Matt was such an important part of our lives and I just want to thank you again for your willingness to share him with so many people. It was heartbreaking to hear of his passing and have to attend his service but it was also such a joyful experience to be able to give thanks to God for giving us the opportunity to get to know and love Matt. His humor, his laugh and his genuine love for his work is something that cannot be re-created and I'm so glad that my family and I got to see it first hand. He was a blessing to so many and he will always be greatly missed, but loved much more.
Mike
Matt touched so many. Debbie and I are privileged to work in the ministry he started (Overcomers In Christ) to help others. His work just keeps re-rooting and growing stronger. We'll see him again and what a celebration that will be! God bless!
Keith
I will always remember Matt and the smiles he had, the stories he told, and the sharing that we did as we served on Tres Dias weekends together. On one weekend, we were prayer partners and had to provide each other with a mug. He gave me one from AIM Air, Nairobi. This will have extra-special meaning for me from now on, not just because we shared children that served overseas, but because it was from Matt.
Lynn
Matt will always live on for the fact that all of us are speaking and thinking about him and relating all the good times we had together. He was never short on stories and no matter what the conversation was Matt could always come up with one of his own. He was always up, never down. Because his faith and love of Jesus gave him so much strength Matt never let on how much he was suffering and always made you feel good. We will always love Matt and all of you and cherish our friendship.
Marietta and Peter
We feel so privileged to have been allowed to be in his circle of friends! EVERYONE he met became a 'best friend'.
Chris & Vivian
Matt touched everyone he met, even if you only met Matt once you would never forget him, those twinkling eyes and that bright smile and that up to something look. Then he would speak and he would leave his mark on your soul and Jesus in your heart. Matt became part of your family not just the cool guy from church but an actual member of your family. The really cool uncle who could tell stories for hours and you would just listen. Growing closer to the Lord and learning the whole time. while your sides hurt from laughing.
Sherry
Bill and I watched the service on the internet and cried and sobbed through it all. What an incredible legacy was woven through all that was said. Matt loved others so much because he knew how much God loved him. Matt was remembered but God was honored.
Many times when I stopped in the office, as I was leaving, Matt would see me and say,"hey come on in I want to talk to you." He would tell me about," his kid's," and he would tell me about his family. After I left I would have to sit in my car for a while wiping away my tears. I was always overwhelmed by his capacity to love and to care.
Merle
He was a man who unselfishly gave of himself for the salvation of "kids." His "kids", as he called them, were the passion of his every step, the passion of his thinking. Through the grace of the Lord, Matt changed so many lives, rooted kids in the faith and made a difference in so many families. He would not turn anyone away, he would accept them for who they were and introduce God's love and salvation at just the right moment. Matt's impact will go on for generations.
There are so many beautiful memories of Matt to cling to. Matt was real, a real child of God with a passion for the future lives of so many.
Vivian
Matt was and is an inspiration to all of us. His passing is hard to bear, but he left us with a legacy of hope, love, and an example of how we should all strive to be. It is an honor and privilege to have known him. The memorial service was uplifting and beautiful. It was a fitting tribute to Matt and all he accomplished here on earth. We will remember Pastor Matt always and know he will go on just as his legacy of caring, helping, and loving others will.
Camille and John
The fellowship of believers feel the vacuum left in his departure, but look forward to the day we will all rejoice together. I cannot wait to run up and give him a hug.
Clay
I know it's been said by so many, but he was such a remarkable man that has left such an impact. He had the ability to create such a welcoming atmosphere with anyone. He tore the walls down by not having any, and even those silly jokes made you love him.
Andrew & Andrea
Pastor Matt- I missed you so much today. Today was your memorial service, which I'm sure you watched from up above. I woke up this morning not thinking i was ready. Ready for the closure and all of the stories awaiting to be shared in the upcoming hours. I barely slept last night. I haven't slept all week. I've been going through the week with a facade because I'm scared to show my true emotions to people who wont understand. They just say he's some old guy from your church. You were more than that. So much more. I cant even begin to put into words what you were to me, to everyone who you talked to throughout your wonderful life. This morning was bittersweet. I talked to some kids afterward and they said they've never been to a funeral where there was so much laughing. Thats how you would want it. There was a point where all your 'children' were asked to stand. I kid you not there must have been at least 50 to 75 kids who shot up, including myself.
I know your up there telling all your funny poop stories to the kids, making heaven that much cheerier. I can't believe your gone. As I wipe the tears from my face as i write this, I'll say goodbye one last time. I cant wait to meet you at the gates and have you put your hand right around my neck like usual. Ill see you again. Be good up there.
David
Matt was definitely one of a kind. I know he didn't enter heaven quietly. I can just see him running up & down every nook & cranny exclaiming "WOW!!!!!" We'll miss him , but we all could agree he gave his all & then some to his heavenly father. If only we could be a little like Matt.
Les & Nancy
Matt, you will be missed. You were there in the beginning for the family, for me & my son. Regardless of the time. Matt came to the rescue of one of his lost sheep. He made it known that every one, young or old, came to him with a damaged heart and the only fix for it was through the Love of Jesus Christ. I'll never forget that smile.
Randy & David
I had the privilege to meet Matt at Chapel only once, and I knew he had a special calling from the Lord. I saw him put his arms around my two grandchildren as if they were the most important people in the world. Many people will see Christ because of him.
Angie
Matt, You had more of an impact on my life than many might know. I will never forget the great times we shared during youth group, and church outings (especially the Falls View Grill lunches). Look forward to the day we meet again buddy. My prayers are with your family.
Ryan
What an honor it has been to work with Matt over the past 5 years. He was my mentor, friend, and always gave me advice in my ministry. When days seemed hard, he inspired me and encouraged me. I am one of his legacies. Because he believed in me and saw past the actions I made as a young teenager, I am the woman I am today. I will never forget my buddy!
Robyn
For so many years growing up at the chapel, Matt was an ever-present role model in my life. I vividly remember many weekend trips with youth group and many summers at LBI with CSSM where he was a strong example of God's love and guidance for me.
Marieke
Matt was such an amazing man of God, he has helped me through so much as well as my mom. I will certainly miss him, but rejoice to know that I will one day get to see him again!
Kelly
I want to send a big Thank you to Matt because without his help a few years back my husband and I wouldn't be on the right track...So Thank you Matt you always knew how much it meant to us all the help you had given us and we will never forget you for that
Natalie
Eastern Christian conference was never the same after Matt and his crazy games. The kids still say it was the best year... So you see, Matt will always be alive in the hearts of the children he touched. Praise the LORD he is in his hands.
Pat
Matt's love and life live on through the many lives he has blessed and been a part of, He will forever be in our hearts. He is an inspirational friend, who helped us share our strengths, embrace our weaknesses, even laugh, at what at first may have seemed insurmountable odds. Though he may not have had a book written about his life, his story lives in the lives of those who were blessed enough to know and love Him.
Joel and Jessica
Matt will always remain in my memories, & I'll still talk to Matt, but now only in my dreams. We will all miss him so much, but I know Matt wouldn't want us to hang on his passing. Instead he would want us to make the best out a bad situation, & out of life. I'm sure Matt will still do Gods work too, only now it will be from heaven, surrounded by love.
Stephen
For those of us who knew Matt, whether it be many years or just recently; you quickly come to the realization that there isn't anyone more passionate about our suffering youth. Matt has been a great friend, coworker as well as a mentor to our sons.
Cathy
Matt leaves a place on earth that can't be filled by anyone else. He was a true gift to us all.
Ruth
It comes without saying that Matt was a great man who touched countless lives. He played such an important role to my brothers and I during one of the toughest periods of our lives. Matt's good work lives on through so many people. What a guy he was, simple amazing.
The Scozzari Family
Matt touched everyone he came in contact with and his warm smile and kind words and will forever live in my heart.
Debbie
I wanted to thank you so much for everything that you have taught me and the help that you have given my family. I still use techniques that I learned watching you when we taught 8th grade sunday school together. Your love for kids and the loving way you handled all of them is a guideline for me in raising my own sons.
Matt
I was thinking about where I would be without Matt's encouragement. When he first asked me to speak at senior high ministry I thought he was nuts. I remember being scared and I was actually shaking before my talk. Matt came up to me and said I know you'll be fine. I survived and had the privilege of doing it many more times. I remember when Matt came to Win and I and said he had a ministry for us that would not require us to go to any meetings and we could do it at home. He asked us to lead a bible study in our home for high school kids. We are about to start our 13th year in September.
FRANK & WIN
It is very difficult to express the overwhelming feeling of gratitude to the Lord for allowing our paths to cross with yours. You have brought laughter, stability, good common sense and a deep, abiding faith into our lives. A fantastic, Godly role model to our family which we'll always cherish and seek to "pay it forward".
John
Thank you for pulling me from the lion's mouth so many times. I love you.
Doug
You have always been a special person in my life, and I am proud to say that you are like a Grandfather to me! Always remember we will forever be "Handcuffed at the Heart"!! You have touched my life with love, respect, trust, and never ending support.
Josh
You all have been a very big part of my life. If it wasn't for you I would be a 'lost' soul. I can not ever thank you enough.
Mike
Matt, The relationships your have built over the years in Christ's love will be with you for all eternity.
Bob
Matt you have had such an input in our lives through the years. With the kids, with us during hard times and stockade to do your talks. Always saying hi in the Jacksonville parking lot and telling us your stories. Laughter is such good medicine, and you were a great Dr. for us in doing that.. You helped us so much with our son in is adolescent years and helped us to see that compassion would help.
Pam
I had two broken arms, you took me out for Pizza and mussels. Somehow i managed to keep myself clean with two broken arms. You managed to cover yourself in marinara sauce. Good times. With you, it was always good times.
Bob
I remember Matt you were the first to call me when my mom passed, you were there when Bobby broke both arms and you took him out for Italian food. Bill mentions the times he had with you. I don't know how you got your energy but by the grace of God. God used you in such awesome ways. You were so blessed to be used of God and stand in awe of what you were able to accomplish for the kingdom. We love you.
Bob and Deb
Pastor Matt,
I cant come to write how much you've changed my life. I don't think I ever wanted a Monday to come so much as when I knew it meant seeing you at Bible study. Whether it being your powerful stories or funny jokes, I could listen to you talk for hours.
David
Just wanted you to know how highly you are thought of and how your presence has been missed at Jacksonville Chapel these past several months. You've been such an encouragement to so many - especially the youth - and I wanted to tell you how your efforts are appreciated. Only the Good Lord knows all you've done and how you've been there for so many.
Ruth
Pastor Matt has touched my life so much. He is a true hero for me. He baptized me. He spoke to me and his words truly reached my heart. Without him, I would never be this close to the Lord. Matt is an amazing man with the most beautiful heart I have ever seen. Every word that came out of his mouth was just overflowing with the love of God. Every time he spoke, it would bring me to tears. He has been such a great example of making yourself look like Jesus. I'm positive that God is so proud of him. And so am I.
I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me become everything I am, and for being everything that you are. You've inspired me to be a better person and to really speak out for what I believe. You are an angel to me and a blessing to the world.
Elyse
Matt I love you so much...you mean so much to me and have done so much for my family and I. You were the one who helped me overcome my Dad's death and I'll never ever forget it.
Kyle
I've known Matt since i was about 5 years old, he was my youth pastor in Jr. High and like a spiritual father to me. When you're around Matt, you want to stop and listen because you know he's going to lead you to the cross. If you need proof of how God uses Matt, just look around—chances are you'll find someone who has encountered Matt. Whether at the detention center, the church, a rehab place, or even all the way in Colorado where he gained the phrase 'Handcuffed at the Heart,' the fingerprints of Matt are all over people.
'In Luke 15 Jesus talks about the parable of the lost sheep. He talks about how the shepherd goes after the lost sheep to bring it back home and the rejoicing that occurs because of it. Take time to read through Luke 15:3-7. This is Matt's lifesong.
I don't know about you but when I was in Jr. High I was so thankful for someone like Matt. He (along with God) changed my life and will forever be one of my greatest heroes.
Marielle
I have been fortunate to have met you many years ago and watched how you warmly connected with our kids. They respect you and know that your wish was to always be there for them. I've seen now that your loving message continues to resonate, even though you can't be with them physically. What a wonderful gift you have given them.... and me, with your friendship.
Linda
Juvenile Probation Officer
Dear Pastor Matt,
The world seems not as bright without you around. You've done so much for me talked me through problems in a way most people never could do, you would make time to get together with me no matter what, you showed me God and Jesus and showed me how to live like a christian, you came to our group bible sessions and would share stories that would silence the whole room and you could feel God's love, but most of all you showed me love. I want to thank you for everything you've done and for believing in all of us.
Sean
Matt - you have been a ray of hope and sunshine to so many for so many years.
Vivian
So many touched by one amazing soul.
Nacie
Matt, has been a part of my life since I was a pre-teen thru the chapel. I have done so many trips with him and he has always treated me like a daughter. He also helped my husband change his life with the help of God. I know that there are so many similar stories but for each one of us Matt has truly touched our lives. It is with tears in my eyes that I think of loosing him. But God does have a plan for Him and He will live on forever in our hearts.
Donna and Jason
Matt You helped me with so many problems and conflicts in my life and whenever i need help or to call you would answer and talk to me. My life earlier in had many family problems but now we ' re getting better in our family relationship slowly but i still miss your counselor sessions in your office with poop toys and stuff. I want to say thanks for your help and thanks for taking me out to dinner on my birthday and coming to family occasions like my graduation party. All those nice things you done for showed me how much you love a lot like a father even though mine died.
Your the greatest pastor i could ever have. Your also one of the greatest friends i could ever have. I love you so much!
Parker
Matt has always been the voice of hope and encouragement and the stream of light for those that had lost their way. His sense of humor reached and touched many kids who were never sure of where they were headed. And his ability to communicate God's love and promise probably ripples out into this world much farther than we can fathom.
gloria
"There is a light in the world, a healing spirit, more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes loose sight of this force when there is so much suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who care and answer in extraordinary ways." —Mother Teresa
Merle
Hey Matt, I miss you soo much. I'll never forget the love that you have showed me since the first time we met.
Brian
Matt we love you, your lifetime of serving CONTINUES to give fruit... and we will see the full impact of it in heaven with hundreds (thousands?) of lives that will be there thanks to your heart. Your passion and surrender to Him is awe inspiring.
Elias
I can't tell you how many times I think of you as I see various kids come through the doors! I think of how many of them - how many of US - you have touched - and that is just from THIS generation!!! I was reminiscing with my son, Bryan tonight about all of the Matt stories floating around out there. How the kids all love you, Matt!!! How we ALL love you!!!
Maria
I can't wait to sit down and tell you of all the amazing things that God is doing in my life. A long ways from the kid you sat down with behind bars at the courthouse. May God continue to be glorified by your life.
Dan
I do believe that everything happens for a reason. You were brought into my brother and my life for a reason, and you saved Michael's life. I am forever grateful.
Jeanette
I look forward to the day when you are back in the pulpit telling us of the wonders God has done in the lives of teenagers. Thank you for letting the Lord use you at Jacksonville Chapel.
Fran
The boys were all home this weekend and were retelling Matt stories. You would have been hysterical laughing... they remember the really interesting parts.... but they ended it with how much they love you and how you made such an impact on their lives when they were in need.
Elizabeth
My every remembrance of you is mixed with joy and appreciation for the compassion you had for young lives and your commitment to our Lord Jesus.
Earl
It's folks like you here on earth, that I know there is a God in heaven. Thank you for all you've taught me.
Nancy
Matt, you have been such an inspiration to me when I was younger. I just wanted to let you know what a positive impact you have had on my life.
Steve
I'm still kicking around with the young folks here in Indiana. Still just like you... "a boy who just got tall". It will be fun when we get to the other side to see all those we had a part in their lives. What a privilege. I still remember those wonderful years at the chapel and the brainstorming we used to do about how to reach the young minds. And I got a few haircuts out of the deal! Love ya, Matt.
Bud
Today at Emergence, David was talking about you and your work and we prayed for you. He said 'to know Pastor Matt is to love him.' He asked for people to stand if they have been touched by your ministry. More than half the people stood up.
Karin
Only you, Matt, know how much you have done for my family - past and present. You alone are responsible for putting us all on the right path. God Bless, dear friend!
Barb
Matt has been such a HUGE part of my life and maturing as a man of God, as with him being such an amazing example of compassion and love to youth.
Gary
Dear Pastor Matt,
Your name comes up a lot as we discuss disciplining children We were fortunate to be in 2 of your dedication classes. We learned a lot from you. We practice disciplining in love. We get down on their level and talk to them and we always end with a hug and kiss and "I love you" Stories that you shared with us have become a permanent part of how we parent our children.
Karen
I think of the many times I came up to visit & how much you helped me survive the younger years of my life. Every time I left full of hope, for the future, & the possibilities in life. You remember the first time we sat down in that hallway & talked? You gave to me that day hope. Hope that I might get through all this, & I did. Your intervention in my life was a miracle & till the day I die, I will always hold your friendship dear to my heart.
Stephen
I have been so blessed to work alongside you and see how the Lord uses someone who is fully committed to Him. I have learned so much and enjoyed the talks we would have in my office from time to time.
Ron
Everything you've taught me sticks with me and I use it as often as I can. It's been an absolute honor walking in your shadow these past two years. I wouldn't give it up for anything. What I've seen in you has changed my heart forever, I'll never be the same. Thanks for helping to spark the change in my life, loving me and encouraging me even when I felt like a total failure. Thanks for being the safest man I've ever met.
Bill
We both have such fond memories of experiencing God's touch through your ministry both as recipients and co-laborers in Junior High ministry those years ago. We had a lot of fun together, and we learned from your example what it means to accept people where they are at, and show them God's love and caring above all.
Jen
We love you. I can't say anymore than that. You've done so much for us and we are eternally grateful for you. We love you, Matt.
The Scozzari's
You have taught me so much about God's love for all, over the last 5 years working together. You have been a great comforter to me many times. I have never seen you waiver from being Christ like or showing me what Christ would do in a situation. We have had so many laughs, stories, and tears. I will never forget one.
Kathy
I attribute a lot of who I am today, to the youth ministry you had me captivated in. From going to Excel in 6th grade where I got a kick out of the fart and booger jokes to the later years in high school where you helped me contemplate some of life's more serious problems. There is truly nothing I can say that really puts how much you have meant to me over the years. I love you Matt.
David
We know that it was your compassion and care that envisioned Overcomers in the first place, when you partnered with John Hanna to start this fellowship. It is here at Overcomers where so many of us are being set free from our addictions, and have found joy and purpose in a life lived for God. We have Jesus and you to thank for this. We love you Matt! THANK YOU for your care and compassion!
The Overcomers In Christ
Thanks for believing in me Matt. You gave me a chance. And I will never ever stop loving broken people.
George
Matt, I miss you buddy! I miss working by your side with hurting people. I miss your leadership, compassion and wisdom in caring for the hurting. Most of all though I just miss hanging out, eating strange Italian foods and laughing out loud with you. I love you buddy.
Owen
As one of your previous youth at Jacksonville, you were like a second father to my friends and I. I want you to know you changed my life forever and I don't know if my faith would be as strong if it wasn't for your guidance. You have been an angel to me...thank you for changing my life for the better.
Alex
One of my first recollections of you Matt is when you did your Father Sarducci skit for a function at the Chapel - that was so many years ago. But I still remember how I laughed so hard I cried. Your humor is the best!
Vivian
Matt, you were such a blessing in my life, and I know you touched hundreds more.
Becky
Dan and I were talking about you yesterday. I was standing at my kitchen sink and suddenly had a flashback to the night you and Carina came to our house for dinner. You had gotten up from the dining room table and asked one of us for a rubber band. Without me knowing, you went to the sink and placed the rubber band around the sink sprayer. You then returned to the table and asked if I could get you a glass of tap water, specifically from the sink. Being naive at the grand age of 14 or 15, I took your bait and went to to the sink and turned it on, only to be sprayed by high force water coming from the sprayer. Oh, what a comedian you were! Dan and I started laughing just thinking about how many times we fell for your silly tricks. ;-)
You were such an important part of our lives for so long, we can never thank you enough. My parents separation/ divorce was a hard thing to go through and your support made it much easier on my brothers and me, and my dad. We could not have asked for a better youth paster (who else would let us shave off half his mustache while camping?), and we are so grateful that you were part of our lives.
Mike
Pastor Matt,
I love and miss you! You were in my dreams last night...some good dreams about when we were in Ireland and all the fun we had getting to know those lovely people and the children at summer camp! Thanks for making that trip and so many others possible. Of course I can't express it all fully in type but you have made a large impact in my life, things I heard from you in my junior high years are showing up as solid life lessons in my young adult years. I find myself saying 'where did I hear that? Oh yeah...Pastor Matt.' : )
Jacqueline
Wanted to thank you for working with Christopher and boys just like him. God gave you a special talent. God speed.
Frank
Hey Matt, I miss you man! There's a lot going on out here. John's dream continues to come true. More and more people are being set free from their chains of sin and addiction, by the power of Jesus, and by the grace that He shows them. I'm so glad that He moved in your heart to "see" this vision before it ever existed; to hire Jonny Hanna, and to start an Addiction Care Ministry at the Chapel. God is using it mightily!
Owen
I consider you one of God's angels for all the work you do with these kids that are bound by the Enemy's chains.
Karin
I miss you buddy! It's because of you and your fight for me and all the kids you touched when I was growing up, that I keep fighting the fight for all the lost sheep out there. Your imprint of love, dedication and perseverance will forever be etched on my heart. It keeps me with my armor on, ready to love these kids and allow them to be heard. You never give up Matt. Because of that I never want to give up either.
Robyn
You have meant so much to our family and have given us encouragement and wisdom during difficult times over the years. We want you to know that we are thankful and appreciate immensely all that you have done.
Lisa
I can remember you at the Church doors always greeting me and my sisters and joking around with us, I even remember the time as a kid you brought me into your office and showed me all your pranking and joke items that you love to show off. I never forgot about the love you showed to me, and within the past year Jesus showed up in my life radically and I made the decision to finally commit my life TOTALLY to the Lord and stop messing around with a lot of the bad habits in my life. I never forgot about the high spirits you had and I always wondered what made you so joyful, and I myself have found it and was led to Him by the help of you. Know that you have helped to change my life. Thank You
Joe
You have been an example of compassion for us.
Mary & John
I’ve always felt like you are the uncle I know the best, even though I’m shy, you are approachable, and Fun, & funny, you talk to me, you reach out even though I don’t talk much. You have this amazing strength to reach out to teens and show them that you really do care.
Chris
Thanks for everything you do for the Lord and the immeasurable impact you've had on me in my young Christian walk.
Jacqueline
Remember that incredible pasta lunch you cooked one day for the office staff? I'll never forget it. It was just one little expression of your nurturing spirit...something which God has grown in you beautifully. So many are grateful to you for the way you have nurtured them and to the God you point us all toward
Ingrid
Matt, I treasure the times you invited me into your office and shared the things that were going on in your ministry with such excitement and passion. No pastor has ever cared to do that with me and I will not forget how honored I felt. I left your office feeling excited and encouraged.
Merle
You have been there for many and I am blessed that you were there for my three!
Sonja
You were there for me and my family when my Grandmother was in the hospital and spoke at her funeral, I can never thank you enough. That memory will forever be in my heart. The infamous bus ride to Hershey Park with Doug and getting the HONOR to share a room with you was so for for being a punishment. You were there when I accepted Jesus into my heart and you too will forever be in my heart and prayers. I love you like you are family and i miss you so much.
Mikey
This is your Venezuelan son Moises, just dropping a few notes to let you know how your lives continue to minister to my life. To this very day i cannot forget this italian man with a bunch of white people going to Venezuela to what they called "Mission Trip" I met this Pastor with a joy I wanted to have. Two things really impressed me about him... his passion for our Lord Jesus and the most incredible resemblance to the old chinese guy from karate kid :) I was affected and influenced by that passion. Who would of thought that a short visit to a foreign kid would result in me going to ministry too. Pastor Matt... I don't know how you do it...but please keep on doing it.
Moises
I have so many memories of Matt, and NJ. Jacksonville Chapel WAS my life as I grew up. I was there every day/night for something, youth group, Battalion, etc. I remember Matt when he became Youth Pastor, and he was always doing that fake booger gag. Classic. I also remember having Matt as a Sunday School teacher, and we got plenty of stories about that, don't we Matt?
Andrew
I have been learning a great deal about my own faith, partly because of you. It took me a while to get around to it but now I am glad that I started. Again, thanks for your continuous help and amazing heart for others.
Geoff
Every time I see you or hear your name I can't help but recall the special visit from Operaman on Women's Tres Dias #83. What a blessing your humor has been to so many of us. You touched the hearts of all the ladies on that weekend by helping us understand the cleansing power of laughter and of tears.
Diane
Matt, I am happy to hear that you are out and about and doing well. I don't think I've ever told you what a positive influence you were on my life growing up. I know there are a lot of people who could say the same. You are a special man.
Ryan
One of my favorite parts of coming back to NJ around Christmas was seeing you at Jacksonville Chapel and being close to your incredible spirit. You are an amazing person and a great influence on my life. Those retreats that you led were a great foundation in my relationship with Christ. I miss you.
Eric
It's good to know that there are people like you who are unafraid to reflect our Lord's image to these guys in their formative years by willingly entangling yourself into their earthly troubles. Matt, you are such a blessing and we thank God for you.
Tom
I just wanted to let you know how much of a blessing you've been in my life and the lives of others. I'm sure you hear that all the time, and that's only because it's unbelievably true. I think it's safe for me to say that you're the most Christ-like person I know, and any time I am having doubts or trouble I look to your example. You've been a big part in my spiritual growth, and I love you with all of my heart.
Matthew
During my high school years I experienced a lot of ups and downs and needed someone to talk to... not just a pastor or someone older and wiser who could lecture me and tell me how I was messing up, but a friend who was thoughtful cared about my well-being. You have always been there for me whenever I've needed you, through both the good times and the bad.
You've always had a great sense of humor and could always make me laugh in addition to knowing the right things to say at the right times. You have had a profound effect on my life.
Matt
You have always been my favorite pastor. You've always been able to make me laugh and become closer to God.
Alec
I will always remember all the times you took me out to breakfast through middle school and high school. You always were there for me and every other kid you could touch. I hope God gives me a responsibility like that one day, because you really changed my life.
Scott
Thank you Matt for your dedication to our church, our young people, our community. Your love for the Lord and your unceasing desire to help those in need has been an inspiration to me.
Vivian
You have been and are such an instrumental individual in your gift of ministering to others, in caring and giving of yourself to the youth and others in our church. I served on two teams with you at Tres Dias, and you made us smile- as you do with your humor and love for others. Thank you for who you are.
Jeanine
You are such an encouragement and you have taught me so much in my life. Your light shines in this dark world.
George
I asked my Matt if he realized that we named him after you. He just stared at me and asked why, and I told him how important you were in his Daddy's life and how you married us, have been through so much with us and even gave you your very first haircut! Matt then said, "Mom, is he in the hospital? Do you know how to get there?" I answered yes to both questions and he proceeded to tell me how, if I had enough money, he wanted me to take him to a store so he could pick out something really special for you and bring it to you at the hospital to thank you for helping so many people. So Matt, from the smallest of "your kids" to the biggest of "your kids", we all need you and love you so very much.
Eileen
You have ALWAYS been there for me to talk to and in the worst of times I KNEW for a fact that if I needed someone to talk to, you were the one because you knew me.
Laura
I've never met a man with a stronger faith, a stronger love for people... and frankly, a stronger handshake! Thank you for being such an amazing role model.
Shaun
I'm sure you know how much you've meant to me in my life. From our first mission trip to Sunshine Acres, to all the fun times in youth group, to marrying Jaime and I. You hold a dear place in our hearts.
David
You have had a lasting impact on me. I thank you for all the time you spent caring for people like me.
Kory
Matt, we want you to know how special a person you are and how much you touched our lives. Your kindness and understanding is a special gift that you have shared with others. There will always be a special place in our heart that belongs to you.
Tony & Sharon
You are one special guy. The love you have shown the youth of Jacksonville Chapel can only be topped by Gods love for his children. You have been the source of much laughter both at home and around the Chapel.
Peter
I am who I am in many ways because you are who you are and because of who Christ is in and through you.
Kevin
When Scott and I think of you a smile always makes its way across our faces. The other thing that comes to mind when we think of you, Matt, is the gift that God has given you to capture and encourage the very best in people. How many "lost causes" have taken hope because of your input in their lives? How many are in the ministry because of the creative way you wiggled into their lives and didn't give up on them? Ah, God must be so proud of you.
Gerri
You have impacted more lives then I believe you will ever know. Mine is just one on the list. Because you believed in me and believed I had worth and purpose, I am the woman I am today. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving me and all the people you come in contact with, UNCONDITIONALLY! Never giving up on us. Never losing hope that we'll make a difference in this world. You just love.
Robyn
You're one in a million,
Matt.