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In this episode...

Following God's Call with Matthew Terry

https://faithfulontheclock.com/following-gods-call-with-matthew-terry

Feeling a little scared to answer God’s call? In Episode 137 of Faithful on the Clock, special guest Matthew Terry offers encouragement through his story of being called to teach in China.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:45] - Welcome and Matthew’s background

[04:27] - Matthew’s initial feelings entering his new job in China

[08:37] - How Matthew’s reception assisted his transition into the classroom, recount of breaking the ice with the students

[13:32] - Matthew’s advice on entering situations where you don’t know what’s going to happen

[16:56] - Matthew’s experience of getting to know the students and being open to teach more than English; seeing beyond your role title to serve God

[24:02] - Matthew’s advice on how to handle people who put you on guard

[25:58] - Matthew’s largest takeaway from his China experience; the importance of trusting in God and accepting that He knows the “why” behind everything that happens

[32:10] - Discussion of “English Corner” and Matthew’s creative projects

[36:14] - Matthew’s advice for people who feel called but who have a mentality that they are x, y, and z, maybe not having the skills necessary; trusting God to sell you

[41:13] - How to find about more and connect with Matthew

[42:44] - Matthew’s guiding scripture and relevant student teaching story

[44:47] - Matthew’s advice to people on keeping your work, calling, and relationships going for the long haul

[47:00] - Prayer

[47:57] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

• Matthew received the call to go to China after being laid off and serving as a substitute teacher. After his time in China, he continued to serve, teaching in the United States as a special education classroom assistant (SECA).
• Matthew felt some initial nerves when first arriving in China, but seeing a familiar beer brand, having no wait at the airport, and being warmly welcome helped put him at ease.
• As Matthew tried to break the ice, he used play acting about himself and how he met his wife to get an initial connection with students. Simply asking God “What’s next?” got him through the rough moment and demonstrates what can happen when we surrender and trust God.
• Matthew used scripture to clarify with his students that he was going to be a helper and counselor for them. This helped the students feel he truly cared for them. It began Matthew’s unintended journey of...