blessings,
Charley

charley.mattix@gmail.com
@charleymattix

HEAT

I was thinking today of writing about HEAT. Heat, glorious heat. We just spent 9 days in Chile near Santiago with most all of the missionaries from the Southern Cone (Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay). While it was great to be with them, to see them, to share life's journey, to be understood, etc., I found myself really missing the HEAT! Yes, I love the heat of Paraguay. Do I sweat? Of course, all the time. I even preach with a towel instead of a handkerchief, but I still love it.

I've often thought about why I can  tolerate 120-130 degrees with high humidity (if it's possible to tolerate something like that, maybe survive is a better word). I mean, I used to complain when it would get in the 90s in Southern Missouri in August. 

I was thinking again on this, today (because it's really hot and the air conditioner is not working), and wondering. Why do I like this? Why do I do this? I could be in the United States, working a normal job, maybe attending a church and working in one as well, but that's not enticing to me. Why isn't that? Am I abnormal? (My brothers aren't allowed to answer that question) 

As I was wondering about that I received a phone call from a pastor of a church we have been attending. They have been awesome to our three children. In fact, Chariti, Kaylee, and Chaz are at practice, right now, for the upcoming youth camp. They will be doing a dance routine and other things with their youth group during the camp. They come home from practice excited to be a part of something like this. Anyway, he called to let me know that a project we have been praying about has come to fruition. 

The church, First Assembly (the only one in Paraguay) or Iglesia del Centro (Downtown Church), has been meeting in a really tiny room with space for about 50 people. Many more would like to attend the church, but there just isn't room. We've been praying about selling the building, purchasing land, and building. The land was purchased just before Christmas. Last Wednesday evening, Pastor Simon talked to someone about purchasing the building, and it sold. In fact, tomorrow will be the last service in it as we have to be moved out by Monday. Talk about a fast answer to prayer.

After the phone call, I knew why I love the HEAT. Whether it's the heat or the humidity, whether it's the heat of every day living in Paraguay, whether it's the heat of ministry, or whether it's the heat I place on myself to do things correctly, I know that I am here for a purpose, and I love serving God in the heat of Paraguay.

Maybe there's some heat in your life that has got you all boiled up and steaming over. Give it to the cooling waters of the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to soothe you, calm you, and cool you. You know what? He loves you and wants the best for you. Just ask Him and see what He won't do for you!

Blessings to all,
Charley

(photos: a picture of myself and the pastor of our church, Simon Arias)


Also, you can check out a video on my Facebook of Sherry and the kids in their Christmas play: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2929181384291&set=vb.1103640131&type=2&theater

Amazing!

The past few months have been a whirlwind. To sum it all up would take several pages of writing. I will briefly (in a timeline fashion) inform you as to what has been going on. Here goes:

August 8-left (3 hours late due to marine layer in L.A.) the States for Paraguay.
10-arrived (24 hours behind schedule) in Paraguay.
11-rest of August and September, repairs on mission's owned home (electrical problems, broken lights, air conditioners broken, fire in chimnea over the grill, etc.)
August-preaching in many different churches, we saw over 100 people come to Christ
September-Chariti's birthday,preaching in more churches, teaching at Bible school, more repairs on house, watched as 24 people were saved and 12 filled with the Spirit (whoo hoo)
October-traveling to many churches and preaching, teaching in Bible school, meeting new pastors, more repairs on home, getting older (i.e. birthday), blessed to witness the re-birth of 22 new brothers and sisters in Christ)
November-preaching in more churches, Bible school ends for year and graduation of 26 students, watched as God called people into ministry and many were filled with the Spirit
December-a month full of blessings, miracles, and my first baptism service in Paraguay. One young teenager (the only Christian in his family) was baptized and came out of the water speaking in tongues. I had never personally witnessed anything like it before. It was amazing!

Now, we are in a new year. It is a year of expectation, of blessing, and of hope. I really believe that God is going to do some amazing things, this year, in Paraguay. We are looking forward, in anticipation, to see what He will do in our beloved, adopted nation of Paraguay. Please remember to pray for us. Without you, we cannot do what God called us to do. We need you, we love you, and we pray for you!


Blessings,

Charley

Bible School

Last night, I was teaching a class on Soteriology (hope I spelled that correctly for all of you theologians). Here the class is called Soteriología. Anyway, it was the second of nine weeks at the Bible Institute in this specific class. I was teaching on the reason for Salvation (the class is the doctrinal study of salvation and divine healing), on repentance, and on faith. When the class was coming to an end, the Holy Spirit began to move when I started discussing with them degrees of faith like small faith, big faith, tested faith, proven faith (at least that's how I translated them). Then, when I went into talking about active or inactive faith and how we maintain our faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit prompted me to ask them why they were at the Bible Institute or why they were attending Bible school.

I began by asking them their reasons for attending. Are you here to find a spouse? Are you here to earn a degree or title? Are you here because you think it will give you a name or make you into someone important here in Paraguay? Are you here to study and learn? Although that last one is a good enough reason to attend, I pushed a little further and told them that they are attending a place where they get to spend time with God in each and every class and chapel. They should be taking advantage of the next four years to ask God to speak to them, to minister to them, to teach them, and to show them His will for their life. They need to be here for the best reason: to see God, to know Him, to know His works, and to draw closer to Him and allow Him to reveal His plan for their lives.

As I was talking to them about faith and allowing God to give them more faith and them to receive it, tears began to fall on several students' faces (and mine). Several slipped out of their desks and went to their knees before a presence so holy that we all knew the Holy Spirit was ministering to us. I fell to my knees and began to thank God for meeting us in a small Bible school classroom with 14 students in Asunción, Paraguay. It was amazing!

We have been back "home" now for a month. There has been a lot of news of severe cases of abuse, neglect, murder, rape, and other serious crimes. Most of them are committed by fathers and mothers to their own children. Also, many of the young people of Paraguay have lost all hope and are taking their own lives. There has been such a feeling of sadness and despair in this nation that it has been difficult to break through this barrier. I have been asking God to help me break through this in some way. Last night, it was (at least to me) as if God was saying that He had everything under control. All I need to do is depend on Him, and He will help me get the job done.

Maybe you are struggling today with the feeling that God is not near you. He can't hear you, or He isn't answering your prayers. Instead of worrying about it, begin to praise Him and thank Him for saving you, for blessing you, or for something good in your life. Begin asking Him to give you more faith, then receive this free gift from Him. I promise you that the same Holy Spirit, the same God who met a small group of Paraguayan students listening to a gringo teach them about faith, will meet you wherever you are physically, emotionally, and spiritually!

Blessings to you all,
Charley

Trip to Wisconsin

My family and I are still itinerating. This past weekend, we were given the opportunity to travel to Sheldon, Wisconsin. We stayed with some friends, who have become like family, in Holcombe, Wisconsin. Yes, there was still a lot of snow on the ground. It was cold, for me, but not for them. There were a lot of people walking around in shorts and t-shirts. 


Anyway, the Sitler family took us to Grape's Sugar Bush where we went into the woods and learned how they tap maple trees for the sap to make maple syrup. Then, we went to the barn or workhouse to see it being boiled down into syrup. Of course, we had to taste some of the sap and syrup and had some maple candy. Really sweet! It was a wonderful time. I really enjoyed learning about the process of making maple syrup. They even gave us some root beer made out of the maple syrup they made at their farm.


Also, we went to a store where they sale cheese and other dairy products. The owners are the parents and grandparents of Dylan. Dylan was a young man that had cancer and his one wish was to own his own dairy. Before he passed away, his wish was granted and his family still runs it in his memory. If you've never had real Wisconsin cheese, then you haven't had cheese. It's amazing, and of course, we bought a few pounds of cheese and tried several different kinds.


On the trip to the farm and dairy store, there were many interesting conversations in our van between Chaz and two of the Sitler grandchildren. Their names are Zara and Zander Groothousen. Zander is 6 years old, and he kept trying to get Chaz' attention by yelling, "Hey, talker! Hey, talkative, talker!" Finally, Chaz asked what he wanted. Here's the conversation: Zander: "Chaz, have you ever been to Madagascar?" Chaz: "No." Zander: "Have you ever been to San Diego?" Chaz: "Yes." Zander: "What? You've been to San Diego? That's so cool!"


Anyway, we got a kick out of it. I guess San Diego was a bigger place to visit than Madagascar. He seemed more excited about it than asking about Madagascar. There were other conversations, as well, but I can't remember them all.


We went to Wisconsin to do a Faith Promise mission's service at Sheldon Full Gospel Assembly of God. Their regular monthly mission's giving has averaged around $890 per month. After the Faith Promises were taken up, they had commited to having God give $2760 per month in mission's giving. I can't wait to see what God is going to do for this church in the near future. Their faithfulness to obey God will result in every blessing being poured out in abundance so that every need is met and they have enough to do what God asked them to do. It says in 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.”


If there is something that you need or your church needs, why not take God at his word and step out in faith and obey Him? When we do this, He is able and willing to provide every blessing in abundance. If your church is struggling, why not take on some more missionaries and see what God will do for you.


We are almost there. We only have 8% to raise for our monthly commitments and $15,000 on one-time cash offerings. Please continue praying with us to see God finish up our budget so that we can get back to Paraguay and do what God would like us to do.


Blessings to all,
Charley

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, everyone!

We wish all of you a very merry Christmas and  a Happy New year. 

This past year has seen us travel all over this great country of ours visiting many churches, meeting new friends, and raising our budget. It has been challenging, fun, and busy. A big thank you to each and every one of you for praying for us and supporting our family and ministry in Paraguay. You are a blessing to us.

One big thing that has happened during this itineration has been a move of God in each of our services. In almost every one of the services, people have given their lives to Christ and made Him Lord of their lives. It has been amazing to see Him work in people's hearts and lives.

As we come to the end of another year, we are thankful to God for His many blessings in our lives. We are thankful for His provision, His safety in our travels, health, and His annointing upon our lives and ministry. We are thankful that we have almost finished this itineration, and we will be headed back to the country of our calling. We can't wait to return "home" and continue the work in Paraguay that God has called us to do. God has provided 90% of our needed monthly budget and 20% of our needed cash budget. In order to return to Paraguay, we still need $1,200 in new monthly commitments and about $25,000 in one-time offerings. We would like to return in January, but we know that is just around the corner. The plans are to return by or before April of 2011.  Please pray with us!

Would you pray with us as we continue to travel from church to church telling them what God is doing in Paraguay? Would you pray for protection, help, and provision?

Thank you to all who have already made that commitment to pray and support our ministry. To those of you who would like to help us out, please contact me via email or phone. You can find that information on our website: www.mattixfamilynews.com.

Blessings to you all,

Charley, Sherry, Chariti, Kaylee, & Chaz

Schedule

Here is a quick update of our schedule for the rest of August and September:

This weekend, we will be in Caruthersville, MO at First Assembly of God for the morning service and Holcomb, MO for the evening service. Both of these are the Assembly of God churches in those towns. If you are in the Bootheel of Missouri, please join us for the services. We are looking forward to being with Pastor Rob and family on Sunday morning and Pastor Richard and family on Sunday evening at 5.

August 29, 2010:  open

August 31, 2010:  7 p.m., Central Bible College, Springfield, MO

September 5, 2010:  Assembly of God, Stockton, MO

September 12, 2010:  Full Gospel Tabernacle, Sheldon, Wisconsin

September 19, 2010:  open

September 26, 2010:  First Assembly of God, Sparta, IL (a.m.)

September 26, 2010:  Bethel Fellowship, Florissant, MO (p.m.)

October 1 & 2, 2010:  People's Church, Arnold, MO (Mission's     Convention)

October 3, 2010:  People's Church, Arnold, MO (Mission's     Convention-a.m.)

October 3, 2010:  First Assembly of God, Camdenton, MO

October 10, 2010:  Trinity Tabernacle, Bridgeton, MO (a.m.)

October 1o, 2010:  open (p.m.)

October 17, 2010:  Northview Assembly of God, Joplin, MO (a.m.)

October 17, 2010:  open (p.m.)

October 24, 2010:  Tampa Assembly of God, Springfield, MO (a.m.)

October 24, 2010:  open (a.m.)

October 31, 2010:  open (a.m. & p.m.)

November 6, 2010: Grace Assembly of God, Florissant, MO (Mission's Convetion dinner)

November 7, 2010:  Grace Assembly of God, Florissant, MO (Mission's Convention/Faith Promise Service)

November 10, 2010: First Assembly of God, Nixa, MO

November 14, 2010:  open (a.m.)

November 14, 2010:  First Pentecostal A/G, Ottumwa, Iowa

November 21, 2010:  Orlando, FL

November 28, 2010:  Orlando, FL

December 26, 2010:  First Assembly of God, Buffalo, MO

So far, this is our schedule for the rest of they year. As you can see, we have several dates where we don't have anything scheduled (especially almost every Wednesday evening). If you could pray with us so that we can fill up our schedule with services. In order to raise our cash budget, we need at least 10 services per month. Right now, we are averaging 5 services per month. Please pray with us that doors will be opened for opportunities to minister.

God is moving during our itineration. So far, we have seen 250 people come to know Christ or re-dedicate their lives to Him in our services. He is touching lives and changing hearts as we continue to serve Him at each and every church. We thank God for working through us!

Please pray with us that God continues to work on our behalf. We still need to raise about $1,500 in new monthly support and a little more than $32,000 in cash offerings. As many of you know, we are living in a different time, but God is faithful. What is amazing is that with all of the support that has fallen off, God is bringing in new partners. Please continue to pray for us as we are "home" raising the necessary support to live and serve God another four years in Paraguay.

Blessings to all,

The Mattix Family

 

Southern Missouri District Council

I am sitting in the hallway of James River Assembly of God in Ozark, MO. The Southern Missouri 96th Annual District Council is set to begin in a little over 4 hours (7 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2010). This year, we have a booth set up near one of the entrance doors on the north side of the sanctuary. It should be a great time of fellowship and encouragement as the pastors, missionaries, and ministries of Southern Missouri get together to do business, worship God, and network with each other.

Already, I have seen many exciting ministries and talked with several friends of our ministry. We are anticipating seeing more and watching God connect us to more pastors and ministries.

In this, our second itineration, we are seeing God move in a really exciting way. In almost every service, we are seeing people saved and called into the ministry. Last night, we were in Winona, MO, and a young man, only 6 years old, gave his life to Jesus and asked for me to pray for him. He wanted to do whatever God wanted him to do. It was an exciting time, for me, to pray for this young man. Who knows if one day Jacob will be leading a church, become a missionary, or be the next Billy Graham? God knows, and for me, it is amazing to be a small part of His kingdom, serving Him where He has called my family and myself.

As we continue on this week and throughout our itineration/furlough, we pray that God continues to save lives, call people to minstry, and help us return to Paraguay as quickly as possible. Our heart has been left in Paraguay. Our home is in Paraguay. God called us there, and it has become home to us.

Please pray with us that God will continue to work His will in our lives. Pray that He will help us fill our schedule for the rest of the year, and that the required support comes in quickly.

Thank you for praying and supporting our ministry! Without you, we couldn't do what God has called us to do!

Blessings,

Charley

Itineration

As we travel, visit family and friends, make new friends, and visit with churches and supporters, it never ceases to amaze me how amazing God is. There are so many faithful people who are serving Him, and He allows us the unique opportunity to meet many of His servants.

Let me give you a couple of examples: Danny and Sherry Brown at Brookside Assembly are ministering as pastors in their church and as adoptive parents in their home. They love people, young and old, and are making a difference in Hazelwood, MO and the St. Louis area. Dwayne and Renee Corbin are one of the teams for Reality Ministries in the U.S. In fact, they are the president (I think that's the correct title) of the ministry in the U.S. They work with two drama ministries called, "Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames" and "Last Chance." They are changing lives all over the country as they present the Gospel message in a vivid way. Pastor Duncan Ahrens and family are pastors in Staunton, IL. As we went to visit with Dwayne and Renee as they presented HGHF in Staunton, Pastor Duncan invited us to lunch, and then asked us to come and minister at their church in August. His heart is to reach the lost, and through Harvest Time Assembly (and the Assembly of God in Gillespie) they are doing just that. Many people are coming to know Christ.

As we continue to itinerate, we are so honored to meet many people like these three families. Our schedule is busy, but we have many dates still open. If you would like for us to come visit your church, please let us know. If you have a small group or Bible study in your home, let us know. We would love to come and minister with you.

Here is our schedule for the rest of March and April:

March 14: a.m. Sorento Assembly of God; Sorento, IL

p.m. New Life Assembly of God; Coffeen, IL

March 21: a.m. Giddings, TX

afternoon: possible Spanish service, Giddings, TX

March 28: open

April 4: open

April 11: a.m. Grace Assembly of God, Kansas City, MO

p.m. open

April 18: open

April 25: a.m. River of Life Assembly of God: Boonville, MO

p.m. open

April 28: 7 p.m. Assembly of God; Dexter, MO

Hope to see some of you at one of these services. Please be praying with us that God will continue to open up opportunities for ministry.

Blessings to you all,

Charley

Upcoming Schedule for Mattix Family

Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on our schedule for February.

Feb. 7: Sunday a.m. service; Harvest Time First Assembly, Perryton, TX
Feb. 16: Noon; Kansas City Sectional Council
Feb. 21: Sunday evening service; Exeter Assembly, Exeter, MO
Feb. 22: 11 a.m; Cape Girardeau Sectional Council
Feb. 22: 5 p.m.; Kennett Sectional Council
Feb. 23: 10 a.m.; Park Hills Sectional Council
Feb. 23: 3 p.m.; St. Louis Sectional Council
Feb. 25: 10 a.m.; Sullivan Sectional Council
Feb. 25; 3 p.m.; Sedalia Sectional Council
Feb. 26; 12 p.m.; Clinton Sectional Council
Feb. 26; 6 p.m.; Joplin Sectional Council
Feb. 28; Sunday a.m. service; First Assembly, Lebanon, MO
Feb. 29; Noon; West Plains Sectional Council
Feb. 29; 6:30 p.m.; Van Buren Sectional Council
Feb. 30; 10:30 a.m.; Springfield South Sectional Council
Feb. 30; Noon; Springfield North Sectional Council

As you can see, we are busy with many meetings during the week; however, we still need more services at churches. We have 3 services scheduled in February, and we need to have at least 10. We are looking to fill the dates of the 14th, 21st (Sunday morning), 28th (Sunday evening service), and all Wednesday dates (10th, 17th, & 24th). If you can help us pray that these dates will be filled, we would really appreciate it.

In order to raise our budget to return to Paraguay, we need to average at least 10 services per month. Please pray that this will happen for our ministry.

If you are a pastor or on the mission's committee of your church, would you please consider helping us with a service. We would love to minister to you and your congregation and share what God is doing in Paraguay.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support.

Blessings,
Charley