“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant…” (2 Cor. 3:5-6a)
Our Story
Matt and Marla Hanna Joined Baptist Mid-Missions in 1987 for missionary service in Taiwan, where they served for 33 years. In 2002 they planted Cornerstone Baptist Church. The church became established and has grown through God’s blessing; it continues to be a gospel light to its community with a congregation of growing disciples.
In 2022 they entered a transition to a new ministry of church revitalization at Good News Baptist Church in Katy, Texas. The Hannas are currently traveling in deputation to raise additional support needed for ministry in their new field of service.
Matt
Matt grew up in a Christian home in California and attended public high school in Manteca, California. He was converted at age eighteen, while attending Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. During his study years he became convinced of God’s call to foreign missions and God particularly burdened him for the island of Taiwan.
Matt’s primary interests are studying the Bible and preaching and teaching biblical truth; he is an avid reader with interests in classic literature, contemporary fiction, theology, and history. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Missions and Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees in Bible.
Read a full account of Matt’s Testimony of Conversion and Call to Ministry.
Read some of Matt’s original poetry.
Marla
Marla was also reared in a Christian family; she grew up at Hope Baptist Church in Hope, Michigan and was converted when a small child. She began learning piano at age 4, which developed into a lifetime passion. Marla also attended BJU where she received a degree in Nursing; her call to missionary service came during a mission conference at her home church after her graduation.
Marla and Matt first met on a blind date during their college years at BJU. However, it was after Marla’s call to missionary service that they began correspond regularly and soon sensed God leading them to serve the Lord together. They were married in 1986 and have three children.
As a missionary wife and mother, Marla has home-schooled their three children, who are now grown. She has supported Matt in ministry, by serving as the church pianist, choir director, and music coordinator, and by working with women in teaching, counseling, and discipleship ministries.
“He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” (Ps. 111:4)
Through the Years
Our family in prayer cards: 1987-2024.
