At Vashti, we believe that when God leads, we follow—and when He brings someone into our fold, it’s never by accident. That’s why we are overjoyed to officially welcome Reverend Donald Mathis as our new full-time Chaplain for the Vashti Center’s residential program.
Reverend Mathis comes to us with more than two decades of ministry experience, a deep well of wisdom, and a calling rooted in compassion and service. A native of Tifton, Georgia, Reverend Mathis has faithfully pastored congregations across the South Georgia Conference and served in countless community-based ministry roles, always guided by his unshakable belief that “Prayer Changes Things.”
But his next step—planting roots here in Thomasville and joining our mission at Vashti—was not just about a job. It was about a calling.
“I’ve always believed that ministry extends beyond the pulpit. At Vashti, I have the opportunity to walk alongside young people during some of the most pivotal moments in their lives. It’s a calling I take to heart—and Thomasville feels like the right place to plant roots and serve in this next season of life.”
Reverend Mathis will serve the 20 youth living on our campus—teenagers ages 13 to 17 who are navigating behavioral health challenges and life transitions in our therapeutic residential foster care cottages. Many arrive having endured deep wounds, trauma, and loss. Reverend Mathis will offer them something steady: spiritual guidance, mentorship, prayer, and above all, presence.
In his own words, Reverend Mathis shared the heart behind his decision to join the Vashti family:
“Choosing to work with the Vashti Center for Children and Families comes from a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families facing challenges. Vashti is a mission-driven organization, dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations, and its focus on helping children and families provides a powerful opportunity to truly make a difference.”
“This role allows me to use my skills, talents, and spiritual gifts to support those who need it most, whether through pastoral counseling, education, or advocacy. Throughout my preteen and adult life, I’ve been blessed by the influence of pastors, youth counselors, and mentors who poured into me with patience, love, kindness, and care. They were also firm when necessary, helping to shape my character. These individuals gave me a sense of direction, purpose, and correction—guidance that was essential in my journey to becoming the man of God I was created to be. By joining Vashti, I hope to offer that same guidance and support to others, just as it was offered to me.”
“They helped me grow in my faith and come to know God through meaningful experiences. My understanding of the Christian faith was shaped by the Wesleyan Quadrilateral—through scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. It is my hope that the same will happen for the youth here at Vashti as I connect them with local churches and lead weekly Bible studies. I pray they will begin to discover their purpose and God’s calling for their lives. As I live, serve, and provide spiritual guidance within this organization, I am committed to walking alongside them in their faith journey, just as others once did for me.”
“It is my prayer that I will continue to grow in my personal, professional and spiritual development as I work within this supportive environment which will have a meaningful impact on my life and the lives of families and children who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. I also chose to work with Vashti because their values align with my personal values, which will make my work here feel more purposeful and fulfilling.”
We know that God has uniquely equipped Reverend Mathis for this moment. His background in social work, his years of shepherding congregations, his leadership in outreach and advocacy across Georgia—all of it has prepared him for this next season of ministry at Vashti.
And for us, this is not just an addition to our team—it’s an answered prayer.
We ask our community to join us in giving Reverend Mathis and his wife, Margariete Joyce Mathis, a warm Thomasville welcome. We know their presence here will be a blessing to our organization, our youth, and the entire Vashti family.
As we move forward, we do so with faith, with gratitude, and with open hearts—trusting that the same God who led Reverend Mathis to Vashti will continue to do immeasurably more through his ministry here.