tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31309017197126276772024-03-05T02:39:02.820-08:00Matt's Placethe Curriershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265281914061075677noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130901719712627677.post-59326882069042063332011-07-31T15:21:00.000-07:002014-10-15T05:48:11.232-07:00about us<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aVVRj2t2skYSfiPY8MDoCRDQNOplxg8xXtPEYDUPfi3DygEciihVkWJjzBEpLqmpV0G3dSlWxvsZv3XVvs0OWUTfFLYehQwStiJDmE7kMykTrfbaDBaMU-CjzPKCpydkBsyX4oso2TnL/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aVVRj2t2skYSfiPY8MDoCRDQNOplxg8xXtPEYDUPfi3DygEciihVkWJjzBEpLqmpV0G3dSlWxvsZv3XVvs0OWUTfFLYehQwStiJDmE7kMykTrfbaDBaMU-CjzPKCpydkBsyX4oso2TnL/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" height="383" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We are Matt and Erika Currier and our 7 kids: Brianna, Cameron, Alissa, Caleb, Andrew, Leah, and Micah. We are from New Hampshire and are now in Western Massachusetts and work with <a href="http://hopeforkids.net/" target="_blank">Hope for Kids</a> reaching out to the needy and at-risk kids in Springfield, MA. We homeschool our children. We love football (New England Patriots), apple pie, laughing, music, having our backs scratched, hanging out watching a movie, and pizza every Sunday after church. We love serving the Lord together and nothing is more important to us than Jesus.the Curriershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265281914061075677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130901719712627677.post-10243129362750559662011-03-01T10:34:00.000-08:002011-03-01T10:34:16.390-08:00Look at the Rainbow<strong><img alt="[bible.jpg]" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpYoWB5Hs90fPD66GkuFzei14vKU4eoT_bVWtQFvu_zZHSnfI8tMfxu9v3WiitczWKf_Tb3PXG4YIiqMucgiH4DeTntcEKpaYyAWk-9UxKxUxG1DNH-Htl_Os-6b_j96O3znd9AmO03ZV/s1600/bible.jpg" /> Acts 10:34</strong> - "<em>Opening his mouth, Peter said: "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality." </em>Heavy on my heart lately, has been the memory of a 5-Day club we conducted last year in the city of Hopewell, VA. We had planned for these 2 clubs for months; the <em>Christian Youth In Action </em>(CYIA) were all trained and ready to go; the local municipalities were in the loop and aware of our presence in their city for this week; the local church who had sponsored the event had been praying for weeks and the volunteers were so excited; hundreds of club advertisements had been distributed; skits, games, Bible lessons and verses had all been rehearsed, and children were known to be everywhere at these housing projects...Monday came and went, maybe one child came out. Tuesday, same deal...Wednesday...yup, you guessed it, same story. Wednesday evening we had people from many parts of the world praying for a breakthrough. Thursday came around, and still zero kids at one of the clubs and about two or three showed up to the second club. I was determined to do something. I walked around the apartment complexes and began talking to the residents. I explained who we were and what our purpose for being there was. What I learned that day has changed my life! I heard over and over again the same two responses: "we don't know who you are" and "no offense, but you're white." I the folks I spoke with that day what I needed to do to reach them and their children...their answer shocked me - "keep coming back." They told me they desperately wanted HOPE for their kids. Well, Thursday and Friday came and went, and before we knew it our week of clubs in that community was over. I determined that next year would be a different story. I decided to search for diversity and integrate our 5-Day club teams with multi-ethnicity. We even went back into that community during Valentine's week with a CEF Party Club, and one child prayed to receive Jesus as her savior! Just this morning I had a meeting with an African American gentleman who is just as passionate about reaching kids as I am. He expressed to me that he is facing the same problem I am with reaching the Caucasian community. He told me, "<strong>look at the rainbow</strong>. It has all kinds of colors in it and it's beautiful." Another meeting I had last week with a gentleman, he told me concerning God's children, "we are all going to the same heaven, we should all learn to work together." That is exactly what I am trying to do - WORK TOGETHER. I want to see us all come together to reach the families in our community with the message of hope. The more I discuss this 'sensitive' topic with folks, the more I realize it's everywhere. I hope the next time you look at a rainbow, you'll remember this blog post and pray for the children!the Curriershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265281914061075677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130901719712627677.post-41139245796213102102011-02-25T09:00:00.000-08:002011-02-25T09:01:37.513-08:00Opportunity is knockin'<img alt="[bible.jpg]" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpYoWB5Hs90fPD66GkuFzei14vKU4eoT_bVWtQFvu_zZHSnfI8tMfxu9v3WiitczWKf_Tb3PXG4YIiqMucgiH4DeTntcEKpaYyAWk-9UxKxUxG1DNH-Htl_Os-6b_j96O3znd9AmO03ZV/s1600/bible.jpg" /> <strong>Judges 21:25</strong> "<em>In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." </em>In light of the turmoil in the country of Libya as well as the chaos with our own nation's state of Wisconsin, I have been challenged to embrace every opportunity to spread the message of HOPE that Jesus Christ saves. This world is ever-changing and most uncertain. The fact is, we have no guarantees of tomorrow. Lately, it seems like God has been bringing me across the paths of individuals who are passionate about reaching out to the children, and their families, for Christ. Men and woman who are shifting from "<strong>interest to action</strong>." <br />
<br />
In an attempt to get my personal fitness out of the way, I go to the local YMCA early in the morning during the work week. This allows me to tackle my day with fewer distractions. Even in the early morning at the Y, God brings people across my path who want to know more about the ministry of <em>Child Evangelism Fellowship</em>. More importantly, they want to connect with their community and fulfill the Great Commission. Christianity is not about "<strong>spectating</strong>," it's about "<strong>participating</strong>." I ask you, "have you made yourself available to God today?" He wants to use you to make a difference in some one's life today.<br />
<br />
So, even in this ever-changing, uncertain world, where many folks seem to be doing whatever they want, there are still opportunities everywhere. The question should be, "are we ready to embrace those opportunities and make a difference?"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbH0IWZL05s">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbH0IWZL05s</a>the Curriershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265281914061075677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130901719712627677.post-83361457603826023342011-02-24T12:40:00.000-08:002011-02-24T12:45:37.024-08:00Successful Leadership<img alt="[bible.jpg]" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpYoWB5Hs90fPD66GkuFzei14vKU4eoT_bVWtQFvu_zZHSnfI8tMfxu9v3WiitczWKf_Tb3PXG4YIiqMucgiH4DeTntcEKpaYyAWk-9UxKxUxG1DNH-Htl_Os-6b_j96O3znd9AmO03ZV/s1600/bible.jpg" /> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Matthew 20:25-26</strong></span> </div><em>Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,"</em><br />
<br />
“It’s lonely at the top” we’ve all heard that said of leadership, but it’s so far from the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A leader does not lead from on a mountain top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leads amidst his followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He listens, learns and then leads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gets to know his people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He discovers their likes and dislikes; their strengths and weaknesses; hopes, dreams, plans and goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finds out where they want to go and helps them go there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A leader, who is on top of a mountain leading alone, is not a leader, but a hiker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A leader may go up to the mountain from time to time alone, to be with God or seek counsel from others, but he will always return back down the mountain to the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will also take others up to the mountain from time to time with him to learn and catch the vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A leader will go to the mountain top to see the vision because the view is clearer there – a leader, once he has the vision in mind will develop a plan, lead the people up the mountain to see the view, then put that plan into action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A SUCCESSFUL leader transfers the vision from “ME” to “WE.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you do that, everybody catches on, everybody follows and everybody climbs the mountain together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>the Curriershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265281914061075677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130901719712627677.post-4040022323818157572011-02-23T10:32:00.000-08:002011-02-24T12:24:29.369-08:00Our Propitiation<img alt="[bible.jpg]" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpYoWB5Hs90fPD66GkuFzei14vKU4eoT_bVWtQFvu_zZHSnfI8tMfxu9v3WiitczWKf_Tb3PXG4YIiqMucgiH4DeTntcEKpaYyAWk-9UxKxUxG1DNH-Htl_Os-6b_j96O3znd9AmO03ZV/s1600/bible.jpg" /> <strong>Hebrews 2:17</strong> says, <em>"Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." </em>Have you ever had someone take the "rap" for you? I mean, someone who actually stepped in and took your blame? I remember when I used to work in the correctional system, oftentimes an inmate would be 'respected' among his peers for taking the "fall" for another person's crime. Like in the movies, when a group of thugs commit a crime and everyone gets blamed, but here's usually one guy who steps forward and confesses to the charges and takes the fall for the everyone involved. We all know the outcome: that person is then arrested, accused of a crime he did not commit, tried and then convicted. He is prounouced GUILTY and suffers the punishment for the crime. Jesus, took the "rap" for you and me. He willingly confessed to a crime that He did not commit; He was accused of doing something He did not do; He was tried and pronouced GUILTY! He then suffered the punishment for the crime, which was death on a cross. The word "propitiation" means to "appease" or "to make peace with an angry competitor". Jesus Christ made peace between God and mankind for the sins which were separating the two. I don't know about you, but I am sure glad He stepped in!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcMeUqPDypo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcMeUqPDypo</a>the Curriershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265281914061075677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130901719712627677.post-72944929828912059762011-02-22T12:43:00.000-08:002011-02-22T12:59:05.687-08:00God's Heart<img alt="[bible.jpg]" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpYoWB5Hs90fPD66GkuFzei14vKU4eoT_bVWtQFvu_zZHSnfI8tMfxu9v3WiitczWKf_Tb3PXG4YIiqMucgiH4DeTntcEKpaYyAWk-9UxKxUxG1DNH-Htl_Os-6b_j96O3znd9AmO03ZV/s1600/bible.jpg" /> <strong>Matthew 18:14</strong> <em>"So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish."</em> God's Heart beats for the children of this world. Read Matt 18:1-14.<br />
5:00am came very early today! My BlackBerry alarm went off, I stumbled out of bed and trying to get myself together, I came to the valley of decision. I had a choice to make: Head out for an early morning 20 minute cardio session or go back to bed. I chose to hit the sheets. I would soon discover that this was a providential decision...I quickly fell back asleep and dreamt that I was out with my family at a CEF event and there were children everywhere. The children were having a great time but something just seemed different. I then found myself at the home of one these little children visiting with the family. I soon discovered that this was a family who on the outside seemed to have it all together, but on the inside, was falling apart. I saw fighting, yelling, poverty and insecurity in this family. All I wanted to do was give the child who was being mistreated a hug and reassure this young person of mine and God's love for them. I awoke and instantly burst into tears...yeah, I cried. I wept for the children of this world, who have no hope. I am so thankful to be part of a ministry whose goal is to infuse hope into the lives of these little ones!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMCR4p5mSjQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMCR4p5mSjQ</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKWTLt3L0zHQVo3mG_EHF92bd18ign4HB_m-vBC5XEtAH-lEndqcdKMiSgG79FEsR5wov3O4bdnH_uGgRluXhnPlB5QH0qPmzG-4sdLeuLnh_99eHRF56Z2TY2hyZojXXnICNwE_MSIdD/s1600/CEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKWTLt3L0zHQVo3mG_EHF92bd18ign4HB_m-vBC5XEtAH-lEndqcdKMiSgG79FEsR5wov3O4bdnH_uGgRluXhnPlB5QH0qPmzG-4sdLeuLnh_99eHRF56Z2TY2hyZojXXnICNwE_MSIdD/s200/CEF.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>the Curriershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265281914061075677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130901719712627677.post-67549693730124322002011-02-21T08:17:00.000-08:002011-02-22T12:17:49.526-08:00Staying the course<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpYoWB5Hs90fPD66GkuFzei14vKU4eoT_bVWtQFvu_zZHSnfI8tMfxu9v3WiitczWKf_Tb3PXG4YIiqMucgiH4DeTntcEKpaYyAWk-9UxKxUxG1DNH-Htl_Os-6b_j96O3znd9AmO03ZV/s1600-h/bible.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281162536694838994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpYoWB5Hs90fPD66GkuFzei14vKU4eoT_bVWtQFvu_zZHSnfI8tMfxu9v3WiitczWKf_Tb3PXG4YIiqMucgiH4DeTntcEKpaYyAWk-9UxKxUxG1DNH-Htl_Os-6b_j96O3znd9AmO03ZV/s400/bible.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 90px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<div>In high school I had a teaher who would often say, "I can makes a great man."<br />
<strong>Philippians 4:13</strong> says, <em>"I can do all things through <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Christ</span> who gives me strength."</em> Jesus Christ, God's perfect son is my source of strength. Have you tapped into that strength today? If not, I urge you to. Just do it! Be a Nike person. If it seems like life has dealt you a blow, don't throw in the towel and quit. Rather, reach for the towel God is throwing to you. He wants to wipe away all your sins; all your hurts; all your failures; all your anxieties; and all your pain of the past. Yesterday is history, miles and miles away. </div><div><br />
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=62bb7ec2e75a4db9fdc0">http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=62bb7ec2e75a4db9fdc0</a></div>the Curriershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00265281914061075677noreply@blogger.com0