Matt and Tracy Penland

Matt and Tracy Penland are graduates of our 1989 class at University Christian School.  Dating all through High School and later marrying in 1992, they have filled their lives with missions and a ministry for people in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

After graduating from University Christian School, Matt attended the University of Nebraska and graduated in 1994.  They then returned to Jacksonville and Matt went to Luther Rice Seminary School graduating in 1997.  Their first daughter, Ressa, was born in 1995. Matt took on an Associate Pastor Job at a church they attended during his college years in Nebraska, when their second child, Naomi, was born in 1998. In 2002 the Penlands joined several others in a movement of God in Lincoln called Ekklesia, a group of people seeking to experience and express Christ individually and in community. They started raising support and began a church in their home called Ekklesia.  There are currently 5 home groups that meet as a part of Ekklesia. In 2004 Matt was invited to be the Team Chaplain for the Football team at the University of Nebraska. Over the last several years Matts involvement as the Spiritual Coordinator for the  Nebraska Football and Baseball teams has grown to a full time capacity, leading to the organization of Building NU. .

Matt has had the privilege of working with players, coaches and staff doing Bible studies, character talks and so much more.  Tracy's ministry is with the coach's wives and building a strong Christian relationship with them, encouraging, counseling and pointing them to Christ.   A house was purchased where they house approximately 4-5 current and former athletes allowing them to experience spiritual development with the close support of one another and build profound peer relationships for life. They have utilized this location as a type of "ministry hub" for off-site spiritual development projects with student-athletes, including book studies and prayer meetings. They also, utilize this location as a healthy social gathering site for student-athletes, which will provide them with a positive alternative to other potentially destructive social settings such as bars or alcohol-abusing parties. All this has taken the ministry one step closer to building God's kingdom in the lives of individuals.  During this process, Matt and Tracy had their last daughter in 2005, Cynthia Joy. 

"Building N U" was started with the desire to "see Christ formed in you" from Galatians 4:19. To build the character of Jesus Christ into the hearts of student athletes and coaches, focusing on the development of the Christian spiritual life, challenging each individual to live a life directed, empowered, and motivated towards the character of Jesus Christ himself.  If you are interested in helping Matt and Tracy with their ministry, you can contact them at PenlandMatt@gmail.com  or make donations to University Baptist Church c/o Matt and Tracy Penland. 

University Christian School is proud to see the seeds planted and growing in Christ's love!

Matthew 13:31-32