Standing With Pastor Steve & Dawn in a Time of Great Need

Steve and Dawn Mathews are known to many as a couple who live out their faith through quiet, unwavering service. Steve faithfully serves as pastor of United Baptist Church in Valdese, North Carolina, and as Chaplain for the North Carolina Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. Together, Steve and Dawn have spent years pouring into others—teaching, encouraging, and serving without seeking recognition or reward.

Recently, their lives were forever changed by a sudden and devastating medical emergency. What began as a swollen, painful hand rapidly progressed into a life-threatening infection caused by flesh-eating bacteria. Steve was rushed to the hospital, airlifted for emergency treatment, and underwent multiple surgeries to save his life. He endured septic shock and critical illness, ultimately losing his arm above the elbow. He now faces an additional surgery to remove his foot. By God’s mercy, Steve survived—but the road ahead will be long and challenging.

As the Christmas season approaches—a time centered on hope, peace, and the celebration of Christ—the Mathews family finds themselves navigating recovery, uncertainty, and overwhelming medical realities. The months ahead will bring significant expenses, rehabilitation needs, medical equipment, and major life adjustments as Steve learns to live after these life-altering surgeries.

This fundraiser is not about fixing everything. It is about blessing a faithful family.

Many have asked how they can help. This is an opportunity to come alongside Steve and Dawn in a tangible way—to help ease financial burdens, to offer practical support, and to surround them with love during a season that is especially difficult.

If you feel led to give, please know that every gift—no matter the size—is a reminder that they are not walking this journey alone. Above all, we ask for continued prayer: for healing, strength, peace, and the comforting presence of **Emmanuel—God with us—**this Christmas.

“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2

Thank you for loving the Mathews family so well.