Rev. Matt Beemer
Growing up in an independent charismatic church Matt was exposed to the power of God at a young age. Though he had a knowledge of salvation he didn't appropriate it for himself until an early September morning in 1984. Over the previous months he had grown more and more aware of his separation from God by sin. As he sat at the breakfast table waiting for the school bus he knew it was time to make a decision.
On the table sat his little sister's prayer book. He drew it close, opened directly to the table of contents and found the page number that contained the salvation prayer and turned to it. That morning Matt quietly received saving grace by faith as he read the prayer in the back of a children's prayer book. Being raised in a charismatic church he simply received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit at the same time enabling him to pray in other tongues. Though he didn't have any special feelings or spectacular experiences he knew that he was now in fellowship with his Heavenly Father though simple faith in God's Word and the witness in his heart.
The change in Matt was noticeable by others too. During parent/teacher conferences that autumn, his teachers asked Matt's parents what happened to him during the summer because of a noticeable improvement in attitude.
Throughout high school Matt had times when he was more or less in fellowship with God. Looking back he regrets the missed opportunities to make a stand for his beliefs. However, there were times when he had special experiences with the power of God at events like youth camp. Each experience would only confirm what he already knew, he would someday be in the ministry. Although, Matt tried to suppress the call on his life and pursue other plans such as, playing football at university and becoming an architect, he couldn't get away from that gentle leading that told him God had a plan for his life.
One event that Matt looks back on as simple but important is when his pastor, Dave Beebe, gave him a copy of Pastor Ray McCauley's (Founding pastor of Rhema Bible Church South Africa) testimony. Because of his interest in weight lifting, Matt could relate with Rev. McCauley a former Mr. Olympia competitor. When he read of Pastor McCauley's time at RHEMA Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma a seed was planted in his heart for his own future. He could imagine himself at RBTC going through similar situations as Pastor McCauley told of in his book.
As Matt graduated from High School the devil tried again to get him off course. After coming to himself and making a quality decision to do God's will, including submitting to the call of ministry, it wasn't long before he was on his way to Nicaragua and Honduras with Teen Mania. It was while in Honduras that Matt learned of his acceptance to RHEMA Bible Training Center.
Matt's first year at RHEMA was a year of growth. At the end of that first year Matt met the woman of his dreams. Julie was finishing her training at RHEMA when the two met. They dated during Matt's second year and 3 days after his graduation they were married.
The Beemer's then moved to Michigan and began volunteering at Harvest Bible Church. With-in a short time Matt was asked to come on part-time staff while he worked part-time drafting homes. Matt and Julie worked for Harvest Bible Church for two years before moving to England where they now live and minister.
Interested in partnering with the Beemers? Below is information how you can give to their ministry.
Stateside Financial Support
Please make checks payable to: RHEMA Bible Church Missions
and designate 'The Beemers' on the memo line of the check.
Checks can then be mailed to:
RHEMA Bible Church Missions
P.O. Box 50126
Tulsa, OK 74156