Each month, MERGE (Vision San Diego's official newsletter) features the story of someone whose life has been changed through a Greater San Diego church or ministry.

Since they arrived in San Diego in June, Matt and Alison Cagle have seen a stream of God’s faithfulness and provision through their work with Barabbas Road Church.

“All I can say is that God dropped them from the sky at the perfect time,” says Pastor Matt Smith.

In Texas, Matt Cagle was the youth pastor at First Baptist of Cleburne, and his wife Alison was a 2nd grade teacher. As a couple, they started to feel a call to church planting in the fall of 2006. When they began to investigate opportunities through the North American Mission Board, they learned about Strategic Focus Cities in San Diego. On the Vision San Diego website, they read about new church plant Barabbas Road.

“From the very beginning, we aligned with the beliefs, vision and heart of Barabbas Road. Even as we read about this new church we immediately wanted to be a part of God’s work,” said Matt Cagle.

So, sight unseen, Matt and Alison decided to make the move to San Diego. They had been in touch with Matt Smith and knew about the need for leadership in the new church, so, in February 2008 they put their house up for sale. It sold in the record breaking time - only four days! This was only the beginning of God’s continual work for Matt and Alison as they were obedient to His call.

Since Matt and Alison have been in San Diego, God has continued to provide. They’ve been blessed to be reunited with some of Matt’s family, who have given them a place to stay. They both feel that they have been able to fall immediately into close, deep relationships, which were important needs met and such an encouragement. They have also been blessed as God has provided them with jobs. Alison will be teaching first grade at a local Christian school and Matt will be working for Dyer Beech, alongside of his work building the youth ministry at Barabbas.

It has been one confirmation after another. Alison said that, “we were really prepared for culture shock and all, but since being here we have realized that God truly had been preparing a place for us.”

This summer has brought exciting new ministry opportunities and Barabbas Road has been able to reach out to young people in San Diego, especially in the La Jolla area. One thing that Matt and Alison are really excited to see is the beginning of a new youth Bible study.
As God is continuing to provide and bless the ministries of Barabbas Road, Matt and Alison have both felt that they are not just on the sacrificing end of God’s work, but receivers of His gifts. Pastor Matt Smith eagerly explains his anticipation for their future ministry at Barabbas Road. 

“I am most excited to see them fulfill their God given gifts in a ministry that is their own, that they can grow and see more fruit than they ever thought possible.”

This is a life that God touched through me,’ and that will be the true blessing in it.”