My Second Home

Welcome from the States! I’m so incredibly thankful to be able to come back. What I’ve experienced so far and what life has been like, you’ll read in this newsletter.

United in Suffering

I’m currently reading a book called ‘The call to joy and pain’ by Ajith Fernando and it really inspires me. He writes about how Saul used to persecute the church and then got to see and hear him say ‘Saul, why do you persecute me?’ (Acts 9:4). Fernando then writes:

‘The church and Christ had become so united in suffering that when Paul hit the church, he was actually hitting Christ.’

The church is so Christ-like that whatever they experience is directly experienced by Christ. He lives in us. We are united. We are a living temple for the Holy Spirit. I asked myself if I am really living that ... Do I have in mind that Christ lives in me and that it is no longer I who live? What would that change in my life?

Maybe that’s something for you to think about to. How serious do we take our faith? Are you convinced that Christ lives in you? And do you give him space to do the good work for you?

27h of Travelling

On Tuesday (Jan 11th) I was able to head to the US. Everything has been set in place and due to Covid there were a lot of things to consider. But everything went smoothly and so I had a great 10h flight to Atlanta. Having arrived there, there was this huge line waiting to go through customs. It took me 3h to finally make it through, which meant that I lost my initial connecting flight. Luckily there was another one that night and so I just had to wait a couple of hours to continue to Phoenix. I met someone from Germany who also missed his flight and we got into a really good conversation! God has a plan, that’s for sure. In Phoenix, Caleb would pick me up at 12am. He’s the real MVP making it all happen! What an amazing friend!

Oh Phoenix ...

I’ve been in Phoenix now for 5 days and already this journey has been such a blessing! It’s my third time visiting Phoenix and every time I feel more and more home! It really has become my second home. Or I guess the people that live here. I’m so incredibly thankful for these friendships I have here. The generosity and hospitality overwhelms me and humbles me deeply. There’s very view people in the world that I would consider such huge role models for me in my life.

These past days I was able to meet up with a lot of amazing people, had coffee with them and just shared life together. That also meant that I would do some practical work as well such as moving some person’s house or landscaping a friend’s backyard. I received a lot of support here and feel very strengthened in my walk into Mission! Just these 5 days have made every effort worth it and have been an absolute blessing.

Some fun stuff

I’ve been definitely busy with meetings, but I also did a lot of fun stuff. Caleb and I hiked up Piestewa Peak at sunset which was absolutely gorgeous. We all went out together to the local Mexican restaurant where I got a chimichanga - I was really craving that Mexican food!! I also enjoyed some other good food for sure! You’ll see some pictures on the next page - it’s been a great time so far! So excited for what’s to come. And also already sad to leave this place again ...

What’s up next?

I will stay here in Phoenix until Thursday, the 20th. After that I’ll be heading off to Texas, Colorado, Idaho, Wisconsin, Tennessee and North Carolina. We’ll see .. I haven’t yet booked everything.

I’m really looking forward to all these places and people. Excited to see what God will do in these individual spots and what he has planned for me.

Hope you enjoyed coming along through my American journey. God bless you guys, stay safe,

Matze