God’s Vision, Matt’s Calling: The Story Behind Village Reach University

Mathew Sankhil, Dreamer for Mission: India

Matt didn’t start with a big idea or a bold plan. He started with faithfulness.

When Village Reach first began walking alongside Matt in India, the work in front of him was small and practical. Together, we began with a chicken farming project. It was something tangible, rooted in daily care and responsibility. Matt took it seriously and stewarded it well. Over time, it became clear that he was trustworthy with what had been placed in his hands.

As trust grew, so did prayer. Slowly, a new vision began to form.

Matt’s village has a complicated history. There have been ethnic and religious clashes that make everyday life more difficult than it should be. For many families, something as simple as traveling to buy essential goods can carry real risk. Movement isn’t always safe. Access isn’t always guaranteed.

As Matt prayed about his community, he began to sense God inviting him to do something about it. The vision wasn’t flashy or ambitious. It was deeply practical. A small local store, close to home, where families could buy everyday goods without fear. A place that would serve his own neighbors with dignity and care.

There was just one problem. Matt had never run a store before. He had no experience managing inventory, pricing, or sourcing goods, and no background in the day-to-day decisions a store requires. By any reasonable measure, he wasn’t “ready.”

But what he did have was a history of obedience. And that matters.

So instead of waiting until everything made sense, Matt took the next faithful step. Slowly, carefully, with prayer and support, the idea began to move forward and Manna Mart was finished in 2025. Village Reach didn’t rush him to make the store profitable. We stayed close, asked questions, and helped Matt learn what he needed as he went along.

In moments like this, we’re reminded of how often God works this way. When Jesus called the disciples, He didn’t wait until they understood where the road would lead. He simply said, “Follow me.” They left what was familiar and learned as they walked with Him.

That’s why Village Reach University exists.

Village Reach University, or VRU, is a growing, faith-based learning platform designed to equip local leaders, or Dreamers, with practical skills, knowledge, and habits to bring their visions to life in their communities. Each course combines clear, actionable lessons with supporting materials, quizzes, and assignments to ensure learning is applied in real life.

The cover of the VRU Welcome Packet

Course 1, Smart Start — Store Basics, is just the beginning. VRU will offer many courses in a variety of topics, helping Dreamers build confidence, improve operations, and develop sustainable practices across multiple areas of community and business life. Every course is designed to be flexible, self-paced, and hands-on, giving Dreamers the tools they need to grow while keeping God’s guidance at the center of their work.

The title page of our first course, created for Matt.

At VRU, every lesson is a step toward clarity, impact, and the faithful pursuit of your God-given dream.

Matt’s store didn’t begin because he had all the answers. It began because he loved his community, listened to God, and trusted that the next step would be enough.

That kind of courage still takes my breath away.

God doesn’t wait for us to feel ready. He asks us to be faithful. And somehow, along the way, He does the equipping.

Your support makes these stories possible. Every contribution helps leaders like Matt serve their communities.