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

Itineration/Furlough

In case you haven't heard, yet, we are home for our second itineration/furlough. We finished our first-term in Paraguay, and now we are back to raise more funds to return to the work in Paraguay.

We arrived home in December to spend Christmas with family in California. On January 3rd, we were supposed to have our first service in California City; however, I became very ill and we had to reshedule. I suppose that our bodies have to readjust to North America. Kayleee became very ill 2 weeks later, and now, Sherry is very ill.

God has been good to us despite the illnesses. We have already been to three churches, and we have seen God work in each one. On January 10th, we went up in the mountains to Running Springs Assembly of God, and 2 people rededicated their lives to Jesus Christ. It was awesome to see Him work. On January 17th, we visited First Assembly of God in Victorville, CA. In the 3 morning services, 18 people gave their lives to Jesus. Then, yesterday, January 24th, we were at Crossroads Assembly of God in Barstow, CA. It is their mission's convention time, and we opened the convention sharing what God has done in Paraguay and ministering. 7 people raised their hand to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is so awesome and humbling to be used by God. I never cease to be amazed at what he does for us and through us.

Our schedule for the next couple of weeks is as follows:

January 31st; California City, CA; New Life Assembly of God
February 7th; Perryton, TX; Harvest Time First Assembly of God

If you are in one of those areas, and would like to visit, please stop by for the services. We would love to see you.

Blessings,
Charley

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas, everyone! This year has been a year full of the grace of God. He has been amazing to this missionary family! We have seen His hand upon on our lives, protecting us, guiding us, and helping us as we learned to live and minister in Paraguay. He has now brought us back to the United States for a time of ministering in as many churches that will have us, visiting family and friends, and traveling across this great country meeting new people and making new friends.

To all of you who have been praying for us and supporting our ministry, we say a great big THANK YOU!!!! We pray that God blesses you for your faithfulness. There were many times, in the past couple of years, when we knew that you were praying for us. We felt your prayers when we went through difficult situations. I remember one time, I was struggling and nervous about giving the invitation after one of our drama presentations. It was one of those nights when the audience was cheering and clapping for the devil (in the drama, not the real one :), and it seemed like they were more excited to watch people being dragged off into hell than for those going to heaven. I didn't think anyone would respond to the altar call. As I stepped out to begin the invitation, a sense of peace and a calmness spread over me. I could feel God's presence. I could feel the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and I knew that you were praying for me. The amazing thing is that on that specific night, over 100 people responded to the altar call. Over the past two years, it was the biggest response, for one night, to the invitation to give their life to Jesus Christ.

That is just one example of God's grace upon our lives. This next year, we would like to visit with everyone, but we know it is not possible. Our plans are to post our schedule on Facebook, Twitter, and here on the blog. You can check out the schedule and if you are in a nearby town or in the area, please feel free to join us in that church. That way, we can visit and share what God is doing with as many as possible during 2010. As you probably know, our website is down. We have a MacBook, and I am trying to use iWeb to do a better website; however, it is not working too well. We do have our domain registered correctly, now. I just have to figure out how to get it published to the web.

Please continue to pray for us as we travel all over the United States. Currently, our van is broken down. It doesn't work, at all, and we don't have the money to purchase another one. For me, it doesn't seem smart to buy a new car only to try and sell it in a year. I would rather not have a monthly car payment, if we can help it. Please pray that our 2001 Pontiac Montana can be fixed well enough to last another 130,000 miles or so. Also, we will be moving back to the Springfield, MO area in February, and we need to make sure that our van can get us back their, safe and sound. Other prayer requests are: health, protection, rental home, raising funds to return to Paraguay, and that I don't gain any extra weight during itineration :)

Love to you all! Merry Christmas and may God bless you now and in the new year!

Charley

Website

Just a quick update: for those of you looking for our website, it is currently down. We are working on the situation and changing things to make it more user friendly and to be able to post video and pictures more easily. We are hoping that these changes will give everyone a better opportunity to see what is going on in Paraguay. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We hope to be up and running in early December.

Blessings,

Charley

What price are you willing to pay?

A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to do the drama, "Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames," again, in a church named Buenas Nuevas (Good News). I thought it was cool to share the Good News in a church named Good News.

Anyway, it was a rather unique experience for us. The cast, this time, was the Bible school students where I teach. Normally, we go into a church that has invited us, and we choose the cast from the volunteers that show up. Members or attendees in the church who want to share what God has done in their lives with others through this powerful drama. So, we went into this drama not knowing what to expect because we didn't get to meet with the church members or talk to the pastor too much beforehand.

The pastor of the church is an amazing person. He is the National Treasurer of the Assemblies of God in Paraguay. He opened the doors of his church to us, allowing us to use the facilities to do this outreach. Not only did he open the doors, but he encouraged his people to get involved in the discipleship process. They caught the vision of the drama and began inviting unsaved people. They put together packets of information with an invitation letter to a brindis or fellowship the following Monday after the drama. It was awesome!

Over the 3 nights of the drama, we saw 150 people come forward to give their lives to Jesus Christ! Now, Pastor Nery (the pastor's name) and I feel like there were more than 150 people, but we only have 150 cards filled out. The church people and some of the Bible school students worked hard at consolidating or following up on our new brothers and sisters in Christ. On Monday night, 50 people returned to the church for the fellowship and Pastor Nery gave them their first discipleship class. Also, thanks to the Arkansas and Southern California districts men's program, Light for the Lost, we were able to purchase a complete, hardback Bible for each and every one of them and all the others who have given their lives to Christ. We thank all of you who support Light for the Lost! Your new brothers and sisters in Christ thank you, as well.

There was one particular salvation that I thought was just amazing. It was amazing because of how God did it. We arrived early on Saturday evening before the 2nd night of the drama. There was a gentleman asleep on the ground in front of the church. Two of our students went up and talked to him. He was a homeless gentleman who didn't have a job, money, or clothes. It looked like he hadn't bathed in a while. The students and I invited him to come inside, and we would get him something to eat. He said that he was fine, and he wanted to come in, but he didn't have the proper clothes to go inside a church. We told him that it didn't matter what he was wearing, but he couldn't do it. He promised to come back the next night. We weren't sure that he would; however, as we were getting ready to start prayer time before the drama on Sunday night, in walks this man. He looked the same as yesterday, and he really felt uncomfortable. One of the students had brought some clothes for him with them. We took him to the shower. He showered, shaved, and ate some empanadas that we had purchased for him. He looked like a totally different person. He sat through the drama, and at the end, he came forward to accept Christ.

I often wonder, "What price do we place on a soul? How much would you give or pay to see one person saved?" Did we spend that much, really, to make him feel comfortable enough to enter the church and attend a drama that ended up changing his life forever? How much would you give in order that someone could hear the Gospel and be given the opportunity to meet Jesus? I know that I am willing to give my money, my abilities, my time, my love, and my life.

Oh, by the way, this man now has a job and is living in a small apartment while he is trying to get his life back together. If you don't think that Jesus can change lives, here is living proof that He CAN and WILL.

Blessings,
Charley