Matthew Bartholome
Like many believers, Matthew Bartholome was raised in a Christian home and spent most of his life attending church. Yet for years he wrestled with a question that many Christians face: Why Jesus? He believed in a divine Creator, but his personal reason for faith in Christ didn’t become real until age fourteen—when his dog passed away. In his grief, Matthew prayed a simple test: he asked God to send him another animal if He truly heard his prayers. Two weeks later, a stray cat appeared at his back door. From that day on, the cat never left. To Matthew, this was no coincidence—it was a divine answer that confirmed Jesus was alive and listening.
Even with that revelation, Matthew didn’t take his walk with God seriously until he was eighteen. One Sunday, while sitting in church, he heard a voice behind him call his name: “Matthew.” He turned around—no one was there. Again, the same voice said, “Matthew.” The third time, it spoke clearly: “Matthew, what are you doing with your life that’s better than what I could be doing?” Deeply convicted, Matthew’s spirit replied, “Nothing, Lord.” Then came the response that changed everything: “Then what are you doing?” For eight weeks, Matthew tried to ignore that encounter, but during that time he felt empty—void of love, joy, and peace. Finally, he surrendered, deciding to make the Lord his everything.
Soon after, during the COVID-19 shutdowns, Matthew’s church closed its doors. Searching for a place to worship, he found Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, where he witnessed believers on fire for God—serving, sacrificing, and living boldly for their faith. Their example would later shape his heart for ministry and the pro-life movement.
About a year later, a friend invited Matthew to a prayer walk. At first, he didn’t understand the need to “walk and pray,” but when he arrived, he realized it was held outside a Planned Parenthood. There he saw the pain of women being deceived, the heartbreak of those leaving in tears, and the spiritual battle waging for unborn lives. Matthew knew then that God was calling him to stand for the unborn as a sidewalk counselor.
Through the ministry Love Life, Matthew found more than a team—he found a family. The people he served with showed true love, compassion, and care, demonstrating that the heart of the pro-life movement is rooted in genuine concern for others. As Matthew says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
A few years later, Matthew planned to attend the California March for Life but couldn’t find a ride—until a friend introduced him to Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust. For just $60, they offered him a bus ride, and what began as a convenient trip became a life-changing encounter. At their events, Matthew saw activism in action and witnessed real change—lawmakers shifting their stance after hearing their voices. He discovered that standing publicly for truth truly makes a difference.
When asked why he’s so determined in his mission, Matthew answers simply:
“Do you believe abortion is murder?”
“Yes.”
“Then why don’t you act like it?”
That question fuels his passion today. Because for Matthew Bartholome, abortion isn’t just an issue—it’s a calling to act, to speak, and to stand for life.