Matt Short

Quick, catch-up-update as internet is ridiculously expensive here. I’m in Thailand visiting one of the outreach teams from my school. They’re doing well, working through their own struggles. However that’s fine, struggles are expected on outreach. =)

I’m on an island in South Thailand called Koh Tao. It’s a stinkin amazing super tropical island and I’ve had some amazing conversations with people. Last night over dinner I had a girl open up to me about how she’d had an abortion this past year and was feeling horible about it. Joel, one of the students and I shared with her how God loves her unconditionally and though His heart is broken over such a choice that He wishes to bring healing in her life and show her how much he loves her. We then prayed for her and are continuing our relationship. I am praying that through our love and genuine friendship with her she’ll be open and receptive to salvation and beginning a relationship with the Lord.

Then even more, the night before I had another GREAT conversation with two others. They were super open to hearing what I had to say and had tons of questions about my faith. They’d be raised very traditional/religiously but had little expirience with WHY Christianity was such a big deal. They didn’t fully understand the concept of salvation but God provided my friends and I with the words we needed to answer all their questions.

We have been SOOO rediculously blessed here with ministry as well as physically. I got to go snorkling with sharks for the first time yesterday. It was AMAZING!!! Thank you for all your prayers and support. I can’t wait to share all the other incredible testimonies with you when I get home.

God Bless and Take care

Matt Short

LOTS has happened within the past week and a half so this is the short and sweet of what has happened.

I found out on the 28th’ish that my passport was still at the imigration office and that I wouldn’t be able to retreave it until the 5th of January. That blew because it meant that I had to change my flight to Australia, so I rescheduled a flight for the 8th of January instead. I am really bummed that my time with the Aus team is being cut short but maby I can catch up with them later if I need to, so no worries. On a more possitive note, I was able to go in and retreave my passport the other day, despite the madness of public offices such as this one. I also payed off the amount for my flight change… so I’m well on my way.

In saying all that, God is good and he works in odd ways sometimes; me not leaving for Australia was of some benefit this past week. I received news on the 31st that Henrika, a student on the NZ Climbing outreach team has a sister in need of open heart surgery sometime within the coming week. So Henrika will be returning home to be with her. She’ll be flying home on the 13th of January, please keep her and her family in your prayers. On receiving this news I drove up to see the NZ Climbing team in Takaka and after spending time one-on-one, worshiping, and interceding with the team I can see that they are doing very well, but sad to lose Henrika. I really enjoyed my time with the team up in Takaka and felt it was very helpful for me to visit them. I am now back at the base preparing to leave for Australia tomorrow.

I am sad to lose Henrika. She’s had such a rough DTS, braking her leg the first week, then she got scabies and now this… but I met with her while up in Takaka and I was excited to hear that she seems to have learned the most over these past two weeks on outreach. I can definitely understand her longing to be home during this time to support her sister and nieces. Her sister has two daughters which Henrika will come live with and take care of while their mother recovers. I am praying that the Lord will continue to bring her further understanding and faith through what she’s learned on this DTS as she returns home to serve her family.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. May the Lord Bless you with abundant intimacy with His Holy Spirit in 2009 and may your faith be built imessurably as you walk with Him every day.

-Matt Short