The most recent season of the hit reality show, Survivor ended recently.  Boston Rob finally won the million dollars and title of sole survivor.  Although I was happy to see Rob win, there was something even more exciting going on in the background.  There was a new twist to the game.  When an individual was voted off at tribal council, they were taken to Redemption Island.  On this deserted island they had opportunity to challenge others who had been voted out.  If they won enough challenges they could earn the right to re-enter the game.

     During the first few days of the competition, a young pre-med student named Matty was sent to Redemption Island.  He is a strong Christian young man and boldly spoke of his faith and desire to please God.  While on the island Matty had a meager food supply and lots of loneliness and solitude.  He was often taped sitting on the beach or climbing on the cliffs and praying.  He was totally given over to God’s purpose in his life.  He was able to witness to all the others who came to Redemption Island and many were amazed at his unwavering faith.

     He managed to win a place back in the game, only to be sent back to the island at the next tribal council.  At this point he was hurt because of the betrayal of a friend and discouraged because they other players didn’t seem to want him in the game.  This combined with the physical and emotional fatigue caused him to cry out to God.

     “God has me here for a reason,” he said through tears.  “He wants me here and He alone has been carrying me through the past few days.  I will stay as long as He wants, but I am also willing to go home.”

     After a bad start to one of the challenges with three other Redemption Island residents, Matty came through to win again.  He thought he was going home, but won in the end. ” God must still have something for me to accomplish,” he said, “Because I’m still here.”

     Julie, who was sent to the jury that night, said sobbing, “I came here to win a million dollars.  My house is in forclosure and I want a better life for my children.  But, my stay at Redemption Island has given me something worth so much more.  As soon as I get home, I’m going to find a church and get involved.”

     We all know that our relationship with God can be more life chaning than any amont of money.  Jeff Probst’s comment, “Well, Matty, I guess God isn’t finished with you yet.”

     Later when Mike lost a challenge he said, “Who could have known the treasure that awaited me on Redemption Island?  For one thing, I have a very nice rock collection to take home with me.  But most importantly, I have rediscovered my purpose in God.  I have drawn so much closer to Him while fellow-shipping with Matty.  Even though I didn’t win the game, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

     When Matty finally lost a challenge and was sent to the jury, he said, “All I ever wanted was to do God’s will here on Survivor.  He has been here with me every step of the way and I hope God is pleased with the game I played.  That is the only reward I need.”

     WOW!  What a testimony.  Good job, Matty!  You made us all proud.  What a wonderful opportunity to bring glory to God on national television.  Matty is a real person.  He showed his strengths and his weaknesses.  He praised God for victories and cried for help in his times of need.  I think he gave a new face to Christianity; one we all can identify with.  Christians are not perfect, only forgiven.