The Foundation of Matthew Ministries

The Lord led Matthew Ministries on an amazing spiritual adventure beginning over twenty-five years ago in a booth inside a San Diego Boston Market restaurant. Based on their personal ministries and calling, Pastor John and Susan Townsend mapped out their vision for Matthew 25:34-40 Ministries.

Over the years, the Lord used John and Susan in prison and convalescent home ministries, Rescue Mission chapel services, and local ministries in San Diego. Inspired by God, John established the Church@Work ministry where employees could practice corporate worship, and Church on the Streets which ministers to homeless people on the street.

A Call to Eastern Europe

In 1994, the Townsends met Danny and Pat Shaw at church. The Shaws were called to be missionaries to Ukraine, and the Townsends signed up as their communications support team. The Lord eventually led them to their final destination, Dniprodzerzhynsk (currently Kamianske).

Pastor John and Susan at a vigil remembering all the homeless people who died on the streets of San Diego, CA in 2010

Pastor John, Susan, and Pastor Andrew at a Pastors Meeting in Dniprodzerzhynsk, Ukraine. The city name was later changed to Kamianske.

Pastor John and friends in Dniprodzerzhynsk, Ukraine.

When the Shaw’s sponsoring church could no longer provide the needed support, they asked John and Susan to place them under the Matthew 25:34-40 Ministries umbrella. This partnership allowed the ministry to engage in vital outreach that continues to impact the region today.

Beauty from Ashes in India

In 2002, while in Ukraine, John learned about a disastrous fire in a village in India which completely destroyed their homes and church. Pastor David Wilson’s church rebuilt the homes, but because there were no resources left to rebuild the thatch church building, Pastor David requested help from the Ukrainian church.

Pastor John (on left), Pastor David Wilson, and man being baptized in India

Pastor David, Pastor John, and a Brother being honored in India

Pastor John and Susan in an Indian auto rickshaw.

In January 2003, Matthew 25:34-40 Ministries provided funds for a brick church which could also serve as an orphanage. God used this incident to begin a relationship which, in time, became MATTHEW 25:34-40 Mission India.

Carrying the Torch Forward

On February 26, 2023, Pastor John went home to be with the Lord. His life was a testimony to the power of faith and the impact of a mission dedicated to serving others with the love and compassion of Christ.

Pastor John and Susan at a Shadow Mountain Missions Conference in San Diego, CA.

Pastor John and Susan at a wedding in Dniprodzerzhynsk, Ukraine.

Indian Brothers and Sisters participating in the Celebration of Life of their dear brother and friend, Pastor John Holt Townsend.

The ministries in Ukraine, India, and San Diego remain under Susan Townsend’s direction. Now operating simply as Matthew Ministries, the organization continues to further the exciting things the Lord is doing in India, Ukraine, and America.