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Kevin and Carol Matthia

Field:  Germany
Ministry:  Church planting & Camp ministry
Home Church:  Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Greenville, SC
On Field Since:  1992

Kevin and Carol both grew up on the mission field–Kevin in Germany and Carol in Hong Kong. After graduating from Bob Jones University, they married in July 1985. The Lord called them to serve in Germany together with Kevin’s brother-in-law and sister (GFA missionaries Brad and Krischa McKenzie), and they went to the field together in 1992. They worked for two years in Kevin’s dad’s church (retired GFA missionary Jürgen Matthia) in Tübingen.

In 1994 the Lord led them and the McKenzies to start a church in the former communist area of East Germany, in the city of Magdeburg. The church has grown and recently moved into a new building. Kevin has also directed camps and retreats since they arrived in Germany. In 1996 they held their first summer camp at the campground of GFA missionary Martin Valcarcel in Besalu, Spain. They have used this campground every summer since then. They also hold winter camps in the Swiss Alps as well as youth and young adult retreats in Germany. Kevin often has opportunities to preach and hold evangelistic meetings in churches around Germany.

In December 2008, the Lord provided a campground within Germany for the minimum bid at an auction in Berlin, which was an amazing answer to prayer! Much work needs to be done in developing the property and buildings for regular use. Since the purchase, the German believers have been cleaning up the facilities and grounds, submitting paperwork to the government for approval, and making plans to develop the campsite.

The Matthias have seven children–four boys and three girls. The two oldest were born in Greenville, South Carolina, and the five youngest were born in Germany.