Matthew's story

What do you do when the very life and future of someone you deeply care about, hangs in the balance and you do not have the tools or resources to make one drop of difference in their life?  What if it is someone you considered a son?

You pray.

You pray more.

We have been praying, and believe God has heard our prayers for Matthew.  He has given us a course to take from His Word.  In the book of Mark Jesus' mother and brother send for Him, it says...

31  Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him.

32  And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, "Look Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking you."

33  But He answered them, saying, "Who is My mother, or My brothers?"

34  And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers!

35  "For whosoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother."

Mark 3:31-35

I keep hearing these word over and over and I believe that the Lord wants us to put Matthew out there for adoption as it were; not a legal adoption but a spiritual adoption within the larger Body of Christ.

About Matthew

Matthew was born Jean Penez on September 23, 1988.    His family was very poor and early on his parents separated.

When Matthew was only 10 years old he reached up and grabbed a boiling pot which spilled on him and was burned on a very large portion of his body.  His family had no money and Matthew tells me it was the kindness of the Americans that saved his life.

Tyler and I met Matthew when he was about 12 or 13.  From the very beginning we saw potential in this young man and over time we came to love him very much.

School has always been very important to Matthew.  He is quite bright and has taught himself English.  He also speaks French and Creole, some Spanish and in his spare time has been studying Italian.

Whenever possible Matthew takes classes in computer, English, music and other subjects to improve himself and to press towards the goal of college in America.  He has even been taking non accredited medical classes online and is doing very well.

He has been working as a Cholera Tech (as we would call it in America) and he also interprets for the medical staff.  Right after the earthquake he volunteered for American doctors interpreting in the OR and emergency rooms.  He loves the medical field, but he also loves the patients he works with.  I believe that Matthew is a very attentive caretaker because of the things he himself has suffered.

Matthew has  made some very personal sacrifices to continue towards his goal. He has chosen not to be in a relationship with a girl.  He has talked to us about this many times as he has been confronted by family and even Americans about how he should have a girlfriend.  Matthew knows a girlfriend will mean the end to his dream of going to college in America.  The cost is too high.

What is needed

Matthew needs an opportunity to come to America and go to college.  This will require him to have a sponsor.  To go to college he will need a scholarship.

There will be other things needed as well.  For example, he may need assistance with his school work until he get accustomed to the differences.

Tyler and I, will gladly help in every area we are able.  Much of this will depend on how close he is to us.

We believe that God has a plan for Matthew's life. We also know He is the creator of the universe and that He can provide according to His riches in glory.

Matthew's hope is in the Lord and he believes that God is going to answer in a mighty way.

Please pass this along to anyone you might know who would have an interest or the resources to change Matthew's life.  If you would like to speak with Matthew directly you may do so by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Tyler or I can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it