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Matthew McKeown (Acker)(born December 31, 1964) is an American contemporary poet known for his distinct literary voice and thematic exploration in his works. His poetry often delves into personal experiences, relationships, and reflections on life, marked by vivid imagery and emotional depth

Early Life and Education
Matthew was born on December 31, 1964, in Newburgh, NY known once as both the All American City and the Murder Capital of New York.

His time there in the 70’s and 80’s was a little of both. He attended Newburgh Free Academy (HS), Newburgh Theological Institute(AA Th.)Trinity College and University (BTh. With a Pastoral Counseling Distinctive)

Personal Life
Matt was born to Mary McKeown a first generation immigrant to America from Glasgow, Scotland. Her family is originally from Ireland emigrating to Scotland in the 1800’s

Both his mother’s parents died when she was very young and because of the bombing of Europe during WWII she was brought to America as a sponsored worker when she was 16. She came over on the Queen Mary II.

Matthew McKeown’s family from Scotland comes from a long line of illustrious soldiers serving in several wars (see gallery for pics).

After high school Matthew as his predecessors had done in the past he too enlisted in the military as a Tanker in U.S. Army serving under President Ronald Regan. He was stationed at Fort Knox, KY.

Returning home to Newburgh in the early 80’s he pursued various occupations before meeting and marring his wife Lisa of 30+ years.

He attended college in the late 80’s through the late 90’s focusing on Clerical Vocation.

After the birth of their Son Matthew the family moved to Taylors, South Carolina where Matthew served as a Youth Evangelist for Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church and he and his wife had their second and last child a Daughter they named Micah.

In 2001 he moved his family to Florida as a Senior Pastor of the ROC Church (Redeemed of Christ Ministries). Today he is currently serving as a Chaplain for The Mission to Serve, a non-profit disaster Relief Org. in Safety Harbor, FL.

Career
McKeown's writing didn’t begin until late 2000’s after witch he began to write poetry and eventually going on to author several Christian books- Purpose Driven Love, In Need of Christian Counseling and A Christian Shadow Journal, via Truth Media Publishing.

Matthew list of poems are extensive here are some of his more prolific works.

No Strength in the End, Like a Deer- Dear Lord, She longs for Daylight,

Stigmata Redemption, Her Love a Soldier's Dirge,

Well Known Stranger, The Lonely Among Us, The Shrinking Sky,