Another Visa Update...

Dear Friends and Family,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I just found out from my Team Leader in Venezuela that the Consulate had the wrong Matthew. Apparently when they went back yesterday to see when it would get mailed back to the US, they found out it wasn't the correct person. Apparently the Embassy down there has never received my paperwork. Right now we are in the process of calling the Consulate in Chicago to see if they have any information. We are essentially trying to locate a tracking number that would have been assigned to the paperwork when I initially submitted it. Well, I will keep all of you updated as I find out more. Please keep praying as I was hoping this was resolved but it appears now there may be much more work to do. Please pray that they haven't lost my paperwork (including my passport) and that God would work all of this out.

God Bless,
Matt Johnson

Visa Update!!!

Well, I got the big news from my team leader today. My Visa has cleared Interpol as well as the Ministry of Religion in Venezuela!! Those are two huge hurdles. Apparently it is pretty much a done deal. It is sitting on the desk of the guy that puts the final stamp on it and mails it back to Chicago, so it is almost done! Praise God! He is faithful. Originally I was told this process could take anywhere from 3-6 months. However it has managed to be almost completed in about 2 months! I can't tell you how excited/nervous I am. I can't believe I am actually going to be living my dream very shortly! What an Awesome God we serve! Well, I will let you know when I solidify a departure date. It should be soon!!

All to the Glory of God,
Matt Johnson

August 15, 2006 Update

The commissioning services at my home church this past weekend were wonderful. I am now at 70% of my budget! This means that when I get 10% more pledged I can head for the field! This is also contingent on my visa coming through. However, my team leader is back from his furlough and is going to try to help push my visa through in Venezuela! Please keep praying that God would provide my visa in His timing when I have 80% of my support! Thanks again for all your continued prayers and support. I can't believe that this is actually going to happen. I hope to be leaving for the field very soon.
All the Glory to God,
Matt Johnson

End of Camp

Well, the camp season is now over. It was a wonderful summer. I had the opportunity to see many lives impacted and changed by Christ as well as hang out with many of my supporting churches. I now have 60% of my monthly budget raised and will be fundraising full time till I finish my budget. My team leader is back in Venezuela from his furlough and will be trying to help push my visa through from his end. Well, thanks for your continued prayers and support. Please keep praying for my visa and the rest of my fundraising! God Bless. All the Glory to God!

Matt Johnson