On November 2nd, 2006 Matthew Pieper joined MyPraize. MyPraize received such an amazing gift that day. Matthew touched the lives of so many people. He challenged us, he pushed us, and he did it in such a way that there was an amazing amount of respect for one another... Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another." Matthew embodied that verse more than anyone I know. He sharpened many, many people, as he himself was driven to be sharpened. He revered G-d ;) in a mighty and Holy way. In personal conversations, on the phone, he was as open and honest as if we had known each other for many years. There are very few people who make it their passion in life to seek G-d with all their heart, soul, and mind... and to spread His Word, and His love to everyone they meet. Matthew's desire was to know G-d. On the evening of May 26th, Matthew Pieper got all his questions answered, his greatest desire was fulfilled, and Heaven's gates were flung open as I know that our Awesome and Mighty G-d said to Matthew, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Well done!" In Christ, Matthew Gaiser & Joshua Holmes and the entire MyPraize community.

What an encouragement Matthew has always been to us here at MyPraize. He was the type of role model we pray finds our site and uses it to teach and sharpen others just like he did. I will miss Matthew but rejoice in his being with the Lord, but I think as one parting hope, I know that he would want us to use his life and early departure as a lesson to everyone. We are not promised tomorrow, witness and work for the Lord as if today is your last. Reach out to those around, do not put off sharing the Lord. Matthew we'll miss you but we will honor continue the hard work you put into everything you touched. Joshua Holmes

[b]larry229 wrote:[/b] [quote]And [url=http://www.mypraize.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=214&func=view&id=383932&catid=8&limit=10&limitstart=40]HERE[/url] is what really endeared your brother to me. This one's important.[/quote] This one for me as well. He had such a sense of fairness and compassion. Truly unrivaled.

Upon hearing of his passing, I was reminded of this quote I once found and used. I'll just paste it here... “What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.� -Richard Bach

I haven't been around much lately, but you still mean so much to me, Matt. I'm so glad that he is in such a great place now. Heaven is blessed to have him in their company!

I am beginning to be addicted to checking this thread to read what everyone else has to say about Matt. I've been combing all the emails and messages that I've had from him over the years for things to include when I talk at his upcoming memorial. Since I'm sure most of you won't be there, I thought I'd share this with you. It's something he posted in response to a livejournal meme in april of 2006. "I'll share a story with you that I don't personally remember, because it's related to #7. Shortly after I was born, my mom went to one of those psychic fair things. I don't know if it actually was Pyramid of Enlightenment, but same thing.. So the first thing the psychic said to my mom was "Who's Matthew?" And so my mom told her. And she said to my mom "He's going to change the way people think." That's one thing I want to do in my lifetime. A more concrete one would be to visit Yerushalayim." It's too bad he didn't make it to Jerusalem, but from what I've read here and experienced in my own life, I do declare that he accomplished the former!

[b]smashingpeggy wrote:[/b] [quote]I do declare that he accomplished the former![/quote] Many times over! :)

Matthew was a great man. One of the best I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Even through this little internet community, it's still a sad thing. He will be missed. Through all the conversations that we had, and all those late nights that he stayed in chat and helped me figure out why my computer was doing something "funny", I came to know him as a friend. "The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long, and you have burned so, so very brightly." Matthew is in Heaven now with our Creator. Although that is a happy thing, we need to continue to pray for his family who is still here on this Earth. Matthew, you will be missed. -Kayla

He will be missed. I wish I could have gotten to know him better, but I will be keeping his family in my prayers.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Matthew, lech b'shalom, my brother. Go in peace. May his family and friends be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Let God's great Name be exalted above all praises, hymns and consolations that we can utter. Let His great Name be blessed for ever and ever. May He who creates peace in the high heavens, create peace for us, all Israel and all the world, and let us say, Amen. May the Source of peace send peace to all who mourn and comfort to all who are bereaved, among us, and wherever they may be, and let us say, Amen.