Props to Durango

I grew up in Middle Tennessee where we called the Smokies "Mountains." Compared to the Rockies, they are just big green hills.

Mark and I just returned from 3 days visiting a partner in mission serving Durango, Colorado. The flight to Denver was no big deal. But, the prop plane to Durango probably used to sit on some kids shelf and taken out to fly on Saturday afternoons before it was bought by an airline. It was small, but we braved the bumpy flight and landing.

From Colorado Vision Trip

It was a first visit to that state for both of us. To say the least, we were in awe of the beauty of Durango's surroundings.

We went to see Joe Beckler and observe where God is leading him to serve. We also set up a plan for a student mission trip this July. It was a great encouragement to all involved to celebrate people coming to Christ, serving their fellow Durangans, and ways our students can get involved as well.

From Colorado Vision Trip

Matthews House is the name of the congregation that Joe pastors. He was called to Durango 5 years ago to start a new church amidst a tough, rugged, post-Christian, young adult crowd.

Joe is more like a pastor to Durango, than just a pastor for Matthews House. People know Joe everywhere in Durango. He walks about town in his usual laid back patient sort of way. He understands that this is a tough place to spread the gospel. Many people are cynical, having been in, bored, and sometimes burned by religion. Church is sometimes seen as a leech on society - not paying taxes, recruiting people from other churches, not really benefiting the community.

From Colorado Vision Trip

Joe spends part of his time as Chaplain of Durango Mountain Resort (formerly known as Purgatory.) There he helps visitors, skis the slopes assisting the rescue team, and ministers to Resort employees. He also leads a weekly 15 minute chapel service near the top of one slope. After the "amen" people pray the rest of the way down the mountain I'm sure.

God is changing the reputation of His people through Mattthew's House. It's taken a while, there have been many disappointments and changes in strategy, but fruit is being born from the faithful obedience of Joe and his family. God is bringing in people to help the ministry. Young adults who were once hardened to Jesus, are opening up their lives to the kingdom.

The patient, "I'm here to serve Durango in the name of Jesus" approach is working. It stands in contrast to some of the other churches in the community who have good hearts, are open to Matthew's House, but struggle to find meaningful inroads into the lives of their fellow citizens.

Mark and I were very inspired by Joe's faith, his loving family, and the ways God is blessing the ministry. I knew Joe when he left for Durango. He brought me to DBC. It was great to see how God is using him.

Check out Matthew's House at www.mattshouse.org