Dear friends and family,
About one year ago, I relocated from Tennessee back to Elyria, Ohio. I had no idea which direction I was headed. I had no goals, no hope, and my self esteem was at an all-time low. I didn't think Ohio was the place for me. In 2010, I spent most of my days sleeping. I had been depressed for a long time and never thought that I would get out of feeling that way.
Then God began to change my heart and my mind. In January 2011, I decided something had to change, so I began to pray. I began to seek out Christian friendships, and the fog that covered my eyes for so long began to lift.
Today I feel that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and God is helping me become the man that he wants me to be. In the past year, I can confidently tell you that I have overcome major depression. I have found meaning and purpose in life, and I have met some truly amazing people who continually inspire me to live better.
There are a few truths that I've learned throughout the past few years that have strengthened me and given me hope. I want to share them with you. After battling extremes of anxiety and depression for more than five years, I have learned the following: a) Life is full of meaning and purpose; b) God is a grand weaver, he puts people and situations in our lives for a reason, and every part of our story matters to God; and c) We must have empathy for those around the world who are suffering. In other words, where you live shouldn't determine whether you live or die.
I want to share with you some of the exciting things that are happening in my life right now. I have recently become involved with an organization called Compassion International. Some of you may be familiar with their child sponsorship program.
Compassion International is a Christian child development organization dedicated to releasing children from poverty. Their ministry is twofold: They work through local churches to provide child development programs to deliver children from economic, physical, social and spiritual poverty, enabling them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults; and they speak out for children in poverty – informing, motivating and equipping others to become advocates for children.
I have the opportunity to travel to Kenya in March 2012 to serve and see more of what Compassion International does. I am asking you for your support and prayers throughout this process. I know that with your help, this trip will be possible. I am excited to see what happens in the next few months, and knowing that you are all praying for me throughout this process will give me a lot of peace. I'm asking for your prayers concerning safety, travel, health, and financial support.
I know that I have to be creative in this process, so I have come up with various ways of raising funds. This is my blog, where you can follow some of my projects and read about news concerning the Kenya trip.
Beyond your prayers, if God leads you to financially support this trip, I would greatly appreciate your help. My goal is to raise about $4,000, which is the approximate total cost of the trip, including air fare. I want to invite you to participate in this exciting journey with me, and I would like to make it as easy as possible for you. If you feel led to contribute please click the donate button and donate as much as you like. Any help would be much appreciated. I believe God is leading me on this journey, and I would greatly appreciate any level of support you are able to offer.
Again, thanks so much for taking the time to read my letter. I look forward to hearing from you soon. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
In Christ,
Chris Matetic
