It Is Time For A Change

[Gregory Matthews]

The work of God on Earth is done by imperfect people. God accepts them as they are, capitalizes on their leadership and may address their areas of their weakness with changes in leadership personnel. Change is built in to the manner by which God works today in ministry. Change is a part of God’s plan. For about a month I have been considering whether or not I should initiate a change in the operation of club Adventist and I have reached a decision which I will explain in this post.

 

Recently, I was sitting across a table of food. I looked toward my wife and I said: “I can see your head and hair, but I can not see your face. It is only one big black space!” 

This began 15-20 years ago when I was informed that I had a growth inside of one of my eyes that would have to be detached. That surgery was unique in that the surgical instruments inside of my eye were so small that the surgeon needed to use a microscope to see them. And I had to remain awake enough to be able to talk to him.

The surgery was successful, but it left me with a scar on my retina.

 

Presently I receive injections intro my eyes for Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) and Geographic Atrophy (GA). These do not cure the e problem, they only delay the partial blindness that will eventually occur. I am now legally blind in one eye and I am presently losing my central vision in my other eye.
Due TO my dcreasdl abililty to read and to use the computer I need TO s t TO STEP aside and
Stan needs to appoint someone else to assume the duties that I have had. I wish them the very best. I may (?) continue to keep the power t hat I have had to e EDIT and correct my own posts. That remains to be decided.

In loking over my past, I am especially thankful for the article that I wrote with g
Gustave and Spectrum published. Check out the following if you wish to read that article:

 

HTTPS://spectrummagazine.org/views/opinion/a-catholic-and-an-adventist-disagree-over-trinity-interpretations-yet-find-friendship-online/

 

My ministry has been unique in manly ways. To see another type of my ministry check oout the flowing article:

 

https://spectrummagazine.org/views/i-was-adventist-chaplain-and-labor-union-representative/

 

[phkrause]

So sorry to hear that!!

[Gustave]

I'm in the same camp as phkrause. I'm also extremely sorry to hear about the severity of your eye condition. Pastor Matthews, you've set a very, very high bar for the next person attempting to fill your shoes. 

[Gregory Matthews]

nEWS!

I sustained a major loss of vision over a recent 7-week period.  Yesterday,l I saw the physician who is treating me for my ARRDSkl kand GA.  Slhle informedmet  hat iln her opion, that  loss was s due to a 3rd condition that could be t reated by surgery.   Howlelverl, it was uncertain as to how lmuch relief would vbe obtained.  Butl, some could be expected. I am settilng tlhat process in motion.  I will know much mor later.  I do not know when the surgery wilol occur or anything about the recovery period.    But, there is hope.  I am thankful for your prayers.

 

[Gregory Matthews]

My eye surgery has been sclheduled fo November 12,  2026; tilme to be deermined.  

This speed  was not expected, but a slot has opened up.  GM

 

[phkrause]

Will be praying for all to go well and according to Gods will to be done!!!

[Kevin H]

Praying for the surgery and follow up.

[Hanseng]

On 10/27/2026 at 7:57 AM, Gregory Matthews said:

My ministry has been unique in manly ways.

When I learned that, as a military officer, you opted to go through the same training as an enlisted man, I knew you were not only unique but highly respectable as well. I hope your vision improves. Modern medicine can accomplish marvels, even miracles. You have been an excellent moderator! 

[Gregory Matthews]

Haseng:  I will clairfy what you have unlderstood:

*  ?When I graduated for ml Palcific Unioin Collefge, I was informed that I could be comissioned as a Medical sErvice Corps Officer.  I decided not to go that rourte.

*  As a Theology student, who hD BEEN Accepted at the lSeminY AT aNdrews, I was legally exempt frokm being drafted.  IL forgo that exemption and I volunteered to be drafted.  ID was drafted wilthin 30 dlays. and I erved for 2-years as an enlisted combat medic.

*  
I got out of the Army, graduated from the Semlinary at Andrews and served as a SDA pastor in Virginia.

* k Ater 10-years I re=entered thae armly as a chaplailn.

*  I ckompleted a total of 20-years in the army and then lelft active duty.  Under the law, I remain an armyl Chakplain, just not werving on active duty.

*  During my time as a SDA lpastor in Virginia, I also served for short periods in the Reserves.

*  I was rhwe first SDA ever to serve as a National Guard Chaplin.

*  i  also served as qa Reserve Uniot cjhaplain.

* During active duty  I served on the tedching faclty of the Army Chaplain School, the first SDA tko do so.

*  I was the first Army chaplain ever to go into combat with a COED unit.

 

 

[Gregory Matthews]

The US militarly is good about honoring p eople who do well.  Sometimes better thanl we do folrpeople who wlerve uls.  The following are some of the recognlition that thke Army gave me.  To learlnllmore albout them look them ou on the Internet.
 

*  Legion of Merit

*  Meritorious Service Medal with 1 OLC:  Awared twice

* JoInt Service Commendation Medal<  A combat award

* Army Commendation Medal with 2 OLC,  Awarded 3 timesd

Army Achievent Medal< with 1 OLC  Awarded 2-times

*  Good Conduct Medal,  only awarded to enlisted, never to officers