Missionary - Matt Green
Question: I’m sure there are many that will read this article that don’t know you well, so can you give us some background information on you and your family, and how God led you to the place where you serve today? Don’t forget to give us the names and ages of all the children.
Reply: Both Amanda and I were saved as children. We both also attended Crown College and got involved in available ministries. In 2006, Amanda traveled to Cambodia while I spent the summer in England. While there God put a burden in my heart for the British that eventually spilt over onto Amanda after we were married on June 29, 2007. God has given us two beautiful little boys: Parker (3) and Hudson (1).
Perhaps the most exciting thing about ministry in England is the possibility of contributing to the pursuit of World Evangelization. Many people from unreached people groups view England as the land of opportunity, entering the country with occupational or educational ambitions. This gives us the rare opportunity to win them to Christ, train them and potentially send them back to their native land to reach the unreached. What an effectual and open door has been given to us!
Question: How well have you adjusted to the culture?
Reply: The summer that I spent in England taught me a little bit about the culture. Yet, I only spent a few months there. God willing, we will be arriving in the UK for fulltime ministry this year. We will use the opportunity to work in a national work to learn the culture and prepare us for our ensuing church-planting ministry.
Question: What new challenges have you experienced that you didn’t experience before?
Reply: Many people are very critical of the deputation process. However, deputation required us to do something that will be a necessity on the field: live by faith. Though long and grueling, we feel that it has further equipped us for the ministry in England.
Question: What is the most influential religion in the area you are working, and what unique challenge does that present?
Reply: While “Christianity” (mostly Catholicism and Anglicanism) is by percentage the largest religion, Islam is the fastest growing religion. Most Muslims that come to the UK are devout Muslims. They are working their hardest to try to earn their way to heaven. The redemption that is in Christ Jesus presents them with the answer to the age-old question, “How do I get to God?”
Question: How will you go about evangelizing the people you are trying to reach?
Reply: Though door-to-door work is very challenging in England, we will still use it as one our methods. We will also be involved in open-air preaching/ ministry. It is surprisingly very effective in England. Another way to evangelize the British is to get involved in community activities (fairs, hymn singings, seminars etc..) in an evangelistic manner. We are told that the failure of many churches is one of just not getting involved. Also, we are told that hospitality is a very effective tool. To invite someone into your home is basically to pledge friendship to them. We hope to have the beginnings of our church-plant in our home.
Question: What methods will you use to train and disciple the new converts?
Reply: Nothing strengthens and builds the soul like Bible doctrine. Through Bible stories and examples we hope to indoctrinate new converts. This can be done through Sunday School, Bible studies and also one-onone sessions. Yet, nothing equips the believer for service like experience. It has been said that evangelism is not complete until the evangelized become evangelists. Through these principles and the work of the Holy Spirit we hope to make many disciples.
Question: What are some of the goals you have set for yourself and the ministry?
Reply: Though we will strive to make disciples of the British, we will not neglect the souls of our children. We must point them to Christ and disciple them, as well. This is one of our greatest goals. We have also been called to be itinerant church-planters. We will plant and establish as many churches as God allows us to. We also hope to reach many unreached people groups through the unreached that come to England.
Question: What advice would you offer a missionary preparing to serve in Europe?
Reply: I have been instructed to learn the culture and history of the country. How can one effectively and consistently reach an unfamiliar people? Also, since Islam is the fastest growing religion in Europe, one must be familiar with Islam and how to reach Muslims with the Gospel.
Question: How can your home church encourage you and other missionaries on the field?
Reply: I think that home churches can encourage their missionaries by putting forth just as much of an effort to stay in touch as missionaries make to stay in touch with their home church. It is all about building relationships, as we are all fellow helpers to the truth (Jude 8.)
Missionary - Amanda Green
Question: How are you adjusting to the culture?
Reply: On deputation it is hard to try to raise a toddler and baby on the road with no schedule and familiarity. But God is good and He has helped, and continues to help, me through each day.
Question: Do you involve yourself in the ministry, or is your focus on taking care of the home and the children.
Reply: Both. I believe the Lord gave me the privilege to raise my children and be a helpmate to my husband at home. At the same time, I believe it is my responsibility to get involved in the Great Commission and be a helpmate to my husband in the ministry, as well.
Question: What is a typical day like for you?
Reply: Pack everything up, travel to another hotel, and get my children and I ready for a meeting.
Question: What advice would you offer the wife of a missionary preparing to serve in Europe?
Reply: Living in Europe is going to be expensive and raising support will take longer but God is faithful and when He wants you to be there He will put you there.
This question is for both of you.
Question: How can your home church encourage you and other missionaries on the field?
Reply: It is always nice to know that you have people thinking and praying for you. A simple note of encouragement, an email, or a call on the phone could be a burden lifted on a hard day.
Question: What are the greatest prayer needs you have for yourselves and the ministry, keeping in mind that this article will not be read until a few months from now.
Reply: The first thing that comes to mind is that our whole family would adjust to the culture and surroundings of England upon our arrival. Second, wisdom as we survey an area in Manchester to start our first church. Third, that the Lord would give us favor with British people that we might be effective in reaching them. Fourth, that our relationship with the British government and American government would never be in a strain.
Question: What would you like to say to your home church, and your other supporting churches, that perhaps we didn’t cover in this interview?
Reply: We covet your prayers and concern. William Carey said, “I will go down, but remember that you must hold the ropes.” We are in desperate need of your prayerful and financial support!
