Are You A "Daniel"? - February/March/April 2022
Dear friends and family,
A year ago, Genesis started working at Starbucks, to help perfect her English, but also to allow both of us to better understand how the next generation thinks. In general, it has been a positive experience and I’m thankful how she has been a constant light to coworkers and customers.
That said, she often comes home with shocking stories. One day, her coworkers had spent a good bit of the morning swearing loudly at Christians after someone had left Gospel tracks in the tip jar. The next day, another person left a Gideon’s Bible in the tip jar, and there was a raging debate about whether it would be ok to rip it up and throw it in the trash. Eventually, they decided not to rip it up, but instead to give it to Genesis, explaining that: “We can’t rip it up, but we don’t want that here…”
Recently, Starbucks has been forcing its workers to listen to extremely liberal “training webinars” about identity and gender, trying to force coworkers to choose between “he/him”, “she/her”, and “they/them” pins. So far, Genesis has been able to reject it. Some of her coworkers even call themselves “gender fluid”, changing from day to day between male and female; and woe to the one who gets their “pronouns” wrong!
They also have blank pins, where you can fill out your own “gender”. Today though, one of Genesis’ coworkers thought it would be “fun” to write “Kill babies” on their pin. When other coworkers heard of it, several started roaring with laughter and more than one replied: “Yes, kill babies!”
Genesis was so stunned and heartbroken to hear them say this. Her desire is to be a light to them, yet what does one say in the face of such open hostility towards God? Arguing would only anger them more, so what can we do? May the Lord give us the wisdom and the strength to be a Daniel, in an ever-darkening world. We may not get many chances to speak, but we must always live out our faith.
(Pictured: One of our latest and most popular posts on social media)
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The last few months have been quite hectic for us, and it looks like it will only get busier. Looking over our calendar for 2022, we only have a couple more “free” Sundays left, for which we are very grateful. It is a privilege to serve the Lord!
Arizona Trip: In March, we spent nearly ten days visiting chapels in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ, while also catching up with some friends – the Stratman’s – from my days at Emmaus Bible College. Genesis, always the adventurous one, really enjoyed going to her first baseball game. Later, we were taken to visit the Grand Canyon, also a first for Genesis, and always a place that takes your breath away. Can’t ask for much clearer evidence of the Flood!
(Pictured: Overlooking the Grand Canyon with the Stratmans)
New York City Trip(s): In April, I made not one, but two trips to New York City. With there being over a dozen healthy Spanish-speaking assemblies in the NYC area, the brothers had been trying to get us to visit them even before C*VID struck. Of course, they have had to endure some of the most difficult restrictions and were in great need of encouragement.
When the restrictions were finally lifted, the youth organized a conference and asked me to come. Seeing as it was only for a weekend, I flew to and from the LaGuardia Airport in NYC and spent the weekend speaking five times. The organizers were shocked to see over 150 youth show up the first night, and even more so to see it continue for the rest of the weekend.
(Pictured: Youth Conference in NYC)
There was also a special “Question and Answer” session set-up, and I was curious as to how much interaction we’d have, especially as Hispanics tend to be less outspoken than your typical American. I was shocked that not only did they hand me an overflowing pile of questions, nearly all of them were very insightful. It was very clear how difficult it is becoming to continue being a light for Christ in our public schools, especially in big cities! Parents shared similar thoughts with me later, many with tears in their eyes.
After flying back home to SC, I had a few days to catch-up on some office work before we loaded up the car and started a 12-day trip to NY, NJ, and PA – with a quick stop to see Washington D.C., a first for us both. The believers in the NYC area were very especially eager to meet Genesis, as they had heard too much about her and prayed for us over the years. They housed us in an apartment in Manhattan, and we spent nearly all our free time touring the immense city: from the Statue of Liberty, to Chinatown, to Grand Central Park, just to name a few spots. I don’t think I’ve ever walked so much in so few days!
(Pictured: Worth the wait to see this!)
We also visited a couple English-speaking churches in the Newark, NJ area, while spending a few nights at the CMML Headquarters. Genesis later said that perhaps the highlight of her entire trip was visiting the clothing center there! We were so blessed by all the generous donations given to those who serve the Lord. If you are one of them – thank you!
Coming Up: In just a couple weeks, Genesis and I will be boarding a flight to San Diego to speak at a youth conference as well as at a chapel in the area. We are grateful to be going back to visit the believers in the area (and the beach!).
In June, we are scheduled to speak at two camps in GA (Marshview Bible Camp and Camp Hope), with a quick visit by my brother Jerry and his family in between.
In July, we will again be flying out, this time for nearly a month, as we speak at camps and churches in both NM (Southwest Bible Camp) and WA (Lakeside Bible Camp). It will be great to be back out to Seattle to see many friends and family, after nearly two years away.
We are so thankful to be part of camp ministry, one of the best times to interact with the younger generation, with the desire to encourage and inspire them in their walk with the Lord.
(Pictured: With some of the Spanish-speaking believers in NYC)
The “BIG” Film Project: Yes, we do have quite a massive project we are working on. It’s been taking up most of our time over the past few months, despite how much else we have going on. While I probably shouldn't say more just yet, we plan on revealing much more about the project (and how you can help us!) by early next month. Please pray!
Prayer Requests:
- Thankful for the Lord’s provision and direction, enabling us to stay busy with the things that matter most – His Kingdom
- For continued safety and health as we press on with the agenda of trips and events over the next few months
- For Genesis to be able to live out her faith to her coworkers, as a light in a dark place
- Grateful to the Lord for how he has brought so many great people to help us with our film project, yet we truly need your prayers as there is yet so much to do
We truly appreciate your prayers, comments, and encouragement. We couldn’t do this alone!
Blessings,
Christopher and Genesis Mattix
