When 2013 alumnus Matt Collins and his family left Clear Creek a few years ago, they did not think they would be headed back to the Creek after a few years.

“I am originally from middle Tennessee,” said Collins. “In 2007 God called my family into ministry and He led us to first come to Clear Creek in 2009. We have always had a strong draw to the area of mission’s work, especially overseas.”

“I graduated with a B.A. in pastoral ministries in 2013. During my time at Clear Creek, I was blessed to serve a church in Rose Hill, Va., as their senior pastor and also serve a church in Jonesville, Va., as their worship pastor. While at Clear Creek, my family was also granted the opportunity to be semester missionaries in the village of Kondjo in Senegal, Africa. There we did map survey work of the eight connected Islamic farming villages as well as introduced them to Christianity through the Jesus film. As a result, we saw a harvest of seven former Muslims turn to Christ as their Lord and Savior. We were also blessed to be able to baptize two of the men.”

“When I graduated from Clear Creek in 2013, God called us back to Tullahoma, Tenn., to plant a new church called The Well,” said Collins. “The Well began a new ministry called Cafe Agape; a Christ-centered coffee shop and restaurant. The Well currently sends teams at least annually to their adopted people group, the Mangyan, located in Mindoro, Philippines. Cafe Agape hosts Christian concerts every Saturday night and even has special concerts from time to time. Cafe Agape has hosted Brandon Heath, Josh Wilson, Chris August, and Johnny Diaz just to name a few. The profits from the Cafe go to fund The Well’s missional efforts.”

“God spoke to us this past spring and has led us to return to Pineville, Ky., where my wife Julie is pursuing her B.A. in missions at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College,” said Collins. “I am beginning to study for my M.Div. at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. We are currently waiting for the place the Lord will have us to serve while we are here and as we prepare for whatever the next adventure God calls us to. My family consists of my wonderful wife Julie and our three amazing kids: Taylor, 16, Emily, 7, and Triston, 9.”