As noted by John McLean, GCI Mission Developer for Australia,
2018 is truly a year of transitions, reminding us that change is an inevitable part of life and a continuing reality of our walk of faith and Christian journey.
After 45 years of committed service to our denomination in both ministry and administration, Rod Matthews has retired from GCI employment. In a GCI-Australia Pastors’ Conference last month, attended by GCI President Joseph Tkach and Vice President Greg Williams, Rod and his wife Ruth were honored for their many years of service. According to John,
We thanked God for Rod and Ruth, and their many years of service, and prayed for God’s continued blessing into the future. Rod has served in different capacities in different countries, including Australia, the USA, the Philippines, New Zealand, India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and travelled into Nepal and Bangladesh. And probably more besides!
I know you will join us here in Australia in congratulating Rod and Ruth for their considerable labors of love, endurance and hope—their ministry in Jesus Christ through all the ups and downs of our collective journey. Please join us in praying for God’s blessing on them as they retire. Rod will continue on the New Zealand Board for some months. And a further denominational farewell-retirement celebration will be held for Rod and Ruth and other retiring Mission Developers at an upcoming conference in Charlotte to be held in October of this year.
Cards may be sent to the Matthews at:
Rod and Ruth Matthews
PO Box 402
Varsity Lakes, QLD 4227
AUSTRALIA
Congratulations, Rod and Ruth! Dave and Hinka
Congratulations, Rod and Ruth! Who would have thought we would be at this stage of life back in 1973 when we graduated from Bricket Wood?? We are thoroughly enjoying retirement (and some continued ministry) and pray you will have a long and happy retirement, too. Glen and Connie
Dear Rod and Ruth,
Over the years your service in Christ has been a sterling example for those “up and coming” in the ranks of our fellowship. I had the privilege, Rod, to have you for a very short time as my Ambassador College (Pasadena) speech class instructor back in the early 1980’s. An even higher calling obviously awaited you and you answered that call bravely. With Ruth at your side many have been blessed by the love and humility that have been integral in your ministry. But life ain’t over yet. Enjoy every moment. Well done!!!
In Christian love,
Santiago and Elke
Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for your many years of faithful service to God and His people! May God bless and guide you in retirement and the next chapter of life! Ray and Carol Meyer
Congratulations Rod and Ruth! Greetings from Big Sandy. Thank you for your cheerful sacrifice of service to God’s children. I was happy to have the opportunity to meet and speak with you at the last denominational conference in Orlando. Godspeed!
Rod and Ruth….knew this was coming, I want to thank you both for your loving friendship all these years…and all you taught me about International Missions. You help us/my churches be involved heavily in Nepal and India missions…and further be aware of Int’l missions in SE Asia & South Pacific…For that we are grateful. But most of all for your loving dedication to the Lord and His mission all these years, your friendship, encouragement and also for visiting twice our Indianapolis GCI congregation…and coming to our home. Love you both so much. David & Jonnie
Congratulations and many thanks, Rod and Ruth, for your years of service. It was good to meet up with you here and there.
Blessings.
John and Nhora
Thank you, Rod and Ruth! I remember way back in 1980 when you worked in the international office at Pasadena and how kind, humble, and helpful you were to me in arranging my trip to the UK as a lowly student going over to be a summer intern. You have always put the welfare of other people first, and that is such an inspiration!
Congratulations Rod and Ruth from Ken & Cathy Emerson.
Dear Rod and Ruth,
As they say, a lot of water has gone under the bridge since we first met as students at AC Bricket Wood in the late sixties. Will always remember our trip across Europe during a summer break in 1970. Has been great to see you at conferences through the years. Our very best wishes for you both as you enter this next phase of life.
Don & Alix
Good on you mate, you were such a pillar for those far-flung international areas and a terrific advocate and diplomat for WCG/GCI. A hearty sense of delightful humor helped. I’m sure our paths will cross again so sit back have a Foster’s and plan your next move with the satisfaction of a job well done.
Hey, old classmate and neighbors, much congrats with total admiration for your selfless sacrificial service in some “less comfortable” environs of earth, all for the advancement of the Kingdom. Hope you will adjust comfortably to your new chapter and have good health to enjoy it. Love to you, Rod and Ruth, JR & Hazel
Many of us who served in the Philippines thank the Lord for the love and sacrifice you (Rod and Ruth) gave us as our Regional Director. You were a blessing to our Filipino church family. Thank you! Wishing you many more years of grace, joy and good health in the next chapter of your life. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Rod and Ruth for your long and dedicated service to our fellowship. Congratulations!
Well done, faithful servants. We wish you all the best in the years ahead, in the new phase in your journey with Jesus. God bless. -Ted & Donna
Rod and Ruth, a thank you seems so inadequate! Well done! Blessings to both of you with deep love and respect.
Rod & Ruth, GCI will miss you both. Quite a journey Rod from being a “lead man” on the grounds crew at Ambassador College in Bricket Wood. Once a zealous freshman asked Head Garden Keeper Mr. Howard Silcox what could he do to be a success on the job – the response was a curt “Follow the example of Rod Matthews!” Well done for decades of faithful service!
Congratulations to you both. At the last conference in Orlando, I had the pleasure of chatting with you at one of the meals. Over the years, I read the wonderful work you did in different parts of the world, through the various church publications and church updates. Shared many of those with the local congregations. Thank you for being faithful to and in our Lord. You have been a blessing to us. Thank you Ruth for being such a big part in the ministry given to both of you. May God richly bless you both in your retirement!
Abner said,
Congratulations Rod & Ruth! GOD gave you two what you needed to do his work and for 45 years you did it! Now we ask him to show you how to enjoy your retirement!
Abner & Sharon Washington
Parabéns Rod et Ruth para todos anos no serviço do Senhor Jesus Cristo, um bom exemplo para nós, que Deus anda com vocés em todo lugar
Rod & Ruth, You are such an inspiration to us. You visited Malawi (Central Africa) in Oct 1982 at Cape Mclear. It was my first feast. The warmth and love from you is still vivid to me today. I followed you as you served in many other places as others have said. You are a truly wonderful team. May the Lord give you an even more fulfilling life in the new chapter he’s opened for you. Love. Chrissy & William