Alumni Post: Matthew Ramsaur

We’ve all heard the saying that "God has a plan for you." Some people find it silly, and some people can find it meaningful and encouraging. One thing I like to do from time to time is think back on how I got to where I am today. 

Back before my days at Wesley, I was living in Shreveport pursuing a career in film. I was very lonely, very poor, and not doing the best job at following God. My landlord, who was on drugs, started scamming my roommate and me for more money, which resulted in attempting to evict us. This resulted in me having to move out and move back to Ruston. I was very upset because I wasn't able to pursue my dream of a film career in Ruston, and I couldn’t afford to get another place in Shreveport. I was so upset and confused at why God had sent me away from my dream job. Little did I know, my life was about to change for good. I discovered The Wesley Foundation. 

Those next five years I spent at the Wesley radically changed my life. Even though I thought my film career was over by moving back to Ruston, I realized it was actually just beginning and that I could use it to further the kingdom. I was able to make videos for the Wesley that highlighted what God was doing there. Throughout my time at Wesley, I made friends and discipled friends, led small groups, went on mission trips, served, strengthened my relationship with God, and did a yearly internship. I was living my best life. But if it wasn’t for my crazy landlord, I would have never moved back to Ruston and discovered The Wesley Foundation. 

The story I want to share with you doesn’t end there. During my 2nd year at Wesley, a new guy came in. He was given a scholarship to play basketball for Tech, and during his sophomore year he injured his leg, making him unable to play basketball anymore. Through this time he discovered the Wesley, and we became close friends. He continued his degree at tech and served at the Wesley until he moved back home to Baton Rouge. After he moved back, I started the internship. After a full year of the internship, my time at Wesley came to an end and I moved into my next stage in life. 

Those next three years were challenging. I struggled to find a young adult community. In the 3rd year, my roommate convinced me to move to North Carolina. I felt God releasing me from Ruston to take a shot at it. Before I left I went to Baton Rouge to see a few friends before moving, including my basketball friend. I went to church with him at Antioch Community Church. He had gone on a mission trip over the summer to India with an Antioch Raleigh team and befriended a guy named Woody. Woody happened to be in town during my visit, and through him I discovered Antioch Raleigh. 

I moved up to NC and got plugged in with Antioch and the small group Woody was part of. Once again, my life changed. I had community again, new friends, and a place to serve. I met Anna, my now wife in that group. I serve on the creative team at Antioch and have grown in many areas. 

As I write this, I look back and see that if my friend never broke his leg, I would have never met him, met Woody, and never would have discovered Antioch and met my wife. 

As I wrap this up, I say all this to encourage you. There will always be times in our life that feel discouraging. We don’t understand why it’s happening, and it doesn’t make sense. But I encourage you to stay strong and not get discouraged. God does have a plan, and sometimes it may take a while. Keep your trust in the Lord, and he will provide for you. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declared the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours and my thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:8-9

Matt Ramsaur has been a faithful member and supporter of the Wesley community since he first walked through our doors. Serving as an intern the 2014-15 school year, Matt has been a positive influence directly or indirectly on all that have come after him. He is currently living in NC with his wife Anna, and is still pursuing his dreams of photography and film.