Plant Utah News – April 2015

Boy Scouts and Temple Dances

If you were to drive though our city (Spanish Fork, Ut) it would look a lot like most other American cities of its size. Although lacking creativity, architecture is really not that different, and the clothing fashions resemble the rest of the western US (apart from Sundays). The people here speak american english and eat american food. On the surface it looks and sounds very average american. But don’t let appearances fool you.

Several weeks ago, I had a conversation with Noah’s scout leader. During this conversation I discovered that, over the next few months, Noah’s Boy Scout troop would be practicing a special dance to be performed at BYU’s football stadium. He went on to explain that the dance was a big part of a Mormon ceremony to dedicate the new LDS temple in Payson, Ut. Apparently all Boy Scout troops in the area are participating in this temple dedication dance. When Noah asked his friends what the dance was all about they informed him that the purpose was to summon the Mormon prophets of old to come and bless the new temple. Whether or not this is accurate it is how these young men perceive its meaning. Where else in America would you find a Boy Scout troop that performs religious dances for temple dedications?

There are plenty of subtle cultural abnormalities here in our state, but we continue to encounter oddities like this. Obviously, Noah won’t be participating in the dance, but we are still called to embrace the culture in every way that doesn’t compromise our allegiance to the one true God. Please continue praying for our family as we fully engage this culture with the message of grace. Also, check out this recent article: What if your city had a lower percentage of Christians than North Korea?

Summer Mission Trip Opportunity

We are planning a mission trip to build the transitional housing unit for people leaving polygamist communities. If you are interested in this mission trip, fill out this form today, so we can begin coordinating possible dates. We would really like to make this trip happen ASAP, but we need at least 6 individuals to sign up so we can set a date and start making plans. Remember to check your email to confirm your request.

Missouri Travels

I traveled to Missouri April 7th-15th. Despite missing a connecting flight in Denver, it was a good trip. The purpose of the trip was two fold: attend a wedding for a long-time friend and ministry partner as well as make connections with new churches and individuals that may be interested in partnering with Plant Utah.

I met with a great church in Buffalo, Mo that is considering a mission trip with Plant Utah a couple years from now. I also had a great meeting with a staff member from a church in Saint Louis. He is in the process of arranging some speaking engagements for us with a church in Oregon and one in Idaho. Pray that God would provide network partnerships, individual supporters and team members through these potential engagements.

On April 12th I had an opportunity to preach at Hillsboro Christian Church – our sending church. We met some new people and had several more sign up for our newsletter and prayer team. I’m praying for an opportunity to return to Hillsboro this fall and give a ministry update.

I want to thank Sharon for loaning me a car and Jerome and Diana for hosting me during this trip! I also want to thank Roger for preaching for me at Utah Valley Church while I was gone.

Family Update:

The kids are all doing well and are excited to be nearing the end of the school year. We will likely be taking in another former FLDS young man. He’s the older brother of our most recent FLDS son. It will be good to have these brothers living under the same roof. We’ve run out of room in our mini van, so please keep our vehicle situation in your prayers.

Utah Valley Church

We’ve had more new visitors at our missional community gatherings. Some of the people have become regulars. We also continue to walk life with our friends and neighbors. It’s neat to see how God has orchestrated these relationships. We are encouraged by the growth we see in the lives of some of the former Mormons we have the privilege of discipling. There is an abundant harvest here in Utah County and we ask that you would join us as we continue to pray for more workers.

For the sake of the gospel,

Matthew & Chandra