Multi-award-winning Christian artist and songwriter Matthew West offered fans a deeply personal glimpse into his life during a recent appearance on Great American Pure Flix, sharing how his teenage daughter's passion for missions has challenged and inspired his own faith journey.
Speaking with Great American Pure Flix CEO Bill Abbott, West revealed that his youngest daughter recently departed for a three-week mission trip to Uganda, where she is serving at an orphanage. While admitting that sending his daughter halfway across the world was difficult as a father, West said her commitment to serving disadvantaged children has become a powerful example of what it means to live on mission.
"There's no greater joy than seeing your kids' faith become real to them," West said. "My kid going off to Africa definitely feels like she's showing me what it looks like to live on mission."
The Nashville-based singer, known for hits such as "Hello, My Name Is," "Truth Be Told," and "Don't Stop Praying," shared that his daughter volunteers regularly with an inner-city ministry in Nashville and has developed a heart for children through her experiences in Uganda. West described watching his children embrace their faith as one of the most rewarding aspects of parenthood.
Throughout the conversation, the Dove Award-winning artist reflected on the themes behind his latest devotional book, Don't Stop Praying, which explores how believers can approach God through every circumstance of life.
West emphasized that prayer is not simply reserved for moments of crisis but should become a daily rhythm that shapes every aspect of a believer's walk with God. Drawing from a prayer model he learned years ago, he highlighted the importance of beginning with adoration, confession, and thanksgiving before presenting personal requests to God.
The singer noted that gratitude has often transformed his perspective during difficult seasons. Recalling a family exercise during the COVID pandemic, West shared how his family intentionally shifted their focus from a list of worries to a list of blessings, discovering that they had far more reasons to be thankful than they initially realized.
The discussion also addressed prayer in times of anxiety and uncertainty. West pointed to Scripture's promise that God provides peace that surpasses understanding, arguing that true peace cannot be found in self-help strategies or worldly solutions but only through a relationship with Christ.
"Peace seems to be in short supply in our world right now," West observed, encouraging believers to bring their fears and concerns directly to God through prayer.
Another moving moment came when West discussed grief and mourning. Referencing Psalm 34:18, he spoke about God's nearness to the brokenhearted and revealed how that promise inspired his song "Be Close," which he wrote following the tragic death of his friend Charlie Kirk. West explained that the song emerged from wrestling with difficult questions while choosing to trust God's promise to remain near during seasons of pain and loss.
The interview also offered insight into West's songwriting process and the inspiration behind his popular Christmas song "Come Home for Christmas." He explained that the song was born from a desire to help people rediscover the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of a child while ultimately pointing listeners back to the story of Christ's birth.
In addition to discussing his current projects, West unveiled plans for a busy season ahead. He confirmed that he is putting the finishing touches on a brand-new studio album titled Jesus Is King, which is scheduled for release this fall. The project will coincide with the upcoming Jesus Is King Tour, which will include dates across the western United States and other markets around the country.
West also revealed plans to perform at a major K-LOVE event at Red Rocks Amphitheatre this summer and shared that he is currently working on several writing projects, including a new children's book.
As the conversation concluded, West encouraged listeners to remain faithful in prayer regardless of their circumstances.
"Don't stop praying," he said. "God hears you. He sees you. He knows you. He loves you, and He has the best plan for your life."
The full interview is available now on Great American Pure Flix's official YouTube channel and streaming platforms.
