The Matos

June 2026

FAITHFUL WITNESSES IN AFRICA

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Dear friends,

A few months ago, I asked you to pray for a significant journey ahead—my first official partner visit as a staff member of Edudeo Ministries. Thanks to your prayers, God granted safe travels and rich opportunities to learn, serve, and build relationships across three African countries.

Over three weeks, I visited our partners in Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia alongside my colleagues Liz Thuo and Laurie Koning. In Uganda, we spent a week with the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG Uganda). In Malawi, we worked with the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Livingstonia Synod. Finally, in Zambia, we conducted a follow-up evaluation with CCAP Zambia.

These visits were much more than organizational evaluations. They were opportunities to sit with brothers and sisters in Christ, listen to their stories, visit schools and communities, and witness firsthand how God is at work through their ministries.

The challenges are immense. Many communities face significant economic hardship, limited educational resources, and ongoing social struggles. Yet everywhere we went, we encountered faithful leaders serving with remarkable perseverance and hope. We met educators investing in children, ministry leaders strengthening schools, and communities experiencing transformation through Christ-centered education.

One of the greatest blessings was seeing how God continues to use these ministries to impact thousands of children and families despite limited resources. We also experienced extraordinary hospitality. The warmth, generosity, and friendship shown to us deepened relationships that had previously been built mostly through online meetings and reports.

The evaluations helped us better understand each partner's organizational health, identify areas for growth, and recommend practical steps for strengthening their ministries. We also assessed the health of our partnerships with Edudeo and explored ways to work together more effectively in the future.

I returned home with a clearer understanding of how I can serve these leaders in my role as International Partnership Director. More importantly, I came home encouraged. God is accomplishing beautiful things through faithful servants who often labor far from public attention. It is a privilege to walk alongside them.

While I was away, our family also celebrated an important milestone. Our youngest daughter, Madalena, graduated from university with Highest Honors, earning her Bachelor's Degree in International Business.

Madalena continues serving with Sinergia and has been invited to join the ministry as a full-time staff member overseeing its training program. She is currently praying and discerning whether God is leading her to accept this opportunity.

Susana has been volunteering with Sinergia as an interpreter during training events and while hosting international volunteer teams. She will soon begin a Master's degree in Marketing at a local university.

Thank you for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and support. Your partnership makes it possible for us to strengthen leaders and ministries that are transforming lives around the world.

Grace and peace,

Mario Luis Matos

International Partnership Director
EduDeo Ministries
Partner Missionary, Resonate Global Mission
mmatos@edudeo.com

Praise and Prayer

• We praise the Lord for His traveling mercies. We went and came back from Africa safely, deputies of the long distances traveled while there.

• That I was able to meet our partners in person and appreciate what the Lord is doing there directly.

• For our daughter Magdalena graduating from college.

Please Pray:

• For our African partners as they continue serving faithfully in challenging contexts.

• For wisdom as we follow up on the recommendations resulting from these visits.

• For stronger and deeper partnerships that advance Christ-centered education.

• For Madalena and Susana as they discern God's calling and seek where He would have them use their gifts, education, and skills for His kingdom.