The Adventures of Matt Groves

"...Which yields its fruit in season..."

2009-02-05T09:27:00.001-08:00

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in its season,
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers."

Psalm 1:2-3

I seem to have missed something while memorizing the first Psalm over the last year. My favorite part is nestled between the exhortation against any proximity with wicked men, and their inevitable judge. The complete thought seemed so black and white to me. The contrast between one keeping company with the wicked folk and delighting in the presence of God makes perfect sense. However, this last year has helped me understand more about the time concept of the proper season the author wrote in. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter are our seasons with roughly three month increments. I see a lot of time between from one fruiting period to another. Though, I think it is a little to much to say that the fruiting will happen every 9 months. What about fires? Drought? Everything could be perfect. You, the tree could be gorging yourself by the stream's banks overflowing. The surrounding tall golden fields of wheat could be a stupendous sight in the morning with the birds and squirrels sounding off defining shouts of glee. And yet, after surviving another harsh winter, after an perfect conducting of pollen between you and your counterparts, and finally the shaping and rippening of your fruit to the most vibrant reds, your fruit is killed by a simple, morning, frost. The rest of the world shakes it off. They can continue their routine praise of the Sun's warmth. But, you just lost so much. There is no starting over for several months. You simply wait, and wonder what could be, or, at least I did (There are plenty of options that are easier to default to with more life under the belt, but I don't have that advantage). Now I have a much better understanding of time. My only hope is that at the end of all time there will be judgment and grace. I get to continue in that wonderful grace. I have everything I need to start over. And, there is plenty of scenery around me to praise God for. I may not have ended the way I intended, but I am right where God has me.

Something to chew on during these hard times

2009-02-01T08:57:00.001-08:00

Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide
Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07

United States: The Revis family of North Carolina
Food expenditure for one week: $341.98

Japan: The Ukita family of Kodaira City
Food expenditure for one week: 37,699 Yen or $317.25

Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily
Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.1

Mexico: The Casales family of Cuernavaca
Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09

Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna
Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27

Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo
Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53

Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo
Food expenditure for one week: $31.55

Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village
Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03

Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp
Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23

Home again.

2008-12-23T22:56:00.000-08:00

Friends and Family,

I am happy to report that I am home again, and for some time actually. I am have been getting used to being home for about a month now, but it doesn't have the same feel that it used to. After eleven months of living in a missions driven community, I am hooked. I have decided to curb my career path in video to pursue a degree in English Language. I have found that working abroad Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), can provide the support I need in almost any country. Jobs in education pay well regardless of the economy. So, please be praying for me as I look for work, and begin finishing up my AS degree at Moorpark College.

Thanks again for all your support!

Misisonary Matt UPDATE

2008-11-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Family and Friends,

The plans have changed drastically! I am no longer trying to get to North Africa, but focusing on establishing a video department at Youth With A Mission Los Angeles. Send me an e-mail if you want some more details. I can be reached at one of the following:

killergoose01@yahoo.com
matthewthegroves@gmail.com

Hope to talk to you soon!

Matt Groves

Moving towards a call

2008-10-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

Family and Friends,

There is so much to update on right now! YWAM has been an amazing experience! I still can't believe the amount of things I have learned in such a short time. My School Of Ministry Development (SOMD) has been a tremendous learning experience. Far from my radical roller coaster of a Discipleship Training School, the SOMD has gotten into the trenches from day one. Upon arrival I am asked to pray about an opportunity to go into a closed country to help develop an existing ministry, film a country profile video, film missionary support videos, shoot a drama (if possible), while teaching English on a bi-weekly basis. I will keep getting better details to flesh this trip out as time goes on, but I love the sound of everything so far. The best part is that the people planning my trip know me very well, so they are putting a lot of boundaries on my time! Who needs sleep! I am also excited about this 4 month trip because the skills I would pick up totally fit into my long term goals of starting media schools, and language training in LA!

Take Action!
Please be praying for equipment, and supporters! I will be making more detailed lists of equipment and support needs as I move along.

Be blessed!

Matt

P.S. I am just a phone call away if you need prayer, or have any questions! I'll probably be calling you soon!

First step into the unknown

2008-09-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends, Family, and Partners in Christ,

I am getting ready to begin the first step into the industry. I have been recruited by a fellow YWAMer to help shoot the behind the scenes at the 6th Annual Hoodie Awards. It is being held in Las Vegas this weekend. Please be praying for our safety as the four of us will be driving up tonight, and returning Monday morning. Upon our arrival back in LA I begin my School Of Ministry Development (WAHOO)! I am so grateful to be working under leadership within YWAM LA that has the experience, and desire to lead me into the industry without putting in places of compromise. We do our work, get our shots, and then crash in our room. Although, I still feel like a firefighter. Can't wait to give you an update at the end of the week!

Matt Groves,

Make sure to check my out my YouTube channel!

IT BEGINS AGAIN!

2008-09-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and Family,

If have been following along the adventure, you will notice the face lift! YEAH!! I changed the layout a little bit, and perked it up using some Photoshop magic. From now I hope to be giving updates every month about the mission work I want you to partner in. I will let you know how you can pray, and get involved. This weekend, am entering into the School Of Ministry Development. After completing this school I am hoping to join the staff at YWAM LA. This means Ol' Matty is entering missions full time (Minus hazard pay)! Please be praying about how the Lord would have you partner with me as I look to begin a video ministry that serves the local church and the nations. If you have any questions about this pioneering ministry, please contact me! We will do starbucks (Thanks to my good friends generous donation of his gift card). You can look forward to updates at the beginning of the month!

Matt

While your waiting for updates...check out my YouTube channel! Here you can find anything to experiments to promotional videos, plus the UNDERGROUND's videos.

Just a thought for the Today

2008-08-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Recently I have picked up an old textbook from my short lived Moody days. Much to my surprise I discovered so much church history. It revealed more about key doctrines, feuded gray areas, and many deserting factions. I found it interesting how that the church began to deteriorate around the time photography and film began to take off. Though history is full of oppressive doctrines, organizations, and persecution, the recent turn away from truth resembles Roman times. An empire that had many luxuries readily accessible. It was relatively easy for one to turn into a temples full of prostitutes. The marble steps ascending to the temple were many, but not hard to climb. Today we don't have steps. We have clicks. A few motions of the mouse coupled with precise key strokes bring us right to the foreign goddess. We worship freely here. The access has grown from photographs, to moving ones, then pixelated. You are completely immersed. From ABC Family to the local news to all hours of the day.

So, I ask that you stop and think for a moment. Is every press of the remote a step? Or is it every minute of a sitcom? A click? Where is the line drawn? And, since when has the singular path leading the to throne room of God had lines drawn all around and through it? Is it not straight and narrow?

This is my struggle. Bear it with me...

Matt Groves

ALMOST LOST MY FINGER!!!

2008-04-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

It is great to be able to write you now from Mesot, Thailand. We are right next to the Burma border. We have actually went over the border for a short visit some days ago (Visa run! YEAH). Our ministry here has been fantastic! Though we have to learn how to work with new hosts and translators there has been much blessing (We just came from Chang Rai). We have been interacting with man Burmese Refugees and Hospitals. Yesterday we preformed and prayed for a hospital full of poor Burmese unable to get sufficient care in their home Country. It was a new experience for me, and my brother Antti. We went from bed to bed holding hands with a primarily Buddist people praying for them. They were welcomed me in during their greatest time of need. It doesn't make any sense to me...the love of Jesus conquered all Language barriers. Please continue to pray as God builds my faith. I have been having tremendous difficulty preaching and teaching through two translators. And please be reminding others to check the blog. Very few have actually visited regularly. Please remember to check out all our pictures. Hope to have another update ready soon!

Your DTS student,

Matt Groves

P.S. I got my finger hacked by a Bicycle's steel mud flap. No stitches, but please pray for healing (The clinics here are great!!!).

I ATE DOG!!!

2008-04-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Much of our ministry has been visiting people in the hill tribes, and praying for them. Little did we know that upon visiting one hut they would be preparing Dog for us. WE WATCHED THEM BUTCHER Ol' LASSEY. That is right folks...your best friend can also be your next best meal. Please continue praying for our group as we prepare to go on Visa runs to Cambodia, and then move on to our next ministry. We will be living in mud huts for 4 days while ministering to children, and teaching them English. Also check out more pictures on my other blog (just use the sidebar to the right of this posting for navigation). Thanks again for all your prayers.

Your DTS student,

Matthew Groves

FIRST PICTURES OF THAILAND

2008-04-08T02:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Here are some of the first pictures of Thailand. We have been in Bangkok for the last two days. Tonight we are heading north to Chiang Ria by bus (Fourteen hours north of here). We recently found out that we will be needing to leave the country twice for a short time to get our visas renued. So, we will be going into Cambodia, and Burma for one day each to get our visas re-stamped. Please be praying for us during this exciting time! Hope to have updates for you soon.

Your DTS student,

Matthew Groves

WE ARE HERE IN THAILAND!!!

2008-04-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I am glad to say that after a short flight, we are now safely in Thailand. There were no problems at all, and the YWAM base here in Bangkok is amazing. We are right across the street from a University, so many students know some English. Most of the staff are amazing! Hope to have more updates and pictures for you as we settle in!

Your DTS student,

Matthew Groves

More Pictures

2008-04-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

If you want to see pictures of our trek in the rain forest...check out the outreach blog here

Still Kicking!

2008-04-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Just have been enjoying this week so much! We had a great time hiking to a church in the hill tribes, and then going to their sacred falls. We have never really had a problem with translations either. I gave my testimony and there was a great response. My favorite part was just playing with the kids and trying to kill a rooster. They crow all day long, it is like a farm of roosters by our house. I want them all dead because they ruin my sleep!
But the time here has really been teaching me a few things. First, if you can't speak their language just do what you can. So, I just play with the kids until I can't play anymore! I love it. And most of the time I am just "being" the message to them. Like the interactions with my peers teaches the fatherless how to interact with others. Most of them will stop everything they are doing to watch me wrestle with Antti, or talk with the girls on my team. Second, memorizing scripture is everything to me. I have spent the last few weeks memorizing chapters in Psalms. CHAPTERS!! I have never been able to do ever before. Now, my mind is constantly running through scripture as we minister to the prostitutes (And most of the time I am with the kids b/c I can't minister woman in topless bars). And, finally, prayer is vital. I am definitely afraid missing God's will for my outreach. Even when it is talking with friends I am constantly learning how to ask God what my response should be. The process has been amazing! I am definitely glad that God has placed many competent peers on my team to help me grow in godliness while we minister to those in need. Please pray for team unity and direction as we get ready to leave for Thailand this Sunday. Hopefully I will have a video on Olongapo tomorrow as well. Hope to have an update for you all soon!

Your DTS student,

Matthew Groves

Day 8

2008-03-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Wow! During a crazy intercessoin time I looked up some of those verses as well not to long ago. Thank you again for the encouragement! I have all the flight numbers and all and I will have to get that to you when I bring it with me to a computer. Praise and Prayer request. God moved today when there was a big issues starting coming up. Someone shared a devotion that I pounced on and Challenge the whole group with some things for over an hour. I am pritty much the team leader now. Not to say out of pride or anything, but I really need prayer of protection. We are also running into a lot of mis communication, so we need prayer for that. Thailand will be full of people who do not speak English at all...and the living conditions will be far worse than they are here. So the team is trying to prepare itself now for the work ahead. Hope to be talking to you guys again soon! I will be sharing my testimony tomorrow at a church after hiking up rivers for an hour. We are going into tribes in very remote places. And then we hope to go to some waterfalls after that. Oh and God has blessed us with someone who has taught the whole team the rubik's cube. Hope to talk to you soon!

Matthew

TUESDAY MARCH 25

2008-03-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Today was an amazing Day! Our whole YWAM team join many local churches in a march to end prostitution. Former prostitutes and pimps joined with Pastors and Lawmen in a march through Olongapo City's red light district. It really was an experience for me because I got to use one of the other students camera's to capture the event. I felt like a pro running through traffic looking for the perfect shot. Please pray for the Lawmakers to pass the right bills that would make prostitution illegal. And also pray for those who evangelize local prostitutes. Every night they start at 9pm and stay out until 11pm. Thank you again for all your prayers!

Your DTS student,

Matthew Groves

Check Out Some Pictures

2008-03-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Here is a link for some pictures on our Outreach blog! Enjoy

Matthew

WE ARE HERE!!!

2008-03-23T03:31:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

We made it to the Philippines with no trouble at all! And by the grace of God we were able to begin our outreach hours after our arrival. We stayed at one of YWAM's prostitute rescue centers in one of the poorest parts of Manila. Prostitutes would even sell themselves for a dollar a day to feed their families! I could not believe how bad it was, but we were able to bring smiles to the children's faces. After a few clown skits, and short message that afternoon we continued just clowning around with the kids. The local community basketball court was transformed into center stage for the gospel message. The next day was even better and many solid friendships were formed with our neighbors. As a group we really felt like we built bridges of love to those who feel like they are worth a few dollars. Please pray as our ministry has moved to Ologapo City a few hours away on the coast. Hope to have an update again soon!

Your DTS Student,

Matthew Groves

Tuesday, March 18...leaving tomorrow!!

2008-03-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

The latest news is that Matt's support is completely in!! God has opened the doors for Matt to go on the outreach...one day to spare!! Matt is humbled and so thankful for those who were moved by God to give of their finances to make this trip possible. Thank YOU!!!

Matt and the team have several drama's that they will use to present the gospel that transcends the boundaries of language. Pray that God will draw those He has been preparing to hear the good news. Matt has a mini-sermon to prepare on the 16 hour flight to Manila. Pray for him to have clarity and wisdom in the Spirit to compose this message.

Thank you for your prayers on Matt's behalf!

Matt's mom,

Carol

Update!!!

2008-03-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I just want to give you a quick update on my support everyday leading up to my departure. So far I have raised $1,200. I still need the remaining $1,900. Keep praying for me and the others as we get over the jitters of this very real missions trip! Hope to give an update tomorrow!

Matthew

P.S. My mom, Carol Groves, will be posting while I am away. Stay tuned! I will try to give as many updates as possible.

2008-03-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Family and Friends,

It has definitely been far to long, and the next part of my journey is about to begin! I have almost finished my two and a half month lecture phase here at YWAM LA. We have had amazing speakers talk about knowing God and how to make Him known. I have never had such amazing Bible teaching! Our last lecture took us back to the world of the Old Testament. We know nothing about Jesus because he has not come yet. We the people of God have only the sacrificial system to deal with our sins. One sin, one sacrifice! As I took an account of the sins I had committed I realized I didn't have enough sheep (Animal crackers). What now? Do I fear death and hades because I have not made enough sacrifices? I could trip over one of my children's dradels and fall down a staircase to my death. DEATH! But, we were relieved to find out that our hope is not in works, but in faith then as well!

Now ohetr dompvelteens! Over the psat cpuloe of mtnhos I have aslo been albe to get to konw more of the staff on bsae. Mnay of tehm are flim isnudtry plpeoe. I have disoceverd a move of God to satrt a film sohocl hree. Plsaee pary for me, and otrhes here as we strat mivnog celsor to devnoeplig a film scohol here on bsae. Anohter big tinhg is my soprupt rsiaing. I slitl need aubot $2,000 and our gorup siltl nedes about $20,000. If you feel led to gvie, pelsae mkae ckechs out to YWAM and sned to:

YWAM Los Angeles
Attn: DTS Registrar
11141 Osborne Street
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342

Please DO NOT write on the memo line. Just attach a separate note stating the check is for “Matthew Groves”.

If you feel lead, please pray for the following things:

-health and safety of the team.
-team unity and abounding love in all we do
-boldness when we share our faith
-that the Lord would provide financially
-that God will use us mightily to expand His kingdom here on earth

Thank you all again for all your support! Hope to be sharing films and pictures with you soon when we all get back!

Matthew Groves

here is a little photo I photoshop'd of our team

"...into the unknown..."

2008-02-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

CALLING ALL AVAILABLE UNITS AND FRIENDS!

I appologize for being so late in posting. These two weeks have definitely been a kicker! The major highlight was our "Urban Blunge" (And no, it's not a hazing). It was a bedazzled leap into the unknown. It began with a blindfolded dropoff at Universal Studios. The adventure continued as we searched for various monuments that represented one of the seven spheres of society. The only problem was we had no maps, no phones, and no money. It was my time to shine as the first leader. So, I valiently lead our group in the wrong direction. We didn't start making progress until I stopped following my gut, and started listening to my team. SUCCESS! We only enjoyed ourselves for the next 5 hours as we toured one of the world's greatest cities. My outreach team shined that day. Everyone treated each other like they would want to be treated. Imagine the possobilities. And please pray for me as I start raising support for my Outreach. With much anticipation...

Matthew

P.S. For the next week I will be out camping with my school. It is preping us for our outreach phase. Hope to give you an update next weekend!

NEW NEWS!!

2008-02-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

dEAR fAMILY!!!

I would like to invite you to the newest addition to the mattgroves blogging series! Check out this wonder that I have been working on for ten minutes! Visit this site every time you see the "Check me out!" link. Hope to see some of you soon!

Matthew Groves

The Plot Thickens!

2008-01-17T18:24:00.000-08:00

Dear Peeps and Home Fries,

I can't believe how terrible/amazing this week has been! It all started Sunday with an surprisingly insightful episode of the flu. It taught me two valuable skills. The first was how to frantically pray for healing between the-eh-"episodes," and the other was that God hears prayers from my porcelain alter of cleansing. I was all warmed up for our speaker Fawn Perish who talked about hearing God's voice. At first I sat there with a layered defense of scepticism, sword in hand. I faught valiently for hours! Dodging every arrow, and thrashing every advance. Until everything checked out. It felt like my mother was sitting there speaking the truth of scripture into my life. Praise God! I have practiced practical ways for knowing what God desires for my life through His Word! HOLD THAT DIAL! God didn't finish bless'n there. Today I picked my outreach country! I used the age old tradition of casting lots. And it fell on "click here!!!" for the first 18 days and then "click here!!!" for 50 days. I can't wait to give you updates as information comes in. Thank you again for your prayers and support!

Matthew

Day 6

2008-01-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and Family,

I am happy to announce that it's a boy! Just kidding. I would like to let you all know that I will be posting pictures of my journal for the rest of my blogging in the states. It will be in a collage format with hand written responses to my readings, lectures, and devotions. I am not sure when I will be able to make these postings, but they will be posted weekly. I looking forward to sharing this spiritual journey with all of you. Thank you for all your prayers!

To God be the Glory!

Matthew

P.S. If you would like to post a comment, question, or prayer, click on the "comments" link just below, and follow the instructions. E-mail me at matthewthegroves@gmail.com if you have any further questions!

Day 1

2008-01-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends!

I am HERE!!! I can't believe how amazing the people are! There are only a few Californians and others from the States. Most are from other countries all over the world from Canada to Columbia, and from Germany to South Africa. The Teaching has been fantastic! Much of the "Calling upon the Spirit" has been done in a biblical manner. And the "Praying over one another" hasn't been some crazed ranting. It is just a bunch of people who asking God for direction in my life!! HOW ENCOURAGING!!! I even met C.J. Mahaney's niece and nephew. Thank you so much for your prayer and financial support! Hope to write another update soon.

Matt

To God be the Glory!!

The Adventures of Matt Groves

2008-01-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family:

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior!

I am excited to share with you an opportunity I have been given to serve the Lord. I have been accepted to do a Discipleship Training School (DTS) with Youth With A Mission in Los Angeles, California.

YWAM is an international and interdenominational organization of Christians working to help make a difference in a needy world. DTS is an intensive Christian training course that consists of a three-month lecture phase followed by a two-month cross-cultural field assignment.

The three-month lecture phase takes place at the YWAM base in Los Angeles starting on January 6th, 2008. Its aim is to prepare messengers of the gospel, placing an emphasis on knowing God in depth. I will take part in classroom lectures, worship, prayer, and work duties. I will learn to seek God’s heart for the hurts of the world, and to express that burden through effective times of prayer and practical ministry to people in Los Angeles. Through Biblical teaching and personal discipleship, I will be better able to identify my unique individual gifts and callings in God and become rooted deeper in the basics of Christian faith. That way I will be equipped to go out and share the good news with others.

Following the lecture phase, I will immediately go overseas for two months on an outreach to implement what I have learned. The location of my outreach will be determined within 4 weeks of the lecture phase. The Los Angeles base focuses on the nations of India, Nepal, Morocco, Thailand, and South Africa. Most likely I will go to one of those locations. Past schools have helped start churches, participated in key evangelistic crusades and construction projects, distributed goods to the poor and needy, ministered to orphans, and served in many other types of work.

I would love for you to partner with me in this experience. I need to raise $2835 for the lecture phase (which will cover room/board, food, books, and speaker costs). I need an additional $2800-$3500 for the outreach phase (which covers airfare, accommodations, food, and ground transportation). I would love if you would prayerfully consider supporting me financially. If you feel led to give, please make checks out to YWAM and send to:

YWAM Los Angeles
Attn: DTS Registrar
11141 Osborne Street
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342

Please DO NOT write on the memo line. Just attach a separate note stating the check is for “Matthew Groves”.

I would also love for you to pray for me as I prepare for this great experience. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store during this time. Feel free to e-mail me at matthewthegroves@gmail.com, and I will send you updates weekly! May the Lord bless you as well.

Blessings,

Matthew Adam Groves

22220 Saticoy Street

Canoga Park, CA 91303

Cell: (818) 425-2894