Meet Our Staff: The Mathews
My first year of Bible college was filled with movie nights at the Mathew family’s house. They’re so fun to be around, sweet, and encouraging! Their role here at Ethnos360 Bible Institute is alumni coaching. They reach out to past students to see how they’re doing and help guide them in their next steps.
Where are you from originally?
Josh: The Mitten State! If I grew up, it’d be while my family was in Gregory, MI.
Tamara: I was born and raised in Michigan. All six of our kids were also born in Michigan.
When did you join the Ethnos360 Bible Institute team?
We joined the mission in June of 2005.
What’s your role at Ethnos360 Bible Institute?
Currently we are both Alumni Coaches and Alumni CONNECT Coordinators.
What is your favorite thing about serving at Ethnos360 Bible Institute?
Josh: Knowing that the impact of our daily “work” will be known into eternity. Also, I get to work with my wife on a daily basis and see my children radically impacted as they study the Word of God “where I work.” Also, the endless variety of ways to be an important part of the mission of Ethnos360.
Tamara: My favorite part is seeing the Word of God transform the lives of the students here at the Bible school. When I meet new students, I always think “I can’t wait to see how you grow these next two years.”
What is something the student body might not know about you?
Josh: I used to race go-karts? I’ve jumped out of an airplane? I’ve been formally trained in wilderness survival? I’ve had 2 different types of cancer? I’ve been stabbed in the spine?
Tamara: I sing. I used to do musical theater and was in a state choir in the past.
At what point in your life were you convinced to become involved with missions?
Josh: When I realized that Romans 10:14-15 was the question for which I was part of the answer… July, 1998. Interface [Ethnos360’s short-term trip in Papua New Guinea].
Tamara: When I was around ten years old at vacation Bible school. I heard the story of Gladys Aylward (missionary to China) and was challenged into missions.
What’s your favorite place to eat or thing to do here around Waukesha?
Josh: Place to eat: Sobelman’s has amazing burgers and frickles [fried pickles]. Here around the ‘sha [Waukesha]: finding historical places to explore.
Tamara: I love Chicken Palace for tacos and Sobelman’s for their burgers. I also love to take the kids to the library and get a pool pass for the summer at Buckner pool.
What pastimes do you enjoy?
Josh: Pondering the goodness of God while staring at the flames of a campfire. Exploring nature with others. Reading on a sunny beach.
Tamara: Absolutely love camping. Bonus if there is a body of water involved. I like playing games. My new favorite is Azul, but I will never turn down a game of Uno flip with the kids!
Do you have a “hero of the faith” that you admire, and if so, what about them is inspiring?
Josh: Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a young man who was driven to speak the truth in the most impactful and loving way possible. He burned all the way through the candle of his life while his flame was still bright.
Tamara: Joseph in the Bible. I love how it says “God was with him” over and over. He went through some real hardships, and God used that for His glory.
Who is your favorite author or musician?
Josh: Seriously, a favorite?! Musicians: Dvorak, Schubert, Volbeat, MXPX, The Insyderz, Larry Norman, Travis Cottrell. Author: Adonai, A. MacLaren, G. Getz, M. Stanford, E.R. Burroughs, C. Cussler, R. Ludlum, J.R.R Tolkien, B. Watterson, M. Kirkman
Tamara: Oh man. This is too hard to name a favorite. How about currently? Currently listening to Chris Renzema’s song “God is Love”. Currently reading with the boys: J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, and for myself Lynn Austin’s Waves of Mercy.
Where is your favorite place to spend time?
Josh: Canoodling with my wife, watching old seasons of something, or reading a good story.
Tamara: Sitting around a campfire with Josh.
Other interviews on the blog:
Interview with Students: Paige and Micah
Meet Our Staff: The Steels
Meet Our Staff: The Fields
Meet Our Staff: The Jexs
Meet Our Staff: The Meglis
Meet Our Staff: Biss Fyock
Meet Our Staff: Jim Hansen
Meet Our Staff: Abby Brady
Meet Our Staff: The Days
Meet Our Staff: The Deeds
Meet Our Staff: The Mundys
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