My name is Matthew Hopersberger and I am 18 years old. I live in Michigan. I am 1 of 4 brothers. I am a hockey player, and I have been playing ever since I could walk. I just graduated from an amazing school called Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Guadalupe. While I was there, I experienced a lot of things that challenged me as person.

I have never been strong in my faith, and my life consisted of school, training, and playing hockey. I would go to Mass most Sundays. As I got older, my parents and younger brother grew in their faith, while I did not.

Although I had gone to a Catholic school for 5-8 grade, I ended up attending a public high school. The weekend before school started for my senior year, my parents told me that I was going to go to Chesterton. I was not happy; I had to cut my hair, wear dress clothes, and go to Mass every day before school. It felt like the end of the world for me.

When I got to Chesterton I felt out of place, like these other kids didn’t live in the same world I did. But these kids changed me. These teachers changed me. They sent me on a journey I never knew I would take. I have grown way more in my faith, and my life has become more joyful.

Hard as Nails came to our school. Honestly, I was not interested until months later when someone pointed out that Hard as Nails might be the answer to my struggles.

I started praying, asking if this would be the path I would need to take to improve as a person and help others. I believe that becoming a missionary for a year at HAN will make me almost a different person. I want to help children receive the love and power of God so their lives and childhood can be improved.

Your donations will be so powerful, because not only is the money going to the organization, but you’re helping me accomplish these goals and helping me improve as an individual.

These types of opportunities do not come often. Even a dollar will help because that’s one dollar closer for me to reach my goal. If you cannot donate, please pray for me to not give up, and to keep pushing to do good. I’m hoping this journey will allow me to draw closer to God and become a better person.

Thank you so much for reading my story and thank you for the prayers and donations. May God help you and your families through these tough times. God Bless.