Walls Down: Here, There, and Everywhere
Dear brothers and sisters,
There are multiple updates to bring you this week, and I want to reflect on God’s grace and kindness as He has bestowed it upon us in many ways—through knowledge and learning, and in keeping us from knowledge we are not yet ready for. There are so many wonders in this world—about God, about man, about the world He made, and the order He created. All of it is found in Scripture, and yet we do not understand it until the right words call to remembrance the Scriptures that speak to it. The treasure has been there all along, yet hidden from our sight. It is my privilege to delve into the treasures of Scripture and bring forward what is most fitting for each occasion—to teach, to share, to call people to repentance and life, and to shine light in the darkness.
Testimonies and Initiatives in the Body
Recently, members of our Bible study group desired to share their testimonies about coming to faith and their experience meeting with our ministry on VRChat. Without my guidance, one of the men, our brother Josh spoke about the value of sharing a testimony and asked if others would like to record one to share at his church. They worked together to make it happen. The resulting video will be shared at their church this week. I never asked for this—they simply took initiative. I am grateful for the Lord’s provision and for brothers and sisters laboring together to promote the work God is doing in their lives and through the ministry.Men taking action to support a work they believe in is important for the church, and is the kind of biblical action I have been seeking to teach and encourage. Though it is no great part of my labor for our brother Josh who encouraged the men and led the charge, but the labor of his Pastor Shawn over many years. This is a big deal. Today, many congregational gatherings feel more like a show than a participatory body. This must change. Part of this is elders challenging their congregation. Part is teaching men that they have both the responsibility and the expectation to step forward when there is need. Some of it is seen in how we worship, and some in how we honor those who sacrifice their time, energies, and resources. Active men leading as they ought is what we need, and it is encouraging to see this beginning among those we minister to at ROOM.
Travel, Fellowship, and Upcoming Ministry
Amidst moving out of my home in Cookeville and selling what I could last month, I met with our brother and sister Hunter and his wife TaLisa (see photo below), who have been a great help in labor, provision, and even in opening their home to me. I also spoke with their elders in Omaha, Nebraska.
I will be speaking at CenterPoint in Leoma this Sunday, flying to Portland, Oregon on Tuesday to meet with one of our brothers, returning Thursday, and then visiting churches in Tennessee and Virginia for the rest of the month. Next month, I will be in Nebraska and Florida. There is much travel ahead and many people to encourage.
Please pray for fruitful conversations, wisdom, and safety.Please also pray for me as I write a series titled Pilgrim’s Counsel. It will begin as letters to a new brother, walking from conversion to faithfully serving and receiving counsel in his local church. These will be shared on the website and later on YouTube. I have paused YouTube videos for a season, as they would take too much time during this period and reduce effectiveness in other areas of the work.
Pray that the Lord would hold me fast and protect my family. There is much work ahead and many miles to go. My spiritual tank is full, and despite the cost of filling my earthly one, He remains faithful to provide.
Call Beyond The Screen
““Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”(Matthew 6:31-33)
“… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”(Matthew 28:20)
Brothers and sisters,
I am always of good cheer. Though I have a mountain to climb too high for me, a battle to wage without provision in sight, I do not plan to complete the climb in my lifetime.
I rely on the years of faithful believers after me, whom I’ve helped along the way. I do not rely on my prowess; I rely on the Lord. And should I die in battle, my many children in the faith will carry on, faithfully raising the next generation of warriors.
I am on a path to world conquest, one that many brothers were on long before me, and I am a mere blip in the epic tale. But the effects of what I do will go on for thousands of generations after me. The Lord has promised He will be with me. My labors are not in vain. He has promised the same for you.
You too raise children, assist the church, teach one another, and pour into each other. What you are building will affect those far off and near, and a hundred, a thousand years from now, when your name is forgotten like mine, His name will not be. Our labors echo into eternity, so labor well. Like Joshua, and the many warriors, kings, and prophets of old, He is with you. The King calls us to action.
Peace be with you,
Matthew Boyer