Update...

So for the longest time I have been super unhappy being in California. I felt like God brought me out into the desert and left me here to die. What I realized thou is that God brought me to the desert to see if I would fight for survival, to see how far I would go to follow him no matter what that meant. So coming to Saddleback might not have been my dream but I'm finding the more I am here the more I learn about myself and the vision the God has given me for the future. I have a vision of being part of a generation that worships the living God with a passion that is uninhibited, undivided, unstoppable, unquenchable. Part of a generation that loves their Savior so much that it does not matter where they are or who is around them they are not afraid to worship their God and Savior. God is stirring a revival in my generation and I can't express how excited I am about that. I am so looking forward to what God is planning and how he is moving in my life and the life of the people around me. Again as I write Jeremiah 29:11 just resonates through my head.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

I have been so amazed at how present God is in my everyday life. I feel so blessed to have a Savior who wants to be a part of MY life. That just seems crazy to me. But that's what is so amazing about it. I have been changed from the inside out. My life has been turned upside down. I can't imagine what my life would look like if God had not stepped in and dragged me out of the dirt that I was in. It's just so amazing to think that when the rest of the world had written me off, told me I was hopeless and my life would always be the same. That I would never be able to change. It's amazing to finally realize that the one voice that mattered was telling me it was possible all along. Know I just want the world to know the amazing love and grace that was extended to me by the one who gave it all up for ME. Little ol me!!! Anyway I realize I've rambled for enough time but if you happen to come across this and have questions. I am super excited to connect with you and maybe answer them.

In His Love,

Mateo

Anybody know what I'm supposed to be doing... Anyone???

So... so far I can't say I'm impressed with California. You would think that a state that so many people flock to would be the most amazing jewel ever to be found but frankly I think Orlando is way more appealing than California. I don't care if this is where dreams are supposed to come true. So my day started early because I am still in the Orlando time zone and consequently I went to bed early. After waking up three times thinking it was already time to be awake, then realizing it was still way to early and going back to sleep, I finally woke up at 6:30 am. I decided to go for a jog (this involved a lot more walking than jogging) but I will call it a jog cause it makes me feel better about myself. I then came back to my room did a couple of crunches and then took a shower. Proceeded to pray and do my quiet time and then my sister decided to be a creeper and come to my window and scare the Bejesus out of me!!!

We went to breakfast and then finally we were on our way to the Saddleback main campus. May I remind you we were like 20 minutes late when we left but apparently that seems to bother none of the other interns so hey who am I to tell you you have to follow schedules? So we finally made it to the campus and I got introduced to Rob Jacobs, I can't tell you how awesome it was to finally put a face to the voice I had talked to a couple of times. Rob gave me a tour of the office which might I say is like a freaking maze. Then I was introduced to Rick and Tom the overseers of the small groups ministry. Might I say I am not completely thrilled about the fact that no one could tell me what I was supposed to be doing but yet I kept getting the question... "So what are you going to be doing?" Well that's simple... I'll let you know as soon as I find out!!! Hahaha Like seriously I thought that this would be a little more organized than it is. But hey I'm giving it a break because it's a new program and they are still trying to figure out everything and I'm sure our feedback will be very helpful to them. So far the people have been really nice and it was definitely a fun day after Debbie and Dianna from the Women's ministry saved us from our boredom of not knowing what to do. Hopefully tomorrow will be more productive than today because I cannot sit down for one more hour without knowing what I am to be doing. Other than that Saddleback is an amazing church with some amazing people. I'm looking forward to what God has to teach me through them and just to continue on this crazy journey. I love you all and I am praying for all of you. Take care and God Bless.

California Dreaming...

So today was a very surreal day... I still can't believe I picked up my life and just moved to California. I take comfort in Jeremiah 29:11. I know that God has great plans and in that I take refuge. I left Orlando at 10:30 a.m. got to California at 2:30, now that doesn't seem that bad until you realize that California is 3 hours behind from Orlando which means technically I arrived at 5:30 in the afternoon. I got picked up by a really nice guy Mike and he drove me to "The Ranch" as they affectionately call the new campus where we are going to be staying. The Ranch is pretty amazing the rooms are like hotel rooms we pretty much have everything and quiet times are going to be amazing as we are surrounded by nature everywhere. I'm not completely impressed with California but I'm gonna give it a chance, there must be something good here if people love it so much. I miss my friends and my church family but hey I know we will see each other soon... Well that's it for today... Haven't really had much happen so... yeah... Love you guys! God Bless!!!

Blessed...

As I sit in my apartment listening to the amazing music of one of my favorite worship bands, Bellarive, I can't help but just see how blessed I have been in the last two years being a part of the church family that is Amp'd College Ministry. Last Wednesday our pastor Chris Ogden was speaking on the love of Christ and how we need to show it in an authentic way and he challenged us to examine our lives and figure out if we are showing the love of Christ and if we are not to identify that thing that is keeping us from doing so. Well I don't know if Chris knows but that message hit the spot. As I realized that I was leaving Amp'd for six months to follow Jesus to California I couldn't help but remember that there in the midst of my friends that I now call my family is where I first experienced the love of Christ. An overwhelming sense of peace and love overcame me and I broke down because I was so thankful at how much God has blessed me with this ministry. I sometimes wonder where I would be today if I had not been called out of the life that I was living in. If I had never met the people I know if I hadn't had the opportunity to do the things I have done at First Baptist Church. I feel like God was telling me you were shown the love of Christ now I need you to take a step of faith and follow me to where I call you... I need you to spread the love of Christ somewhere new. Not gonna lie my flesh was a little angry, but then I took a step back and realized that God has a plan and in his amazing plan many great things are gonna happen. Things that I will be able to experience and be in the midst of. What more could I ask for?

I have decided to start this blog to be able to jot down my thoughts and the things that God is doing daily in my life. I would hope and pray that everything I write on here will be edifying and that they will bless those who read them. I am so happy for the opportunity that God has given me and I can't wait to go on this crazy journey that he has called me to. I will try to keep this updated but I don't know what my schedule will look like once I start working at Saddleback so hopefully it won't be too crazy and I will be able to update often.

To my friends and family in Orlando I will miss you greatly. Jeannie you are not only my best friend but you are a sister to me. I am so encouraged by the passion and the love that you have first for Jesus and second for people. I see great things being done through you this year. God has amazing plans and I am sad that I won't be able to see them but I look forward to hearing about them. Continue strong and know that you are in my prayers. To my big sis, Damaris I know that it is sad to see me go, but you know that God will use this for his glory and that he takes care of us in every step we take. I love you with all my heart and I hope you know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. I know that although you might not understand right now why I have to go I know God will show us both why and I know you will be there for me regardless. To the rest of Amp'd College Ministry... I love each and every one of you. I look forward to coming back and seeing the unquenchable fire that burns in your hearts for Christ. I look forward to many more days of worship and service together and I pray that God will bless us all to continue on this journey together. Don't worry about me... I'll be back. Keep strong and stay focused don't let anything distract you from the goal at hand. I love you all. Now I'm gonna go pack because I am one and a half days away from leaving and have not packed anything. Keep ya posted... I promise!! Love you all and God Bless.

                                                                                            In His Love,
                                                                                                        Matteo