\u00a0\u00a0 The most recent season of the hit reality show, Survivor ended recently.\u00a0 Boston Rob finally won the million dollars and title of sole survivor.\u00a0 Although I was happy to see Rob win, there was something even more exciting going on in the background.\u00a0 There was a new twist to the game.\u00a0 When an individual was voted off at tribal council, they were taken to Redemption Island.\u00a0 On this deserted island they had opportunity to challenge others who had been voted out.\u00a0 If they won enough challenges they could earn the right to re-enter the game.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 During the first few days of the competition, a young pre-med student named Matty was sent to Redemption Island.\u00a0 He is a strong Christian young man and boldly spoke of his faith and desire to please God.\u00a0 While on the island Matty had a meager food supply and lots of loneliness and solitude.\u00a0 He was often taped sitting on the beach or climbing on the cliffs and\u00a0praying.\u00a0 He was totally given over to God’s purpose in his life.\u00a0 He was able to witness to all the others who came to Redemption Island and many were amazed at his unwavering faith.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He managed to win a place back in the game, only to be sent back to the island at the next tribal council.\u00a0 At this point he was hurt because of the betrayal of a friend and discouraged because they other players didn’t seem to\u00a0want him in the game.\u00a0 This combined with the physical and emotional fatigue caused him to cry out to God.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 “God has me here for a reason,” he said through tears.\u00a0 “He wants me here and He alone has been carrying me through the past few days.\u00a0 I will stay as long as He wants, but I am also willing to go home.”<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After a bad start to one of the challenges with three other Redemption Island residents, Matty came through to win again.\u00a0 He thought he was going home, but won in the end.\u00a0” God must still have something for me to accomplish,” he said, “Because I’m still here.”<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Julie, who was sent to the jury that night, said sobbing, “I came here to win a million dollars.\u00a0 My house is in forclosure and I want a better life for my children.\u00a0 But, my stay at Redemption Island has given me something worth so much more.\u00a0 As soon as I get home, I’m going to find a church and get involved.”<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We all know that our relationship with God can be more life chaning than any amont of money.\u00a0 Jeff Probst’s comment, “Well, Matty, I guess God isn’t finished with you yet.”<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Later when Mike lost a challenge he said, “Who could have known the treasure that awaited me on Redemption Island?\u00a0 For one thing, I have a very nice rock collection to take home with me.\u00a0 But most importantly, I have rediscovered my purpose in God.\u00a0 I have drawn so much closer to Him while fellow-shipping with Matty.\u00a0 Even though I didn’t win the game, I wouldn’t change a thing.”<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 When Matty finally lost a challenge and was sent to the jury, he said, “All I ever wanted was to do God’s will here on Survivor.\u00a0 He has been here with me every step of the way and I hope God is pleased with the game I played.\u00a0 That is the only reward I need.”<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 WOW!\u00a0 What a testimony.\u00a0 Good job, Matty!\u00a0 You made us all proud.\u00a0 What a wonderful opportunity to bring glory to God on national television.\u00a0 Matty is a real person.\u00a0 He showed his strengths and his weaknesses.\u00a0 He praised God for victories and cried for help in his times of need.\u00a0 I think he gave a new face to Christianity; one we all can identify with.\u00a0 Christians are not perfect, only forgiven.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00a0\u00a0 The most recent season of the hit reality show, Survivor ended recently.\u00a0 Boston Rob finally won the million dollars and title of sole survivor.\u00a0 Although I was happy to see Rob win, there was something even more exciting going on in the background.\u00a0 There was a new twist to the game.\u00a0 When an individual…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":420,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,1],"tags":[6],"class_list":["post-62","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-encouragement","category-uncategorized","tag-witnessing"],"yoast_head":"\n