The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – Former Waitsburg resident Matthew Wyatt shared his heartfelt testimony before a full house of friends and family at the Christian Church in Waitsburg on March 22. Wyatt, joined by wife Krystal and daughter Mikaila, traveled from Lincoln, Calif. where he now pastors part-time at The Ridge Church, specifically to share his story of struggle and redemption.

Wyatt, a '98 Waitsburg High School graduate, grew up in a devoted Mormon family and said his childhood was "the best anyone could ask for." He said he and his brother, Eric, were "famous in our own minds" and would check the Marshal's Memos weekly to see if any of their shenanigans had made the paper.

The family lived on West 3rd Street, across from the fire station, and Wyatt recalled that he and his brother would hit golf balls from their yard onto the metal roof of the fire station during monthly fire meetings, then run and hide as they watched the firemen run out to see what was going on. "I apologize to anyone here that may have affected," he said, laughing.

Wyatt asked if any of his former teachers were in the audience and several hands were raised. "I just want to let you know that the bell doesn't dismiss you – I do. I've waited 17 years to say that!" he said.

Levity aside, Wyatt shared that he struggled deeply with his faith when it came time for him to go on the two-year mission trip expected of males in the Mormon Church. He chose to forgo the mission and married his wife Krystal in 2000. Wyatt described the birth of his daughter and the struggle both he and Krystal went through to find their Christian faith. The couple lived in Walla Walla and, for a brief time, life was good.

An on-the-job injury resulted in Wyatt's addiction to pain medications; a habit that started at eight pills a day and progressed to 80 to 100 pills a day. That addiction resulted in six overdoses, multiple arrests, "thousands and thousands" of dollars lost and the devastation of his immediate and extended family. Wyatt shared story after story of his desperation and the effect it had on those he loved. "Addiction becomes larger then yourself. It's a full time job," he said.

At age 28, Wyatt was preparing to take his life when he was interrupted by his wife who was supposed to be gone overnight. That event finally led him to rehab and set him on the path to restoration. Wyatt credits God with saving him and credits his wife for her years of unflagging commitment and forgiveness. He says the message that saved him is the same one that can save our communities.

"'I am not giving up on you' needs to be the battle cry of the community. A community can be changed by forgiveness and people refusing to give up on one another," he said. Wyatt urged the audience to reach out to those around them. "People are starving for the greatness of God," he said.