A Legacy of Faith. A Future of Hope.

"Despite the short time we knew Matt we were able to note the greatness of your heart and the significance of your work on behalf of others. That fervent desire to fulfill god's word "Love your neighbor as yourself." Your faithfulness has left an indelible mark on those of us who had the privilege of knowing you. You are, and will remain for all eternity, our beloved brother Matthew Henderson."

I join Mateo's family in their grief, we are in prayer, asking God for comfort in the loss of such a beloved family member. May god have him in a better place. My condolences to all. Peace to your souls.

"For me, he has been a blessing that God placed within our community of La Higuera and especially in my own life. I remember when my daughter had to travel abroad for her studies. I had absolutely no money and during those days Mateo arrived with his team. I explained my worries to him, and he stepped in to help cover a portion of the funds my daughter needed. That was just the beginning of the impact Mateo would have on my life. On another occasion when I thought my own opportunities for higher education had vanished Mateo opened a crucial door for me. He said, "Yuberki, I am going to support you 100 percent through your entire university degree." And when I eventually graduated with honors, he organized a celebratory dinner for me along side the director. There were so many times he was there for me stepping up to help whenever I was in need that I couldn't possibly list them all. On another occasion, I invited him to my home to show him that I needed to build an additional room for my twin children, he understood the situation immediately and provided the assistance I required. I simply have no words to describe Mateo, he always recognized me in CCANI. I believe he was an angel on earth and in my life."

"I have many memories of Mateo, that great man, that hero of faith, that dreamer. But one of the ones that stays most vivid in my mind and heart was when we were pastoring in Villa Hortensia about 15 years ago. Our church had a dirt floor, and one day they showed up there and told me to get quotes for everything. Once we had all the quotes, they gave me the money and we bought the materials and started working, and there was Mateo, putting in his hands and his heart so that we could worship the Lord no longer on dirt, but on a floor. Mateo was a man with a huge heart the whole time I knew him and we spent time together. He always had that smile and that humility that characterized him, full of love, and he brought hope to everything around him. There are so many memories that it wouldn't be enough to write them all down, because wherever he went, he always noticed and paid attention to whatever need there was, and he got to work so it could be resolved. So I thank God for him, for his family, and for all his close friends and brothers and sisters that we got to share time with alongside him. Thank you so much, Mateo. Thank you for being the man you were, and I know you're in a place where the Lord has you resting, until the day we meet him again. Thank you again, from the soul."

Some memories of Mateo in La Higuera. I met him one Sunday when he visited La Higuera, and I know that God placed him in that place and put grace in me. Then he returned in 2003 and built a facility with the aim of assisting underprivileged children with their education, which was assisted by Hope para la española. His greatest gift was his ability to convey love to those children. He cared deeply for their well-being, and his heart held nothing but the love of God. Mateo in our minds and hearts, we will always remember you with a smile and with applause, just as we always greeted you upon your arrival: *Pla, pla, pla!* Thank you, Mateo.

Going to the Dominican was my first mission trip. God spoke to me while I was there. His hand is definitely in the work there at HFH. It was life changing? I'm looking forward to serving HFH in the future.Matthew's Legacy will continue on through the ages.

I will always be thankful Matt welcomed Danelle and I onto the HFH team in 2013. It was late in the sign-up process, but he didn't hesitate. That trip changed my life, Danelle's life and eventually our whole family. Our girls grew in their desire to serve the Lord because of those HFH trips. Matt's genuine love for the Lord and others showed in everything he did. So Blessed to have called him friend.

My fondest memory of Matt is seeing how Matt Genuinely loved the people in the Dominican. Two of my favorite pictures I took of him were with Pastora Lydia and Benito. You can see how much he cared and fulfilled all God had put in his heart. He led by example in all he did, even when it came to his own illness.

God put Matt and Jenn in my life at a specific time where God was pushing me to utilize my time and skills to help others. I knew about the work they were doing in the DR and had a desire to be a part of it. One Sunday, while walking through the lobby at Pathway, I noticed a group of people having their picture taken. Being the goofball that I am, I walked over and jumped in the picture! It was at that point Matt told me that since I was in the picture, I was now obligated to be on the next mission's trip with him to the DR. It was an honor for me to be included in multiple trips over the years. They are memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. And, I owe them to Matt and Jenn.

I remember traveling to Chautauqua with Matt. I drove him because the ALS was progressing. It was precious to spend that one on one time with him discussing life memories. Enjoying time on a morning boat ride as well. He was Truly My Brother In Christ!

Matt Henderson was heroic in my mind because he taught those around him not only to live, but more importantly how to die. I mean" how to die to self". In the darkest valleys in his life, he chose to serve and love others. He helped others amidst his own personal pain and has left a wonderful legacy. He existed to make much of God. The light of Christ shone through him and he adorned the dark.

On one of the HFH trips, Matt pulled me aside to go with a group and look at a potential piece of property to buy for a camp. And then he showed us the MGM location as the inspiration for what he was looking to build. On that outing, he shared his testimony and vision for carrying out God's plan. I'll never forget it.