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MEET THE HERBSTERS

Thanks for taking the time to get to know our family. My name is Matt and I graduated with a degree in Bible (minor in music) from Bob Jones University in 1995. That same year I married Julie, my high school sweetheart. I then completed my Masters in Pastoral Studies in 1997 from Heart of America Theological Seminary. I worked at the Wilds every summer through college (since 1991) and seminary and then Julie and I joined the Wilds staff full time in the summer of 1997. I started on program staff, then became the program director. In 2013 I became the director of the NC campsite.

2013 brought more than one transition into our family when my wife Julie passed away after a 10-month battle with colon cancer. Our 5 kids were ages 7-14 at the time. There is no question that this was the most difficult thing I had ever faced. As I anticipated, God’s faithfulness was more than enough to sustain us. His Word was our joy, peace, and hope as we leaned on His promises. In God’s timing, He brought Tiffany into our lives.

Tiffany’s family is from Atlanta where her Dad is the associate pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Smyrna, GA. Tiffany and Matt were married in April of 2014. The transition has been as good as I could have ever imagined. Maybe someday I’ll be able to share the entire story with you. God’s grace and providential leading were clearly evident. Tiffany has been an amazing blessing to all of us.

God has blessed us with 5 children who all, though imperfect, have a genuine desire to serve the Lord. Sarah (20) is a sophomore history ed major/music minor at Bob Jones University. Nathan (18) is a Freshman Bible major/music minor at Bob Jones University. Abbie (16) is a Junior in high school planning to attend Maranatha Baptist University and major in Elementary education in the fall of 2020. Annie (14) is a freshman and Jonathan (13) is a 7th grader. It is a privilege to be their dad, and I count my family as my most important ministry.

Sensing God’s clear direction in November of 2018, I resigned my position at the Wilds. I’m extremely grateful for my time in ministry at the Wilds. I will forever be grateful for all God taught me through the philosophy and people at that ministry. We are now excited to take the hope of the gospel to the people of Hong Kong and beyond!

MINISTRY GOALS

What will we be doing? There are more opportunities than there are hours in the day, that is for sure! We will be immediately jumping into local church ministry at Island Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan Johnson, a downtown ministry with over 14 different nationalities represented. Pastor Johnson would like us to help with the music ministry, participate in regular preaching/teaching opportunities, help with pastoral care of the members, help with the youth and college age members and explore an outreach/Bible study to Hong Kong University. We will also be actively involved in the schools. One of the best ways to reach the young people of Hong Kong is through the schools. American teachers are in high demand in Hong Kong. It is our goal to be a conduit for others to come to Hong Kong to teach English and be “salt and light” in the schools starting in the fall of 2020. Sports camps, English camps and Fine arts camps will take up our summers. Lord willing, we will also be working to start a school of our own in the next few years.

With Hong Kong’s large population and close proximity to mainland China, the city is strategically located to have an immense impact on the rest of Asia. We are excited to be a small part of what God is doing in this region of the world. I know you have many considerations for where your missions dollars are spent. We would be humbled and honored if you would consider supporting us in our endeavor to get to Hong Kong. It is our desire to move in May 2020.