Dancing on Water is excited that God wishes to speak to the world through whomever He chooses. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you a new, young voice on our expanding team of Guest Authors, Alina Mathews.

Alina’s grandmother, Lesley Mathews, is DOW’s Editor! Several months ago, Lesley mentioned to me that Alina’s passion is writing… for God! My eyes sparkled with interest… I needed to know more! Reading just one sample of Alina’s writings was enough for me to invite Alina to be a Guest Author on DOW, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

I’m looking forward to hearing from God through Alina’s voice. The following is from Alina…

Hi, my name is Alina Mathews and I’m 17 years old, currently living in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

I was born into a Christian family and I first invited Jesus into my heart at the age of 4.  Despite going to church regularly as I grew up, I didn’t fully recognise the importance of pursuing God and putting Him above all else. 

When I was 9, I was baptised in my grandparent’s pool along with my brothers while we were on holiday. It was a special moment, but I still wasn’t active in my faith for years to come.

A couple of years ago when I was stuck in a place of not feeling accepted and adequate, I started reading a little book of devotionals that was gifted to me. As I did, I began to comprehend just how valued I was by God.

Around this time, my family was attending a new church and even though I was nervous, I went along to the church’s youth group one week and found an awesome group of people who were all so welcoming. Over the months that followed, I continued attending youth group and growing new godly friendships, as well as my own relationship with God.

Halfway through 2022, I heard baptisms being mentioned at church one Sunday. I didn’t know whether I could be baptised a second time, but I wanted to find out more.

After talking to family and friends, and feeling that it was the next step in my faith journey, I made the decision to be baptised on the 28th August 2022 and to fully chase after God. Of course, I have had ups and downs since then, but I feel closer to God than I ever have.

Writing is one of my passions and an area in which I believe God has gifted me. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s handiwork, created to do good works which He has prepared for us. I hope that over the years to come, I will be able to use my gift to do good works, further the Kingdom, and bless others all around me.