Faithful on the Clock is a podcast with the mission of getting your work and faith aligned. We want you to understand Who you're serving and why so you can get more joy and legacy from every minute spent on the clock. Thanks for joining us and taking this step toward a more fulfilling job and relationship with God!

Want to join us on social media?

We'd love to have you stay up-to-date with the show on all our platforms!

Threads

Bluesky

Facebook

Pinterest

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

In this episode...

Following God's Call with Matthew Terry

https://faithfulontheclock.captivate.fm/episode/following-gods-call-with-matthew-terry

Feeling a little scared to answer God’s call? In Episode 137 of Faithful on the Clock, special guest Matthew Terry offers encouragement through his story of being called to teach in China.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:45] - Welcome and Matthew’s background

[04:27] - Matthew’s initial feelings entering his new job in China

[08:37] - How Matthew’s reception assisted his transition into the classroom, recount of breaking the ice with the students

[13:32] - Matthew’s advice on entering situations where you don’t know what’s going to happen

[16:56] - Matthew’s experience of getting to know the students and being open to teach more than English; seeing beyond your role title to serve God

[24:02] - Matthew’s advice on how to handle people who put you on guard

[25:58] - Matthew’s largest takeaway from his China experience; the importance of trusting in God and accepting that He knows the “why” behind everything that happens

[32:10] - Discussion of “English Corner” and Matthew’s creative projects

[36:14] - Matthew’s advice for people who feel called but who have a mentality that they are x, y, and z, maybe not having the skills necessary; trusting God to sell you

[41:13] - How to find about more and connect with Matthew

[42:44] - Matthew’s guiding scripture and relevant student teaching story

[44:47] - Matthew’s advice to people on keeping your work, calling, and relationships going for the long haul

[47:00] - Prayer

[47:57] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

• Matthew received the call to go to China after being laid off and serving as a substitute teacher. After his time in China, he continued to serve, teaching in the United States as a special education classroom assistant (SECA).
• Matthew felt some initial nerves when first arriving in China, but seeing a familiar beer brand, having no wait at the airport, and being warmly welcome helped put him at ease.
• As Matthew tried to break the ice, he used play acting about himself and how he met his wife to get an initial connection with students. Simply asking God “What’s next?” got him through the rough moment and demonstrates what can happen when we surrender and trust God.
• Matthew used scripture to clarify with his students that he was going to be a helper and counselor for them. This helped the students feel he truly cared for them. It began Matthew’s unintended journey of teaching the students about God, not just English. In the same way, we can try to see beyond the role title we are given to see how else we can serve.
• Matthew did get some pushback from fellow teachers, and a particular student put him on guard. But Matthew trusted that God would deal with it all, even as he didn’t necessarily get answers about what God’s purpose was. He advises based on the experience not to be anxious about anything, even though he acknowledges that’s not easy. Trust in God was not wasted, and He always answers prayer in one way or another.
• Matthew is using his time in China to fuel creative projects, including “English Corner,” which is being developed into a mini-series. His goal is to use the project to bring more people to believe in God. If you have the mentality that you are x, y, and z and maybe shouldn’t respond to what God is asking, be prepared for God to show you some wonderful things!
• We need to have discernment around language and how we represent the scenes in our stories.
• Matthew’s guiding verse is Psalm 91:11 —  “God will command his angels concerning you to watch over you and guard you in all your ways.” Take heart that God is using his angels to take care of you.
• Accepting God’s call and nurturing others for God is a long-term effort.

• Peas and Carrots – All for the King
• Children of God – All for the King
• Fundraiser by Matthew Terry : "English Corner": A Short Film Bringing People Closer to God
• “English Corner” Pitch Deck – All for the King

CTAs:

• Consider some alternative pathways you have been curious about for your career. Note why you feel drawn to them and how they might reflect a new calling from God for your life.
• Imagine yourself in at least three different regions or careers that are totally different than what you do now. Talk with a friend, family mentor or counselor about the feelings those regions or careers bring up for you. Why do you have those feelings?

What’s coming up next:

Faithful on the Clock is releasing a brand new devotional, Grace in the Grind. Episode 138 of the podcast highlights the publication of the book.

Support the show!

Visit the Faithful on the Clock Patreon page to choose a tier plan and become a supporting member. You'll gain access to goodies like early episode access, newsletters, and more based on the plan that's right for you.

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

• social media archives,
• previously published faith-based articles,
• original blogs,
• inspirational videos,
• episode teasers and replays
• exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
• exclusive videos
• exclusive audio
• exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.