Meet Matthew Patrella

Matthew, in the middle on the left, is always down to hang out!

I first met Matthew when he came up to me at Starbucks and asked, "What's this Young Life stuff about?" I was reading my Bible and had a YL shirt on with a YL sticker on my computer. He noticed the Bible and figured, since he liked that, he might be into Young Life as well. After months of getting to know each other, he is now a good friend and one of the amazing leaders at Ladera Ranch WyldLife. For the past 7 years or so Matthew has been a fixture at the Ladera Starbucks as he worked on several degrees, including a MBA from Concordia University, and more recently studying to complete his licensing to become a CPA. He is now spending most of his time working with WyldLife, looking for a place to start his new career, and fishing.

A true fisherman

Meet Matthew Patrella:

Born: Oct. 4, 1986 Mission Viejo, CA

How, when, and where did you meet Jesus: I don't think there was ever a specific way, place, or time. My relationship with Jesus has been a progression with various ups and downs.

Who is the person that has had a deep impact on your relationship with Jesus and why: Fr. Ambrose from St. Michael's Abbey. I sought guidance from the Abbey and just happened to talk to him when my axiety reemerged in my early 20's. I have continued to seek theological counsel from him.

Most embarrassing memory from middle school: I missed almost all of 7th grade when my anxiety disorder emerged. I had to still go to school so that they got paid for me showing up and the result was me doing independent study in an empty office. I tried my very best to not let others know but I played baseball with kids that I was going to school with so others eventually found out.

Spot on Halloween costume for a up-and-coming CPA

Why are you a WyldLife leader: To show others Christ's Love and that Salvation is attained only though Him.

Why do you think WyldLife is important: It spreads Christ's message in a world that is full of secular clutter.

Favorite thing to do for fun: Currently it is anything with the ocean, whether it is fishing, swimming, tidepools, diving, etc.

A loyal Kings fan

Best memory from your time with WyldLife Ladera Ranch: That first time a kid came up to me to say hi and knew my name.

If you could share any one thing with one of the kids, what would it be: Christ is there, no matter what you do, where you go, and what happens, He is still there and His love is eternal.

If you were an ice cream flavor, what flavor would you be: Espresso Chip because I basically run on espresso.

Matthew's happy place