Matthew Kellen is a member of St. David’s, son of members Steve and Kathleen Kellen, and grandson of members Don and Muriel Foster. After teaching elementary school in Anchorage, Alaska and Spokane, Washington for several years, Matt is currently serving as a missionary with the Episcopal Church’s Young Adult Service Corps (YASC). In July 2007, after two weeks of training in Manhattan, he began his year of working in Grahamstown, South Africa, teaching homeless youth who speak the Xhosa language.

“Life is good, however, I am restless for a challenge and a greater opportunity to lean new perspectives and pursue and figure out how I can serve and offer my gifts to the fullest, which has led me to the YASC.  YASC is a missions program through the Episcopal Church. It offers a one year opportunity to live and work in another country with a pre-existing church community.  The Episcopal Church is well established on 6 of the 7 continents (I don’t believe there is a church in Antarctica, but hey, if they want to start one I’ll go).

“At the age of 26, being single, willing and restless for opportunities to be bold in my faith and to be of service, the world abounds in adventure. I want to experience life in another culture, and what better way to do this than be immersed in a community and church already established in another country.  I am in a place where I want to find out what I can offer to the world, and how I can best use my abilities. YASC to me is a great way to find those abilities and limitations.

“I really hope this opportunity in my life is an encouragement to you in your life.  My hope is that my efforts to step out and be available for Christ to work in my life in big ways would help you to tap into what your desires are and how Christ can use those desires.  Opportunities abound, not only in other countries and cultures but also in our day to day lives.

"My place in life allows me to take bIg risks and travel.  I am trying to take full advantage. My question is, how can you take full advantage of your place in life, be it mentoring someone younger, or caring for people in your family or at work?   It takes no more than seeking truth, living mercy, and walking humbly with our God."