Remembrances

View screenshots of Instagram post remebrances from Matthew's friends here:

Instagram Remembrances

Guest Book Remembrances

Ed Marshall

John and Sonya,

Katy and I never met your Matthew, but no him through your love. We think of your family often and hug our own two boys each night with him in our minds.

Stephen Moore

Matt,

I’ve been incredibly blessed that God chose to reveal His love for you to me. His revelations of you to me – your face, His love for you, your passion, and your love for your family – have forever changed my life. Irreversibly and irrevocably. I never knew you until this, you became as beloved as I can imagine. I’ll recognize you immediately when I see you next; you’ll be among those I seek first. I imagine that God has also introduced me to you, and you’ll recognize me in return, welcoming me into the gates when I arrive. I don’t fully understand this burden of revelation. God may mysteriously choose to take this burden from me just as He mysteriously gave it, but I will always cherish this love that God has imprinted upon my heart. In the meantime, sing praises to the throne, the triumph is to Him. See you soon.

Peg Henjum

Following is a portion of an email sent to the beloved Waters family April 11. John has asked I share it here:

Dear, dear friends,

It’s about 3:00 in the morning, and I woke up thinking about Matthew. Your text John was wonderfully bittersweet. I loved getting to experience your memory of Matthew’s arms tight around you in his moment of adventure with his dad! That memory as well as hundreds of others cannot be taken from you, they are your gifts. You have eager ears in me to hear more any time you want to remember ‘out loud’.

When Lindsay was an exchange student in Germany, I got to go spend time with her there at the end of her year. I got to watch and observe the world there SEE and enjoy her. I remember thinking, “Wow, if anything should happen to her, I know that the world has gotten to know and see her like I do, that the world really is better because she was here.”

John, Sonya – yes to an extent this is another thing that was robbed from you, from us. The world has lost out by not getting to have Matthew with us longer, I am so sorry! But, I want you to know, I SAW your son and I delighted in what I saw! I remember on one of my visits, I got to talk about Rwanda, with both your family around the dinner table and again with your home church at the time. Oh Matthew’s eyes! The intensity of his listening, he was drinking in what is true about the bigger world, the greater story. I saw in the soul of that boy a knowing, that there is so much more than his own story and it made him thirsty for more.

Dreadfully for a powerful instant he forgot, and we will grieve and live in loss because he is not here. In the depth of the grief we must remember that the real culprit of our pain is the sin of us all that brought the dimension of linear time, therefore our experience of ‘not yet’ and profound ‘homesickness’ into creation. Let your deep, deep knowledge, of your assurance of the Father’s forgiveness of your sin, Matthew’s sin and our sin hold you tight while we ‘wait’ for the destruction of this awful dimension that separates us.

While wretched grief remains for us, on this side ‘of the veil’, I have enjoyed tonight imagining Matthew, in whatever form the ‘real us’ takes on the other side, getting to be with, not only the Father that ran out to greet Him, and his Savior that SO ‘gets it’ about living here, but also his ‘great cloud of witnesses’. I just wonder who all they are! I am certain that some are among those we lost in the genocide, who saw with me Matthew’s eyes and soul see them. Oh, his homesickness is no more, he is really getting to live the much bigger story, and he is no longer thirsty.

I hope someone is collecting for you the stories of others who saw Matthew! I always thought he was born ‘with an old soul’, I know others experienced what I experienced with him. The world is a better place because he was here. The Trinity will be faithful to redeem that dreadful instant that Matthew forgot, in and for those that feel so deeply this loss.

Oh I pray for you, especially when those tidal waves of grief come out of no where! Lord have mercy, we were not created for this, and it is only through His strength we survive! Come Lord Jesus!

I hope to see you in early September, but know that until then I am with you in thought and prayer!

Much love, and may you be drenched in the peace that only Christ can bring.

Peg Henjum

Lynn House

Matthew, We planted a tree in your front yard today. I say “we” but I really had nothing to do with it. Your parents’ friends, Jim and Cindy, brought it over – a Colorado Blue Spruce. Perfect, right? We joked that it was just your size but the real reason it’s on the smallish size is because it’s easier to move around. Mr. Stohler and Mr. Benson went to town digging that hole. I stood there among your family and family friends and knew you were there with us. I knew you were there because there was so much laughter as these men (and women, mind you) tried to dig a hole for your tree. It was a sweet moment which was preceded by a sweet time of fellowship and worship and teaching in your family room. Families are gathering around your mom and dad, Katy, Dawson and Nate, as we continue to grieve our loss of you here. Some moments seem so incredibly difficult and sad, while others are filled with normal activities. For instance, my boys loved playing Nerf gun wars with Nate and basketball with Dawson. Yet it feels like you should be here, Matthew. It’s really good to be together, and as your dad reminded us today, God knew the number of your days. There is comfort in knowing that God is an all-knowing, never-changing God. I miss you, Matt Matt the Cool Cat. (I told Nater Tater that I called you that today and he giggled.) I look forward to seeing how that Colorado Blue Spruce grows and reaches toward the heavens. It will be constant reminder of your presence in our lives.

Shola Ajiboye

Matthew, I met you only once and the memory of you lingers in my mind. Your dad was gracious enough to bring me to your home to test ride his newest invention. I rode the electron-bike around the block with excitement. You were respectful, warm and friendly. I had promised to come again but I never knew that your time to depart would come so soon. I asked “Why?” Why should a just child at his tenderness depart so soon? And many more questions followed. Then the words in Psalm 147:5 came to mind: “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” Bye Matthew, I hope to meet you again by the side of Jesus Christ.

Amy Wilson

This is a beautiful way to remember Matthew, celebrate his life and remind us that he has found eternal life with our Lord. Watching your family worship the other day at HHBC inspired me more than I can express with words. Your deep abiding love for God after all the sadness and loss you’ve suffered is so important for believers and non-believers to see. I’m grateful Michelle introduced us. what a wonderful friend she is to us all. My prayer for your family is that God will continue to strengthen you and help you persevere as you share the mighty work He is doing in your lives. Your experience with Hillsong is amazing. All glory and praise goes to God. PTL!

Janet Adanusa

Dearest John & Sonya,

I just heard the news about Matthew from Pastor Jeff, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Matthew. I wish I was around to give you all a big hug. I wish I knew the right words to say to comfort you as you approach the anniversary of his home call. I can only imagine the sorrow in your heart but I also know that out of that same heart comes the will and the tenacity to face life with a smile in the midst of the chaos. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit can do wonders to a fragile heart that seems devoid of hope. While the pain may be lingering in the background and may re-surface every now and then, sometimes even more stronger than you expect…know that HIS grace is sufficient for you. You will overcome with the power and strength that you never knew you had and you will be an inspiration to others because God’s hand is on you. And I pray that this hymn of praise shall resonate with you as you encourage others in the faith even in your moment of brokeness. Much love to everyone and I hope to see you soon!

Through all the changing scenes of life,

in trouble and in joy,

the praises of my God shall still

my heart and tongue employ.

Of His deliverance I will boast,
Till all that are distressed
From my example courage take
And soothe their griefs to rest.
O magnify the Lord with me,
with me exalt His Name;
when in distress to Him I called,
He to my rescue came.

Ann Kroeker

John, Sonya, Katy, Dawson and Nate…we have known and loved you for so long. I remember picnics and walks by the creek, photo shoots among blue spring flowers at Flowing Well Park, horseback riding at Fort Ben, playing in the sandbox, homeschooling in so many different ways over the years, and birthday parties. Many, many birthday parties. I opened one of our old photo albums with pictures from long ago. I found one of a trip to Michigan, with Matthew poking his sweet face up from a deep hole he had dug in the sand by the beach. He is smiling at the camera. And a few pages later, I found a series of photos of a birthday party for Sophie. We are gathered in the back yard, and the girls are dressed as princesses. In one of the pictures, a young Matthew is gearing up to thwack a pinata. He’s wearing a pale blue polo shirt and blue shorts and white tennis shoes with velcro straps. He is young–they all are–and through the limbs of our giant maple tree, the light is shining down on him. His face glows.

Greg MacLean

Dear Sonya and John, my heart greaves for the loss of your son Matthew. My prayers are with you and your entire family at this sad time. God’s plan is so much deeper than we can understand, but if there is a plan to the loss of Matthew, it may be found right here in these remembrances of him and the way it is bringing God’s people together to offer their support and prayers to your family at this sad time. Miracles can come out of the saddest of times.

Unfortunately, I did not know Matthew very well, but I will never forget the fun we had the day that I had lunch at your small Castleton, IN home. Especially when your pet cat decided to climb up on my shoulder and sit there will I ate lunch. Matthew, Katy, Dawson and Nate (Nate might have been too small to remember) all roared with laughter when they saw their cat on top of me. Good times that we will never forget!!!

May God hold you all close to Him!

With Love,

Greg MacLean

Bob and Kathy Whitmore

John and Sonya, Our hearts continue to grieve for you, and Kathy and I continue to pray for you daily. I was so grateful that Michael was able to attend the memorial service and experience your testimony. He later shared on Facebook, ” that was the most powerful testimony to the power of Jesus Christ in someone’s life I have ever witnessed.” Even today, in the midst of such great sorrow, you are still ministering to my kids, and I praise God for it. May God’s peace and love cover you in this time of great sorrow.

Bob Whitmore

The Carter Family

Dear John, Sonya and Family,

We are so sorry about the sudden passing of Matthew. Just know you have caring neighbors surrounding you that are here if you need us.

Chad, Julie, Kaylee and Madison Carter

Kennady Perdue

Matt was one of my classmates at Herron, and even though I was not very close to Matt he still had a very big impact on my life. As I hear more and more about his spiritual gifts/insights it reminds me of what people have told me before. Matthew opened my eyes to my own parts of life I struggle with and I know that the spiritual battle against the lies is so very hard to fight. But that’s why we have Christ as our strength. I have learned how valuable life really is and that I want to try harder in my battle and even though I’m injured it’s not the end. So through Christ I will not give up. He can make a song rise from the ashes of a broken life. This is something that brings up different pains in our own lives but opens our eyes to really know what we are facing. God has everything in his hands including Matthew. I was recently in our car driving down to Herron and we were listening to K-love on te radio. A song play called “Never Once” by Matt Redman and as the song was playing it was talking about how God never once left my side. As I was sitting in the car I distinctively saw Matt singing his whole heart out to God. He was saying that God never once left his side. God was always there. That showed me that Matt knows that God never left him and that he made a very big mistake, a mistake I never ever want to make. I have had prayer requests answered through this time because God really does make beauty rise from the ashes. He heals our brokeness through struggles. Imagine the process of sewing, when the needle goes in and out it may hurt but it is really fixing what is broken. God can do anything! He can give you anything. Through this I know My faith has grown so much stronger and so many other people. It opened my eyes to the reality of others and myself. We are so weak but our trust is in Christ who will deliver us from anything. I will continue to be praying for everyone and especially your family. Christ will always be the victor no matter how many times the deceiver tries. Put your every being of faith and trust in Him. ❤

Kennady Perdue

Warren, Andrea, Victoria, Chelsea and Josiah Goff

Our memories of Matthew are of your time in Florida. Your family touched our hearts and Matthew was such a bright light. He still is. We cover your family in prayer through this tough, sad time and pray Isaiah 61 over you for a “garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

Jeffery Schwind.

I knew Matthew for my first year at our co-op. He was one of the guys that first struck me as someone I would love to be friends with. Funny, talkative, and considerate of others. He was a really cool guy. After he left our co-op, I was very disappointed. I hadn’t seen him since, and the news of his death was shocking to me. His place in the hearts of those close to him will never be lost.

My favorite Bible passage (and also, apparently, his):

Psalms 121:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

You will always be missed, Matt, and I know that one day we will see you again.

Jeffery Schwind.

April 12, 2013

John, we want to express our deepest sympathy to you and Sonya for the tragic loss of your son Matthew. Our hearts and prayers go out for you and your family.

~ Chuck & Ruthi McCarley, Noblesville, Indiana

April 11, 2013

My heart breaks for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

~ Carolyn Williams, Naples, Florida

April 02, 2013

All our hearts are broken for your loss. We know that God’s love has showed up and in the pain and loss there will be peace. We will be keeping you close in prayer as the pain of life without is faced. We send our love. All the Gauens

April 01, 2013

My heart is deeply saddened and broken by the news of the loss of Matthew. Please know that I will be praying for an extra measure of God’s comfort during this time. I am so sorry.

~ Chris Steininger, Westfield, Indiana

April 01, 2013

We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your precious son and brother. We can’t imagine the depth of the grief you are enduring and will pray that you find some level of comfort in the hope that is found in the living Christ. Our prayers are with you – God bless you.

~ Alan and Gwen Austin, Greenville, South Carolina

March 31, 2013

Matthew always had a spark of light around him. He had a great sense of humor and was such a sweet heart. My prayers are with the Waters family and I hope everyone can get through this difficult time.

~ Mariah McDonald, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 31, 2013

Our hearts were broken, our minds have been in non-stop prayer from the moment we first learned of this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the entire family in the days going forward and may the LORD pour out an extra measure of HIS grace, peace and love for John, Sonya and the kids.

~ Rick & Cari Kiovsky, Noblesville, Indiana

March 31, 2013

Matthew J. Waters r.i.p

~ salvatore georgiou, noblesville, Indiana

March 30, 2013

Heartbroken over the loss of Matt. He was always smiling and making others laugh. I can’t wait to see you in Heaven someday. We all love and miss you, Matty.

Praying for the Waters family.

~ HHS Student, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 30, 2013

Matthew was a treasure and a joy and my broken heart will miss him. I will always treasure how kind he was to my daughter Grace. Anne sheridan

March 29, 2013

Precious John and Sonya, Doug and I have been one long prayer ever since you called. And we won’t quit…

All our love,

Annie and Doug Zachary

March 29, 2013

I am so saddened to learn of the loss of your precious son. I am praying for your family that God wrap his arms around you and guide you through this time in your lives.

~ Brenda Martin, Markleville, Indiana

March 29, 2013

Matt is a student who will always stick out in my mind. I’ll continue to cherish the memories of him from his awesome smile to the challenge he gave me almost daily to catch him breaking some silly rule. I am honored to have been able to teach him and have him in my classroom. His empty seat will always serve as a reminder to hug each of my remaining kids just a little bit tighter.

~ Alison Hundt, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 29, 2013

Waters Family, I haven’t any words. I am holding you in my prayers. Matthew will be lifted up, He is needed. Love you guys. kmeiken13@gmail.com

~ kari eiken, ft. myers, Florida

March 28, 2013

Beautiful life. We will never forget Matt. Today the celebration of Matthew’s life was a lasting testimony to all that truly matters in this world. God bless the Waters family and may He hold you close.

~ Deb Cooney, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 28, 2013

John and Sonya, Gayle and I want to express our sympathy for your great loss and we pray that our Lord will comfort your family and give you all strength to move forward.

~ Clint and Gayle Bucher, Carmel

March 28, 2013

With our deepest sympathy…

~The Contos Family, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 28, 2013

Sonya, John, and family, What a shock when I received the e-mail from your dad yesterday, Sonya! Although I lost touch with you girls after you married, your family has always held a “SPECIAL” place in my heart. Your parents are such dear friends, as were your G’pa and G’ma Franzmeier and also G’pa and G’ma Hanson. Matthew had to be a fine young man and so good looking! Be proud you had him until God needed him. May your Christian upbringing carry you through and know my prayers will be with you as you hold on to all the special memories. I have shed many tears for all of you and your extended families and just wish I was there today to give you all hugs and my support. May God be with you at this Holy Season and always. Love, Donna

~ Donna Luttchens, Caledonia, Minnesota

March 28, 2013

Mr. and Mrs. Waters, I knew Matt a little from my good friend Grant. Matt was an amazing guy and was very sweet. His smile could light up every room and he made an impact on everyone he met. I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m praying that you both and your family can find ease in all of this. God will get you all through this hard time.

~ Maddie O’Marrah

March 28, 2013

Dear John and Sonya,

Words cannot express the deep sorrow that we feel for you and your family at the loss of your son Matthew. We are praying that God will walk closely with you during this dark night. I pray that you will draw strength from your faith, your family, your neighbors, and your friends at this time.

Bob and Becky Beer

~ Robert Beer, Noblesville, Indiana

March 28, 2013

We are deeply sorry for your loss, our son shadowed him at Herron this year and Matt made such an impact on him. Know that you are not alone

~ Beer Family, Indianapolis IN

March 28, 2013

John & Sonya, Jana and I are so sorry to hear of Matthew’s passing. The only comfort that I can offer is what God has promised through His Son that He will provide a way to get through this. Please know that we are praying for you both and your family. All our love to you.

~ Jack Conner, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 28, 2013

John, Sonya and Family,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Please know that we are here for you not only as your neighbors but also as friends. You and Matthew are in our thoughts and prayers.

-Kimberley, Chris, Isabella and Ava Rose

~ Kimberley Eck, Fishers, Indiana

March 28, 2013

John and family:

We were so very sorry to hear about Matthew’s passing. Please know that all of the Powells are thinking of you and grieving with you.

– Dave, Sheree, Emily and Ben

Dave Powell, Carmel, Indiana

March 28, 2013

Our son and daughter were friends with Matt at school. Every word we ever heard from them about him was how kind, sweet, and just downright awesome he was. He definitely brought a light to their lives. As a faithful person, we know that he is being held in God’s arms right now. But the pain for those left behind is great. Our prayers are for your family and all those with wonderful memories of Matt. May God’s loving embrace encircle and carry you through this time of sorrow.

~ Laurie and Vaughn Taylor, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 27, 2013

John and Sonya and family, I am so sorry to hear the news of Matthew’s passing. You have my deepest sympathy. I pray that God would comfort you and give you the peace that only He can. I know that Matthew will be missed.

~ Georgette Young, Los Angeles, California

March 27, 2013

Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Matt. It is hard to find the right words to say. Please know that God is with you. His loving and tender mercy will ease your pain with time. Matt will be greatly missed. We will continue to pray for your family. George, Glenda, Anthony, and Erin Brown, Lions Football

March 27, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and his friends. He was always in a great mood when he came into class and was extremely polite. I remember his Marine Corps emblem belt buckle and being a Marine veteran myself, I was quite impressed with how proud he was of it and that he always displayed it in a very professional manner. Semper Fi.

~ Zach Fuhrman, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 27, 2013

Our hearts are absolutely breaking at your loss. Having four kids of our own, we are keenly aware of the indescribable love that grows between a parent and child. We couldn’t imagine losing one of them. We grieve with you.

We can’t help but think of Wayne Watson’s HOME FREE song, which reminds us that our ultimate healing happens when we are with Him–albeit way too soon (from our human prospective). We will continue to pray for your family during this very painful time.

~ Jason and Amy Block, Lansing, Michigan

March 27, 2013

I can’t believe that the wide-eyed Matthew is with Jesus today. I only knew him as one of the “little kids” during Lighthouse Academy and it’s incredible to see how much he’s grown up.

From the posts, I can easily tell that Matthew was a light to those who were lost as well as God’s little child.

❤

~ Olivia Ginn, Goshen, Indiana

March 27, 2013

DearJohn&Sonya, Our family is so saddened by your loss of Matthew. You all have been in our prayers constantly and will continue to hold you up in prayer. I remember Matthew as a sweet, little toddler at Bible Study.

With Love, Clint and Beth Myers

March 27, 2013

Sonya, We are saddened for your loss. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. Danny and Elizabeth Worpell

March 27, 2013

Sonja, and family: We are all so saddened to hear of Matthew’s death, and I send my heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Sonja, you might remember me (I’m Mary Anne McIndoe Emch’s Mother). This is going to be a very difficult time for you, and I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there’s anything we can do to help you, please let Mary Anne or me know. With love, Mrs. McIndoe

March 27, 2013

So sorry for you loss. His charming picture breaks my heart. Donna Oklak, Herron High School board member

March 27, 2013

My daughter met Matthew because their lockers were next to each other. She told me how he always brought a smile to her face whenever they would talk. She is heartbroken and so are we for your loss. Matthew will truly be missed by all who he touched. My prayers are with you continually.

~ Naomi Wilkins, Fishers, Indiana

March 27, 2013

My deepest sympathies for the loss of your beloved son Matthew. My heart goes out to all of you.

~ Alec Proudfoot, Santa Clara, California

March 27, 2013

I didn’t have the honor of knowing Matthew or your family but as a Mother who has lost a child I know the pain your are feeling right now and for a while yet to come. I can tell you that God is with you and with Matthew. God will see you through this. I promise you that. Sending prayers and understanding your way. Venus Cannon (from BRCC)

March 27, 2013

Praying for your family. I thought so highly of Matthew and still do.

~ Tracey Rollison, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 27, 2013

Thoughts and prayers to all of you in your time of loss we will continue to lift all of you in thoughts and prayers

March 27, 2013

Sonya & John,

My heart breaks for you. My son Max is the same age as your Matt. You are in my prayers forever and always.

All my Love & Loyalty

~ Terese Cooke Bottner, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

March 27, 2013

Sonya and family….we are sending you hugs and love and prayers. Hold tight to your memories, and let the love of those around you help you through these difficult days!

~ Carrie Butters Brownfield, West Chester, Ohio

March 27, 2013

We are heartbroken for you and pray that God gives your family strength and comfort. ‘God, I look to you for help. I trust in you, Lord’~Psalm141.8

~ Marty & John Fenton, Carmel, Indiana

March 27, 2013

We did not know Matt, but remember your family in Fishers in River Glen. Will pray for your family.

~ Lois Salzmann, Fishers, Indiana

March 27, 2013

Waters Family,

Our heartfelt sympathies as you go through these deep waters. May you feel His loving presence as the grief washes over you in waves. We are praying for you and remembering sweet, smart Matthew and the smiles he brought to the eQuip family and Herron students.

Hugs,

Daron & Susan Benson and family

March 27, 2013

Words cannot express our deep sorrow for you and your precious family. We will praying continually that you will know and feel God’s comfort and peace each day. We love you! Mark and Callie Nelson

March 26, 2013

~ Luke Renner, Anderson, Indiana

March 26, 2013

My dearest Jon and Sonya – I just heard the news and am crying my heart out for you. I am so very sorry. I know we lost touch years ago but you are still so special to me, both of you. You loved us youth group kids so much, helped so many of us whom were ourselves so troubled as teens. I hope this isn’t too honest but I thought many times of taking my life as a teen and you two, Brett and Carol, and Dave and Becky continued to give me hope throughout that tremendously difficult time – both by spending time talking with me personally and by sharing the Love of Jesus with me in how you treated me. I cannot thank you all enough for that. I am and will continue to be in earnest prayer for you and your children. If there’s *anything* I can do to help, please please just let me know. Much Much love.

“Whisper your love to me –

Comfort me with the simplicity –

That You are in control and I am not –

Shelter me with Angel’s wings –

Hold me up and make me sing –

About the Lifter of my Head –

The Lover of my Soul –

The One True God who is always in control…

~Greg and Rebecca Sparks

March 26, 2013

Dear John & Sonya, I did not know Matt, but knowing he was a combination of you both makes me know he was an incredible child of God. May God’s grace wash over you and His strong hand uphold you and your children. You are in His Hand and He will not let you go. Our prayers are for you.

~ Joanne Kuehnast, Waterford, Michigan

March 26, 2013

John, Sonya, Katy and Dawson, Our children all have such fond memories of playing in the neighborhood with Matthew when they were younger.He will be sincerely missed.We pray that God will comfort you all and give you strength in the upcoming days.Please know that your neighbors are all here to support you. Love, John & Mina Swofford and Family

~ Mina Swofford, Fishers, Indiana

March 26, 2013

John and Sonya,

How we love you! We have been praying constantly for you and your family! We are grieving with you! Praying you feel God’s love as you cling to Him!

~ Ann and Dave Wilson, Rochester Hills, Michigan

March 26, 2013

Sonya, know that you and your family are lovingly held in our hearts.

March 26, 2013

Luke 20:36. Matthew is equal unto angels now. Rejoice in that knowledge when your spirit allows. I am praying for you and your entire family. God Bless you.

~ Amanda Johnson

March 26, 2013

You are not alone in your grief. God promised to be near the broken hearted, and He will comfort you and give you strength. Our prayers are for you and your family.

~ Gary & Cindy Bolenbaugh, Fishers, Indiana

March 26, 2013

Sonya I am at a loss for words. My heart is breaking for you and your family. With love, Melanie

~ Melanie Puckett, Missoula, Montana

March 26, 2013

I am so sorry, Sonya. We’re praying for peace, comfort, and strength for your precious family. -The Lanier’s

~ Joy Lanier, Redmond, Washington

March 26, 2013

Sonya: I am truly saddened to hear this news. We will be lifting you, John, Katy, Dawson & Nate up in prayers today and for days to come.

~ Katy, Bryan & Sarah Weese, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 26, 2013

Sonya and John and family,

I just heard the news through Jennifer Cazier today. I cannot tell you how devastated I feel for you all…no words fit. I can only imagine the pain you all are in. I pray that God’s grace, comfort, and peace that transcends all understanding is sustaining you. I believe Matthew is sitting on Jesus’s lap…and as you do your best to stick with Jesus through this, you will be near Matthew, too. So many people love you. You are not alone. Prayers, tears, love, and sincere sympathy from our family to yours.

~ Mary Anne & Scott (and David and Rebecca) Emch, Noblesville, Indiana

March 26, 2013

Waters family,

I wish we had the right words, but please know that we care, and are praying along with the many people who loved Matt.

Farias family

March 26, 2013

Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Matt was among the first Herron students to welcome my son and help him get up to speed in a class together. His kindness won’t be forgotten. May joyful memories of your beloved son and brother bring you comfort and peace in the difficult days ahead.

~ Ryan Family

March 26, 2013

We were so saddened to hear the news about Matthew. He was always so polite and friendly to us. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

~ Laura and Matt Phillips, Fishers, Indiana

March 26, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss! Chandler remembers playing Lions’ FB with him a couple of years ago and he is sad to hear he won’t be with Matthew on the field again. Praying that your family finds God’s strength and peace during this difficult time.

~ Jerry & Sheri (Chandler) Good, Noblesville, Indiana

March 26, 2013

Waters family you are loved , and I will be praying for you guys .

~ Kynnedi Mitchell, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 26, 2013

We are praying that God will hold you close and give you the strength and comfort you need for today. I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. We have sweet memories of Matthew and time spent with your loving family. You are each in our thoughts and prayers.

~ Amy Clark and Family, Fishers, Indiana

March 26, 2013

Our family will keep your family in our prayers. Our hearts ache. Please know you are loved. Many will hold you up with prayers during this time. You are not alone. May God give you the peace that only He can give.

The Gambrel Family

~ Michelle Gambrel, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 26, 2013

May the angel of peace and comfort be with your family during this time of sorrow. Please know that your are in our prayers. God has a perfect plan, continue to trust and believe in His Word.

God Bless You,

Noelle Crumbley and The Drummer Family

March 26, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.

The Fox Family

~ September Fox, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 26, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss.your family is in our prayers. Debrah and Chris Zinerman

March 26, 2013

John and Sonya, Dawson, Katy, and Nate,

Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear of the loss of Matthew. He will be greatly missed. You are all in our prayers!

-Brandon and Kristin Farris

~ Kristin Farris, Ingalls, Indiana

March 26, 2013

we love you and are praying for you all.

may the Lord of Lords comfort you and keep you in his mighty hands. through Christ alone we place our trust.

Hugs, the Perdues

March 26, 2013

So sorry to hear about your loss. God cares so deeply about us that he has gone to great lengths to make the fulfillment of his purpose a certainty. (John 3:16). One of his promises is no more death. Another of his promises is that those in his memory will be brought back to life. May these facts bring you some comfort.

March 26, 2013

Dear John, Sonya and Family, I am so very, very, very sorry for your loss… I am praying for you and for the repose of Mathew’s soul… God Bless You and Strengthen You…

~ Greg Simopoulos, Fishers, Indiana

March 26, 2013

John, Andrea, Drew and my prayers are with your family. May God give you abundant grace during this time.

~ Curry Vogelsang Jr, Prosper, Texas

March 26, 2013

My heart is breaking for you. I will always remember that dear, sweet boy.

~ Lynn Hopper, Beaufort, South Carolina

March 26, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

~ Dan and Linda Ludek Brouns, Clarkston, Michigan

March 26, 2013

Dear Waters Family, Laurie and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

~ Hadrian Rori, Commerce, Michigan

March 26, 2013

Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.

David & Michele Waggoner

March 26, 2013

Praying for your healing. May God bless and comfort you in this difficult time.

Herron HS Board of Director

~ Patricia Gamble-Moore, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 26, 2013

Dear Family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Steve and I just prayed for your family. Please know we will continue to pray for the grace and comfort you all will need. Our hearts are broken with and for you. Love, Steve & Kristen Hall

~ Kristen Hall, Noblesville, Indiana

March 26, 2013

John and Sonya, I am so sorry for your loss. Our family has you in our thoughts and prayers.

~ Justin and Jennifer Moffett

March 26, 2013

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

~ Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Bernier, Collierville, Tennessee

March 26, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

~ Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Bernier, Collierville, Tennessee

March 26, 2013

My daughter was a classmate of Matt and the impact it has had on the kids at Herron has been tremendous. All are sad, but it has brought them closer, helped them think things through a little more regarding their own lives and has truly shown them the family they have at Herron.

God be with your family as you endure a pain more great than most have to endure an entire lifetime. Look to God for comfort and express to Him your feelings. We are continuously praying for you all.

~ Helms Family, Indianapolis

March 25, 2013

Dear Friends

The Sandalas are praying with you and we want you to know that Matthew brings a smile to our faces as we think of the bright life he was and will always be in our hearts. I truly cannot think of a time that I did not see Matthew and I smiled. He was joy and happiness. I cannot imagine your loss.

~ Dawna Sandala, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 25, 2013

Our hearts are broken by your loss. We only met Matt once, but were so impressed by him. Know that we pray for you often.

Peace & Blessings,

The Parkers

~ Lynda Parker, Indianapolis, Indiana

March 25, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this time.

~ Allisonville Road – Fishers, IN