I have been blessed with four beautiful kids, a beautiful spouse that loves the Lord, and a job that allows me to work using gifts from God such as a love of people and travel to help build the Kingdom. In March God called me to beautiful Miami to work with University Baptist Church (UBC) and help them get Fellowship One up and running. (the sacrifices I make for God ;)) This church is why I do what I do. They are firing on all cylinders and continually looking for ways to improve their ability to effectively reach more people and to love the people of Miami. I had a great time staying with Pastor Dave and his wonderful wife who are the most gracious hosts anyone could hope to stay with. But three days was enough time away from my family so I headed to Miami International Airport and a three hour flight back to Texas.
As I was boarding the plane I could feel my phone vibrating 
in my pocket and the soft sound of Led Zeppelin crying out “I can’t quit you babe” so I knew my wife was calling. I found my seat and called her back to hear “I can’t talk we are running to the emergency room!” click. Not exactly what I wanted to hear and not enough information to fully process what was going on so I called back after about 30 seconds. “MATT I CAN’T TALK I AM RUNNING A RED LIGHT AND POPPY IS BLEEDING FROM HER HEAD…” click. Now the panic began setting in and I thought with horror: Is my beautiful 4 year old daughter Poppy dying? How bad is the head wound? Was she shot, stabbed, run over, cut, bitten by a neighborhood dog, kicked by the horse behind the house? Again, not enough information to do anything but get very worried. I tried calling back 3 more times but no one would answer the phone. At this time the pilot tells us there is bad weather in Dallas so we have to get off the plane for a 2 hour delay. More panic… more stress… more anger!
I walk around with the Joy of the Lord in my heart almost every day. I find the positive in almost every bad situation. But this was more than I could handle. I tried to think of something I could do to help. I tried to find a different flight, I thought maybe I could catch a flight on a different airline; maybe I could “borrow” a plane for a few hours and return it in the morning. Then I realized there was nothing I could do. I prayed “God show me the Joy in this.” Even if I were on the flight I wouldn’t be home for hours, what are you teaching me? Should I not be traveling? Should I change jobs? Where are You in this?” Then God answered me very clearly “I am with Poppy, I am with Beckie, you could be dead now and I will continue to provide for the needs of your family. Rely on Me because I have given you your daily bread and provided care for your family even in this situation.”
Peace came to me and I knew how God had provided, he had already blessed me with a wonderful small group from The Village Church and parents that are always available. I called Brian Vinson twice before I sent him a text that said “Dude I need you” and my phone rang. “What do you need?” was how Brian greeted me, and like an angel from heaven his wife rushed to the hospital and picked up my other 3 kids, fed them pizza, took them home, and brought me peace of mind in one fail swoop of her angelic wings. My parents were in a movie on their 42nd wedding anniversary when I called. They left and rushed to the hospital to give support to Beckie. God is good always and the Joy of the Lord is my strength even when I am weak.
Matthew McMaster
Delivery Manager Bound for Eternity, Walking in Joy