Matthew West's Story of Compassion
Matthew West visits Bogota, Columbia with Operation Christmas Child
By Jenny Bennett, contributing writer, GospelMusicChannel.com
Matthew West "doesn't want to go through the motions," a message that's resonated with fans since the release of his latest album. For Matthew, that quest takes root in both his music, and in his desire to help those less fortunate.
"My heart is to use my platform as a recording artist to help raise awareness to the needs of people and causes in crisis," Matthew says. "Serving alongside organizations like World Vision and Operation Christmas Child has been an honor, and provided fresh perspective on what this life is really all about."
Matthew had one such opportunity to put his faith into action when he traveled to Bogota, Columbia in August. During the weeklong trip with Operation Christmas Child, a division of Samaritan's Purse, Matthew delivered shoe boxes filled with gifts to children in poverty stricken areas.
"I got kisses on the cheek from little girls who weren’t my daughters, by my heart sure melted for them as though they were," he said in an August 24 blog entry. "...The kids were not told they would be receiving gifts today, so they were thrilled when we started handing out the shoe boxes. It was incredible to see their faces light up."
...the crazy thing is, I know Bogota is a far cry from the poorest cities in the world. Still, the differences from Bogota to the U.S. are noticeable from the time we landed here, and have only become greater as the hours progress."
Coming Home...the Story Continues
The perspective Matthew gained by coming face-to-face with poverty in Bogota has been at the forefront of his mind as he's continued to work with Operation Christmas Child back home; his experience is also shaping the strategy of a new nonprofit foundation, The History Makers Foundation.
"The foundation seeks to continue the theme of giving year-round by raising support and awareness of individuals and organizations in need," Matthew says. "The History Makers Foundation held its first two benefits this fall, raising more than $20,000 for charitable causes."
Stay tuned to GospelMusicChannel.com for future updates on The History Makers Foundation.
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