Stepping Out of Comfort and Into Calling at UW

By Deacon Tuttle

How often do you allow yourself to give in to fear instead of trusting God? Matthew Gohar, a self-described regular engineering student at the University of Washington, has wrestled with fear clouding his perception of evangelism for a time. Although there have been times when he has had difficulty leading others in discipleship or prioritized comfort over challenge, he has recently stepped into village leadership. It’s an opportunity to gain real friendships and a space where everyone, non-Christian or Christian, can feel at home. Matthew now leads a Village with the hopes of reaching others for the Lord. 

In his decision to lead, Matthew has seen that when we say "yes" to sharing the Gospel and answering calls to lead, God can use us to do miraculous things even if we are not entirely confident in our capabilities.

Matthew describes his experience living missionally at UW as "[It's] a learning curve. It's scary." He believes that there is typically a stigma and worry that underlie most interactions with those attending the university, as either hostile or unwilling to hear a Christian worldview. He says that while some stereotypes could be true, he has changed his tune. Matthew believes God has transformed his mind to trust that not everyone will respond with apprehension. 

There was never an experience that shaped this change; it has been a slow-burning confirmation that people can have honest and good-faith dialogues. "The first guy I shared the Gospel with wasn't immediately praising the Lord, but he didn't hate me either." He says that by the time he had ten more Gospel conversations, the pattern was noticeable. Often, he is met with the response, "I think what you believe is cool, but I have this issue…" and the conversation flows from there. God has displayed to Matthew through his efforts on campus that there is a huge gap between people having thoughtful objections as opposed to the fears of harshness and name-calling.

“In his decision to lead, Matthew has seen that when we say “yes” to sharing the Gospel and answering calls to lead, God can use us to do miraculous things even if we are not entirely confident in our capabilities.”

You may be wondering, "How did Matthew become interested in leading a Village?" Matthew describes his decision for leadership as a struggle initially. He wanted to remain in a cozy situation and enjoy the safety of his village. However, he knew the truth that he needed to accept by humbling himself, saying, "You can put aside your comforts and make it a space for people who don't know Jesus."

God gave Matthew this perspective this past Thanksgiving amid delicious food, celebrations, and fellowship. A non-believer that Matthew is friends with said in response to what he was grateful for, "I'm so thankful that you're so welcoming, that you would talk to me, and feed me." Hearing comments like this made Matthew realize that he should put aside his personal desires. Not to receive affirmation, but to prioritize others and their needs on an emotional and spiritual level.  Seeing that God has provided Village leadership as a step of obedience and a means to grow was eye-opening for him. 

Circling back to the beginning of the year, Matthew has seen how God often works long in advance to accomplish His purposes. During a Capture the Flag event, Matthew was introduced to Eddie. They were able to get coffee and talk about their relationships with God. Eddie grew up in a religious household, but said in his own words that they weren't his beliefs personally. After Eddie heard the Gospel explained fully, he shared that he hadn't ever read the Bible properly. Instantly, Matthew responded, "Well, we've gotta change that." Matthew and Eddie began diving into the Gospel of John together regularly, week by week. This interaction between Matthew and Eddie shows the importance of us as Christians being ambassadors for God’s kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20).  Ready to share and looking to preach the Gospel.

Romans 10:14-15 and 17 tell us, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ … So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

At a certain point, it seemed to Matthew he didn't know where to point Eddie to next. After Matthew talked with leadership, they asked if Eddie had ever been directly asked whether or not he accepted Jesus as Lord, to which Matthew said, "I should probably do that." They gathered together, and Matthew presented the importance of proclaiming the simple Gospel from Romans 10:9. They prayed this scripture together, and Eddie has been a believer ever since. 

“…because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Matthew believes that the Holy Spirit was working continuously, leading up to Eddie's receptiveness as he accepted Jesus. He knew God’s commandments, but he didn't have a relationship. Every time they read together, Matthew was shocked at Eddie's deep and insightful comments on the Bible. Not only that, but Matthew was encouraged by how receptive Eddie was to learning more. 

This is a beautiful example of the way that God was able to remind Matthew that there are those at UW who are waiting to be discipled and yearning to accept the truth of Christ. God willed and worked through Eddie and brought him before Matthew. 

Hearing comments like this made Matthew realize that he should put aside his personal desires. Not to receive affirmation, but to prioritize others and their needs on an emotional and spiritual level.  Seeing that God has provided Village leadership as a step of obedience and a means to grow was eye-opening for him. 

Following this, Matthew invited him into deeper discipleship through Grow Group, and it was a sweet opportunity to praise God for bringing four others into this time as well. 

I think it's safe to say, when you have a true encounter with the Lord, it's hard to keep that to yourself. This was the case for Eddie after seeing the movement God performed in Him and others around him. Since then, Eddie has taken steps of his own by bringing unchurched people like his own roommate to Sunday service, completely unprompted by anyone else. In response and surprise, Matthew said to him, "This has not been that long for you." He is spurred on by Eddie's eagerness to bring others into the community.

Matthew wants to emphasize that it is only the Lord's ability and power to bring about saving conversions. "It's not our power, or our knowledge, or our wisdom, or any of that. It's only our willingness. If God wills it, He will save people." This is a powerful statement on the character of our God. He is Holy and set apart, yet He invites us to bring others into the fold.

A simple act of obedience, like inviting people into Biblical friendship, accepting a position of influence like leadership, or bringing a close friend to church. These are all examples where we can put our metaphorical "yes" on the table and trust God as we walk forward with evangelism. Even though Matthew experienced apathy or gave thought to coasting in his village for his own benefit, he set that aside. Through Matthew's submission, God willed and called Eddie to Himself, and Heaven rejoices (Luke 15:7).

Are there areas of your life where you see fear or comfort distracting you from walking in obedience? We are constantly battling against these sins that call for our attention as Christians. However, when we acknowledge and submit these to God, we will often be shocked by what He will do for us and through us as we walk boldly in mission.