Wow! It has been a long time since I have posted in this blog! Hello everyone once again. This is an update for everything that has been going on since I last posted in February. I have finished my first year in college, at California Baptist University. I went on a two and a half week tour with the performing ensemble, Male Chorale, that I sing with. I went on another tour, but this one was for two months with a small singing group ensemble called Hope. Hope had eight individuals including me. It had seven singers, and one pianist. It started on June 3rd, and ended on July 29th. After that I came home and just spent time with family, and now awaiting the new school year starting September 4th.
I have learned a tremendous amount of who and what God is. He has shaken my life dramatically, and is still in the process of doing so. During the two months that I was away with Hope, He was teaching me patience and love. Being in a van with seven other individuals for two whole months had its challenges. There were times that it was hard to show God's love. It was hard to be happy. It took a lot of trust to get through each and every day. But, it was one of the greatest experience I have ever had in my life. God spoke to me, I felt, each and every day about everything. There were so many moments where I felt Him so powerfully in our performances, I could not help but get emotional. Every time that we would go to a new destination, I would be overwhelmed at how loving our brothers and sisters in Christ were.
I almost forgot to share what we exactly did, and went in Hope. We sang in different churches, camps, and outside venues throughout Western America. We started in Southern California, and traveled to: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Northern California, back to Nevada, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and back through California. We were counselors for two camps: one in the mountains of Santa Cruz, California. The other in Donnelly, Idaho.
Okay, back to before. During the entire time, like I said before, God stretched me. He showed me what it takes to be His disciple. I remember my last post about discipleship, but this time I got to experience it. I got to see miracles happen. I got to see lives changed. I got to see my own life changed.
I thank all the people that kept me in their prayers during this time. I am sorry that I never posted anything about it before then. It actually was a surprise for me. I auditioned for it, but did not make it. I made other plans, and all of a sudden got a message and said I was in. I was shocked! But, overwhelmed with excitement! I am happy to be back, and rejoicing that I got to participate in such a wonderful ministry.
God Bless,
Matthew Kost
Soli Deo Gloria!
