Matthew Olson

Matthew was born and raised in several small towns in North Dakota. One of the schools he attended was a K–12 building where his graduating class of 2006 numbered about 150 students. Fun fact: back in 2002, his class had six Matthews, which meant nicknames were a must.

After graduation, Matthew joined the Army and entered Basic and Advanced Military Training. Just as he shipped out for training, he learned that his assigned unit was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. Volunteering to join, he found himself at only 18 years old serving in the high mountains of Afghanistan for a year. Upon returning, he enrolled at North Dakota State University but was soon deployed again for another year overseas.

After completing his service, Matthew finished his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and then moved to Colorado, where he spent a few years working at a ski resort in the winters and a trail-riding resort in the summers. It was during this season that he met his wife, Lillie. The couple married in 2019 and later settled on Maryland’s Eastern Shore—“Down by the bay, where the watermelons grow,” as the children’s song says. Today, they enjoy life on their small farmette with their two-year-old son, Sawyer William, just a short drive from family. They are expecting their second child in March of 2026.

In his teenage years and military service, Matthew wrestled with faith and pushed God away. But on Mother’s Day in 2024, he was re-baptized and fully gave his life to Christ. In February 2025, he joined his first mission trip to Ghana with ASON International, an experience that deeply motivated him to spread the Gospel.

Matthew is now an active member of his church, serving as a youth leader, small group student and teacher, and a faithful participant in community events. His passion for Christ, coupled with his resilience and life experiences, make him a valued member of ASON International’s Board.