“because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

Hebrews 13: 5b ( NIV)

On March 6, 1987, I was born to Frans and Cheryl Verstraten. They named me Matt (Verstraten), or as I am known to my friends “Tough Actin Verstractin.” Little did I know that in a short 17 years I would acquire such a vast array of memories and unforgettable lessons.

My life started pretty cool with my Dad, the little Dutchboy who doesn't speak English and rides bikes, my Mom, the Tupperware lady, and my two older sisters. Both sisters excelled socially and in sports. I, by contrast, stunk at sports, hit the garage with the car at age 14, and had the crazy idea of being a guitarist. Even though my sisters and I differed greatly, we all hated the idea of going to church on Sunday mornings when we could have slept. I used to hate everything associated with church, and at the time, I was in pretty rough shape at school and home.

A change started in me when the Tupperware lady forced us all to go to youth group. I was learning that it could be something great. One year at PCTC I became determined to search. The next year at PCTC I realized that there is a God who loves me and His Son wants to forgive me. However, I still wasn't quite “there.”

In July 2002, I was part of the mission team to the Dominican Republic. We were stationed at a young boys' orphanage, and we traveled around sharing God's word. However, it was the people of the Dominican Republic who ministered to us. I grew very close to a four-year old boy named Freddy. The love he showed me made me understand the love of Jesus. On the night of July 15, 2002, I received my salvation.

The last night we were there, Freddy and I sat in a corner, held on to each other, and cried. He would not let go. The next morning, as we left the orphanage, Freddy had his hand pressed against the van window. He did not want to let go. This opened my eyes to the fact that God doesn't want to let go of us. He wants us to be with Him forever. Even when we let go and fall, we don't fall far because His hand will catch us.

Remember this every time you begin to doubt God. He will not let go. He will hold onto you forever because you are His and He is yours.

TOUGH ACTIN VERSTRATIN