Family Update

I just wanted to let you all know a little bit about what is going on in the lives of the family. 

Sherry has been really busy. She is taking some Bible school classes with a few of the pastor's wives at the Bible Institute. Sherry took that picture above with all of the pastor's wives sitting around the table with the red tablecloth. Those are her classmates. She decided to take the classes to get a better understanding of the culture here, the language, and to learn more about how to minister in Spanish (Bible terms, as a woman in Paraguay, etc.). She is doing really well. Her first term she received all A's. Not bad for trying to learn in Spanish! All of her classes, homework assignments, test, projects and quizzes are in Spanish. I am so proud of her. Not to mention, we helped in a medical clinic in July (during the time of some of her classes), and she didn't miss a beat. 

The other pictures are of the kids (thanks to Don David) working in the medical clinic with us. They did really well. They interpreted for the team from the U.S., and I am so proud of what they did. They are truly an asset to the mission field here in Paraguay. We are proud parents of three amazing kids (young people).

Chariti turned 15 on September 11. She had a great birthday, celebrated with "Uncles" and "Aunts" and friends. Most all of the Missionary Kids call the other missionary adults, "Aunts" and "Uncles." Being so far away from home, it helps us to feel like a family. It's nice when some of the other MK's call me "Uncle."

Kaylee is doing well. She has jumped right in and done whatever has been needed to be done. She was a trooper at the medical clinic. She would listen to everyone's complaints and try to translate it into English for the team. She did a great job!

Chaz, well, Chaz is still Chaz, and he loves it here. It hurts him when people make fun or talk bad about Paraguay or Latin America. He loves the people here, and they love him. I don't know of anyone that he has met, so far, that doesn't ask me (the next time I see them), "How's Chaz?" Everyone wants to talk more with him. That's a good thing. He's a good boy.

Well, that's a little update and few more photos for you. Hope you enjoy. Also, those of you on our newsletter list (supporters, family and friends), be on the lookout for the next edition of "Mattix Family News" available, in print, early October:)

Blessings,

Charley

Need Your Prayers!

I am writing this blog today with much excitement.  I had a very interesting phone call this morning. Allow me to explain something before I tell you about this phone call.

We were asked by the Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Paraguay (our version of Bro. George Wood) to be the directors of a drama ministry called "Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames" (Las Puertas del Cielo y Las Llamas del Infierno in Spanish). When your superintendent asks you to do something, it is difficult to say no. We accepted this opportunity of new ministry. 

It is a great evangelistic tool. When presented, everyone who attends has to make a decision to accept or reject Christ. No one will leave the auditorium or facility without receiving the gospel message and having an opportunity to accept Christ. We went to Florida this past January to train with Reality Ministries who are the head of this ministry. You can look Reality up online to find out more information. This drama is being presented each weekend all over the world. Paraguay is a part of this ministry, as well.

We will be presenting the drama for the first time in December. A couple of weeks ago, I had a meeting with the pastor of the church that wants to host our team and present the drama. It went really well, and we are all excited about sharing the gospel on the weekend of December 4-8 through this amazing drama.

This brings me to the phone call. The pastor is called Tito. Yes, Tito. Pastor Tito called me and asked me if I would be willing to meet with some of his friends. He is very excited about the drama, and he has been telling everyone. I think he has personally invited more people than can fit into his church. Anyway, he goes on to tell me that his friends are the leaders and priest of a Catholic church in Capiatá (a town just outside of Asunción). 

Did you read that last sentence correctly? No, I am not talking about the name of the town. I am talking about the Catholic church and it's leaders. They want to have the drama in the Catholic church! 

Okay, I don't think you are seeing the big picture here.

This is the reason I am so excited. I asked Pastor Tito if they understood who we are, what we are about, and what we would be doing. I asked him, "Do they know that we preach that Jesus died for us, and that He rose from the dead? Do they know that we will be preaching the entire gospel message, and that it is probably different than what they are teaching?" He said that they understood, and they want there church to know the TRUE message of Jesus Christ. I almost fell out of my chair. Can this be possible in a country that is less than 3% Evangelical and almost 97% Catholic? Can my God really work like this?

I am excited to tell you that Sherry and I will be meeting with Pastor Tito and his friends from the Catholic church, this Saturday, to discuss the drama and all that it entails. Please, please, please pray for us this Saturday. We want them to completely understand what we do with this drama.

Can you imagine what would happen if an entire Catholic church in a community comes to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior? Where would it stop? 

In Paraguay, as in most of Latin America, the Catholic church in each community is basically the center of life. Almost everyone believes they are a member of their local Catholic church. If God wants us to go into this Catholic church, then we are going. Who knows what other doors He will open for us! I for one do not want to close any door that He opens!

My God is amazing, and I know that He can do amazing things for you. Just ask Him, trust Him, believe in Him, receive His Son, Jesus, as the Lord of your life, and live for Him. He will never let you down!

Blessings,

Charley