Matt Henslee's Blog, page 13
August 21, 2022
Kaydence’s Big Day
On March 27, 2021, two families became forever entwined. At a busy hotel pool in Orlando, the Henslee and Williams families, unknown to one another at the time, were enjoying an afternoon at the pool when tragedy almost struck.
On one end of the pool, dozens of kids and teens participated in various activities led by the hotel staff. Unfortunately, amid all the fun and games, a three-year-old girl began to drown. Kaydence, thirteen at the time, as she made her way alongside the pool, noticed the lifeless body of Haven, floating facedown and beginning to sink.
Kaydence jumped in, pulled her to safety, and cried out for help. Another bystander performed CPR while another called 911. Paramedics transported her to an area hospital, and it was touch and go for a while. But by 5 a.m. the following day, Haven was on the road to recovery and would soon celebrate her fourth birthday back home in Missouri.
It was Kaydence’s quick thinking that turned what could have been a tragedy into a moment that would connect two families forever. Soon after that, Kaydence received the “Hero of the Month” award from the Kids Wish Network, and a few months ago, the Network reached out to tell us they’d selected her for “Hero of the Year.”
After weeks of planning, the date for the big surprise finally rolled around, and the Henslees started the day with cinnamon rolls and a few Saturday chores before Kaydence and I (her dad) left for a “yes day.” For the uninitiated, a “yes day” is where the kids call the shots, and parents promise a “yes” (within reason).
Kaydence and I first went to Top Golf before grabbing lunch at her favorite fast-food burger spot, In-n-Out. After lunch, we shopped for a new outfit for her and enjoyed some rolled ice cream. The time away allowed mom and sisters time to get our home ready for the big “hero party,” if you will.
We eventually made our way home, and it was business as usual until seemingly random people started showing up! Kaydence’s grandmother, aunt, and great aunt arrived, followed by some members of our church and some co-workers of mine who have become close to our family.
Then, Kaydence noticed balloons, then a bunch of pizza, gifts, and cards. “It’s not my birthday; what’s going on?” Kaydence remarked. I said, “you’ll see,” and we feasted on pizza and filled our home with laughter.
While Kaydence may have been suspicious, it wasn’t until she picked up a laptop and saw a familiar face that everything started to come together. It was Tiffany, the mother of Haven! Haven, the precious girl Kaydence saved from drowning on March 27, 2021.
On the call with Tiffany, we learned Kids Wish Network selected Kaydence as “Hero of the Year,” which included a gift of $5,000. Kaydence and Tiffany chatted for a while, tears flowed freely, and then we wrapped up the evening with Kaydence’s favorite dessert, carrot cake!
While I am incredibly proud of Kaydence, I’m not the least bit surprised. If you knew Kaydence, you’d undoubtedly say the same. She is wise beyond her years, always has a kind word for someone, and is constantly searching for someone to help or encourage. We are thankful for the generous gift but are most grateful for the chance to catch up with the Williams family while surrounded by friends and family.
August 18, 2022
July 30, 2022
TWO-YEARS-OLD TODAY!
Hard to believe, but still thankful for the opportunity to write Text-Driven Invitation: Landing the Plane Without Leaving the Text https://amzn.to/3cHsxJG
July 16, 2022
"Pastor, it’s okay to not be okay, but you don’t have to stay that way––if you’re..."
Pastor, it’s okay to not be okay, but you don’t have to stay that way––if you’re struggling and need an ear, call the Pastoral Care Line at 1-844-PASTOR1.
It’s free, confidential, and a direct line to trained, professional counselors who are there to help you 8am-10pm (ET).
”June 24, 2022
A statement on today’s Supreme Court decision from Bart Barber, SBC President
June 22, 2022
2022 SBC Pastors’ Conference Podcast
All the messages from SBC Pastors’ Conference are available now on most podcast providers. Tune in to hear twelve verse-by-verse expositions of Colossians and six more homilies to edify and encourage.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2022-sbc-pastors-conference/id1631024534https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5da7286e-54f0-4672-b141-9a7cd22d5575https://open.spotify.com/show/0vJevRGn1YjS0nyEJmbeosJune 17, 2022
2022 SBC Pastors’ Conference Recap
The Legacy of the SBC Pastors’ Conference: https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-the-legacy-of-the-sbc-pastors-conference/
Prayer Recap: https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/southern-baptists-join-in-collective-prayer-prior-to-annual-meeting/
Full Recap: https://thealabamabaptist.org/southern-baptist-pastors-conference/
BP Recap Part One: https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/we-proclaim-him-focuses-pastors-on-mission-of-gospel-ministry/
BP Recap Part Two: https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/colossians-yields-guidance-as-pastors-conference-text/
Reflection: https://thebaptistpaper.org/matt-henslee-reflects-on-pc-presidency/
June 8, 2022
Dear Southern Baptist,
As we approach #SBC22 in Anaheim, I am writing this letter to you––yes, you. I am also writing it to me. I also wrote the exact same thing last year, but it bears updating and repeating…
By now, you know there’ll be the Southern Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference on Sunday and Monday, our Annual Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, and many events and exhibits to take in along the way. You know when there will be votes, motions, and all that stuff. You probably already know who you can/will vote for (if you don’t, here’s a little preview), but this is not about that.
This is about your witness.
Every second of every day in Anaheim, you will represent Christ. In the room, out of the room, on the plane, out to eat, at the hotel, on the escalator––wherever you are at any given time, you will be a witness. The bigger question is whether or not you will represent Him well.
In the room…
There will be reporters from all over. There will be a live stream (live.sbc.net) capable of sending the meeting across the globe. Before you step to a microphone, remember James 1:19. Before you ask that question, make that motion, or whatever, take a moment to ask yourself, “Does what I am about to say represent Christ?”
And, as I said, there will be countless reporters. If you see one, for crying out loud, show Christlike kindness and hospitality. Smile at them, welcome them, and reflect the love of Christ to them.
Out of the room…
Maybe an election does not go your way, or a particular motion or resolution irks you. Before you vent in earshot of those passing by, remember Proverbs 29:11. What is more, you will be surrounded by workers from the Convention Center and volunteers from churches that are there to help you. Thank them, ask how they are doing, encourage them, share the gospel with them, etc.
On the plane…
You hopefully see a trend here. Travel is stressful. I personally hate flying, but from the terminal to the giftshops to your time on the plane, there will be people around you. Will they see Jesus in you? Will you take the opportunity to share Jesus with them? The Great Commission speaks to this––as you go, brothers and sisters, make disciples.
Out to eat…
One of our girls stuck a stick in a giant ant bed a year ago because she “wanted to see the ant move around more.” Moments later, she exclaimed, “Ouch! Some of these sting!” When we break for lunch or dinner, the Convention Center will look like an ant bed that just got jammed by a stick as 10,000 people rush out to grab a bite to eat. Will you sting?
You certainly represent Southern Baptists, but more importantly, Jesus Christ as you enter the restaurant. Be nice, be patient, tip well, and consider a short gospel presentation when the opportunity presents itself.
At the hotel…
From the front desk workers or breakfast servers to the housekeepers, will you represent Christ in your interactions with and around them? Will you look for opportunities to share your faith? If you meet a fellow Southern Baptist, I encourage you to take some time to hear their story, ask how you all can pray for one another and the Annual Meeting, and pray. If they are not, share Jesus with them.
Also, there will be plenty of temptations when you are alone in your hotel room. Honestly, I would simply suggest unplugging your TV and not connecting to the WiFi. Instead, work on your next sermon, pray for the next day of the Annual Meeting, etc.
On the escalator…
Honestly, this just kind of conveys all the other places you will be at any given time. With 10,000 Southern Baptists around, do not use this time to gripe and moan but encourage. If you find yourself next to a fellow Southern Baptist, ask where they are from, what God is up to in their life, and encourage them.
This is about your witness.
Your witness will either be good or bad. Things may go your way “in the room” or not. Regardless, you represent Christ. Keep that in mind as you make your way in and around Anaheim, so we can show and share His love with those He came to save. Until we meet in Anaheim, I love you and am rooting for you.
April 11, 2022
April 9, 2022
On the Nomination of Bart Barber
I’ve seen this guy lead someone to Jesus, go door to door telling others about Jesus, and go across the world to tell others about Jesus because he doesn’t just talk about advancing the Kingdom, he advances it and equips others to join him.
I’ve seen this guy, when money could easily go elsewhere, lead us to give generously through the SBC Cooperative Program (12.23%) because he knows the cooperation needed for our “one sacred effort” to train pastors and missionaries, plant churches, and send missionaries.
I’ve seen this guy handle extremely difficult texts with the utmost care and devotion to God’s inerrant, infallible, inspired, and sufficient Word. Week by week, sermon by sermon, that commitment is on display with text-driven, Christ-centered sermons.
I’ve seen this guy navigate the pain and hurt of making complex and difficult decisions as a husband, father, son, friend, pastor, trustee, and more. In a day when it’s easy to shoot first, aim second, this guy goes to the prayer closet, goes to the Word, and seeks God’s wisdom.
I’ve seen this guy own his failures and shortcomings, learn from them, and grow from them in humility. I’ve seen this guy care for the hurting, give to the needy, and shepherd pastors from all over who are navigating difficult seasons. I could go on and on, but this guy gets it.
Read all about it on Baptist Press: https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/texas-pastor-bart-barber-announced-as-candidate-for-sbc-president/
