around the world with Jesus

The first in a series of four coffee coasters we're creating

Our family is printing four different coffee table coasters this year to share with you and others with whom we partner. This is coaster #1. Here’s the story behind the photo…

While in Southeast Asia, as we set up for a large “outreach” I saw a group of kids playing on a wall. I went over with some friends to meet them. As they flew kites, laughed with each other and told stories, I jumped up on the wall. In doing so, I could see on the other side.

I took this photo from the top of the wall

Standing between physical & spiritual poverty & a place of hope

There, I saw the impoverished situation in which they lived…that area has unclean water and poor sanitation and more. They had a look of joy on their faces, but the adults we saw on the other side didn’t. Also, most in that area hadn’t heard the Truth that can set them free. We were sharing that truth on the other side of the wall.

Since then, it’s been my hope to help people in their situation literally and metaphorically get “over the wall.” What can we do to help them find life saving water and nutrition and Eternal Hope?

I use the photo on the coaster on the front page of this website, and in many other places…it represents so much to me. Through our work with the Convoy of Hope Interns, we’re doing our best to help kids like them get over the wall. And we’re working with an upcoming army of compassion to see it happen. Through a feeding program that helps them and their families in sustainable ways, we hope to help feed their bodies. Through sharing Truth, we hope to feed their spirit…and we don’t do it alone.

Our interns and intern staff are required to raise money for their service with Convoy of Hope. It’s no different with us. As Career Missionary Associates with the Assemblies of God assigned to Convoy of Hope, the funds we raise will go towards living expenses, and to help keep Convoy of Hope funds focused on sharing hope with people around the world. Partnership with us helps the Convoy of Hope Interns and the work of Convoy of Hope.

We’re humbled and grateful for the people who stand with us financially, and who help us help kids like them get over the wall.

Those who pray and those who give are absolutely a part of the stories you see here.

Thanks to you for even looking at this page. For those who are a part of the financial support family, thank you. For those considering it, please know we’ll work hard to serve as good stewards. We commit to: living with integrity and generosity, a strong work ethic, and with good communication to you. We thank you too.

Special gifts and monthly support can be set up and sent by visiting our AGWM support page. There, you’ll see ways to use a debit card to send money on a monthly basis, or for specific events.

If you would like your own coaster (or some for your church/cafe/other friends/etc.) to help you remember to pray for us, and of your partnership, please email mattwilkie(at)gmail.com with your address. We’ll mail you one right away.Also, please let me know if you have any questions, and again, thank you.

With appreciation,

Matt

The effects of Haiti’s earthquake is beyond description. Convoy of Hope is responding. Please see the latest on the Convoy of Hope response, and consider making a donation. As a member of the Convoy of Hope team, I can assure you that funds are spent wisely and strategically. Members of our staff were on the ground when the earthquake occurred, and the response continues.

Thanks so much. Please visit www.convoyofhope.org for more information.

Matt

There are huge needs around the world, and a generation ready and excited to meet those needs.  I’m honored to serve as director of the Convoy of Hope Internship program.  You can read more throughout this site, and by visiting www.convoyofhopeinternship.org.

People have asked what my favorite part of all of this is…and without hesitation I answer, “the people.” I’ve met so many special people along the journey…and I’m using this site as an endeavor to tell their stories. As I import more blog entries from years gone by, I hope to tell more stories from the past and I really look forward to telling more from the future.

You can click here to see some of the stories God’s allowed me to witness…like the one of Maria and stickers and me…or like this story with Dani and Lena.

There are so many ways to actually do something about problems around the world.  Here are the keys…

1.  Pray.  The world needs prayer.  We at Convoy of Hope need prayer.  Our interns and I need prayer.  Please pray for us.

2.  Give.  There are some amazing things happening through groups like Convoy of Hope and so many others.  In these difficult economic times, they need help.  Also, missionaries need to raise funds to do what they do.  I ask our interns and teams I lead to raise their money, and I’m honored to lead by example.  Hopefully, this site is a good way to help keep in touch with you about the things we’re able to be a part of.  For those who contribute to what we’re doing…thank you so much!  You can contribute financially to what we’re doing by visiting www.tinyurl.com/sendthewilkies.

3.  Go!  Over the next few weeks, I’ll post some thoughts on various ways to serve around the world.  You can visit the mobilization link below to see some ideas I have.  That being said, we’d love for those of you with a heart to do so to join our internship program.  You can read more at www.convoyofhopeinternship.org.  Also, throughout the year, there are a limited number of opportunities for teams to go through Convoy of Hope on short term trips.  You can read more by visiting www.convoyofhopeteams.org. 

If you live in the Springfield area, you can serve through our Hands of Hope program on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the warehouse. 

I’ll share more ideas over the next few weeks.  Let me know if you have some!

There are some great resources when it comes to leading teams, working on the mission field, connecting missions and your church, etc.  It’s currently the least developed part of this site, but I plan on doing my best to use this area to share some of the very cool resources I’ve encountered along the way.  Over time, I’ll be adding quite a bit of information I’ve gathered…

For now, there are a few blog entries that deal with a few resources I’ve seen.  You can click the resources link on the line just below this to read more.  Thanks…

I’m proud to be a part of the Convoy of Hope team.  Since September 2006, I’ve worked with this organization that seeks to share hope by meeting physical and spiritual needs.   Whether it’s responding to disasters, connecting people with churches that can help them long term, or providing tangible help, the mission is huge.

Please visit www.convoyofhope.org for more information. 

After a decade of youth and young adult ministry, I started leading  missions teams.  First, I served with a ministry formerly called Book of Hope International.  It’s now called One Hope.  You can read more at www.onehope.net.  The goal is to share God’s Word with all the youth and children of the world.  Since September 2006, I’ve directed Convoy of Hope’s Internship program (www.convoyofhopeinternship.org).  Along with hosting the teams in our home, cooking fabulous meals for them and saying fervent prayers, April at times will travel with me on the road.  I’m happy about that.  Parker loves to pray for people around the world, and sometimes even sends me some clothing or other gifts to give children in need.

We serve as missionary associates with Assemblies of God World Missions and enjoy opportunities to share in churches or with other groups in the area and even around the country.  To help keeps costs at a minimum for our interns, we raise funds for this work.  You can learn more about that here  http://tinyurl.com/sendthewilkies. 

Here’s a photo of April and me with some children in El Salvador. 

I carry a small Canon Elph camera with me virtually everywhere.  At times I wish I had an SLR, but as someone who leads team, it’s just not that practical.  Here are a few links to some photos I’ve taken. 

I once had over 2,500 photos on my site, but a virus ate them all.  I’ll continue adding more as I have the time!

http://picasaweb.google.com/mattwilkie  Most of these were taken while working on the field.  Will try to post some of them on this page soon…

When you come to Springfield, I’ll take you to Bass Pro…and when you travel overseas, even to serve others, you take in the sites.  Here are some favorite photos.   http://www.flickr.com/mattwilkie

The photo below if from a cathedral in Milan.  It hangs on our wall as you enter our home.

My best friend, hero, and greatest cook I know…my wife,  loves her work. In 1996 God gave her a vision for Healing Hands- and the rest is history… Here’s the link to her spa website, www.healinghands-springfield.com.