Mandy Mouser
As I reflect on the past 30 years, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for what God has done through Gateway Church (formerly Abundant Life), and for the friends who have walked alongside our family (Larry, Josh & Katelyn) in every life and ministry season.
Our family’s journey began Thanksgiving of 1992 when the Gignac family invited us to Abundant Life. Larry and I grew up in different denominations and were prayerfully seeking one church where our family could worship, grow, and serve together. Little did we know that this invitation would mark the beginning of three decades of calling Abundant Life/Gateway our church home and provide new opportunities as professions for myself, Larry and Josh.
In those early years, we were a portable church – meeting every Sunday at Ward Elementary with one service time. Larry sang in the choir, we helped with set-up and tear-down, and I volunteered with our preschoolers each week. In the children’s area, we created makeshift classrooms using cafeteria tables to divide baby, toddler, and preschool areas. We had “Mr. Jim” who was the Guitar Brigade, pretend kitchens made from recycled storage bins that doubled as toy storage during the week and play stoves on Sundays; and through all of it, children were learning about Jesus. It was simple, humble, and part of my ministry calling.
In May of 1996, the pastor at Abundant Life asked me to start-up a weekday preschool. By God’s grace, the Ark Children’s Center opened in August of that same year. Although my degree and background included teaching science, physical education, coaching, and two years teaching Pre-K at a Methodist preschool in Pasadena, I had absolutely no idea how to direct a preschool. I didn’t know how to hire staff, manage budgets, navigate building or occupancy codes, construct a playground, or even fully understand minimum standards.
Yet, as God always does, He proved faithful. He surrounded me with incredible teachers, business-minded leaders, and mentors who coached and supported me every step of the way. I began that journey without my director’s certificate—receiving a waiver and attending night school the following year to earn the credential. God truly made a way. I also look back and see how leadership conferences I had attended as a Lay Leader provided my love of becoming a better leader and what the word ‘influence’ humbly meant.
In the fall of 2006, Randy Hageman asked me to prayerfully consider stepping into the role of Children’s Director over Gateway Kids, which also included supervising the Ark Children’s Center. I accepted, trusting God’s timing—and it was perfect. He brought together an amazing ministry team during that season, including Terri Kent and Charlotte Morse, and it was filled with countless “God moments.” Christy Mayhew stepped into the Ark Director role, bringing me tremendous peace and confidence, as she was a gifted teacher and a spiritual mentor.
Looking back over these 30 years of ministry, one truth is clear: you never walk this journey alone. I am first and foremost grateful to God—for taking someone who preferred to stay behind the scenes and grew me in leadership, humility, wisdom, and dependence on Him. I have seen firsthand that when we are willing to be shaped, molded, coached, and remain humble, God can grow something truly beautiful.
What I am most proud of are the relationships God has allowed me both to pour into and to be shaped by. My mom has been my greatest mentor, modeling a life of integrity and faith as a true woman of God. Over the years, the Lord has placed many women in my life whom I’ve had the privilege to mentor—and who, in turn, have mentored and shaped me. I am deeply grateful to have played a small role in impacting lives and advancing God’s Kingdom.
I am secondly proud of the people in my ministry who helped start our Special Blessings class. A volunteer, Jessica Dudley first had the heart for the ministry. Then Belinda Thompson and now Amy Thac have continued to grow this ministry to better meet the needs of our Special Blessings families.
Another area in which our children’s team has grown with excellence has been Summer Kids Club. Terri Kent has led this charge, and the fruits of this concentrated week has led to many decisions to follow Jesus. During SKC, we have intentionally partnered with Starfish Kenya as our Mission Project every year, and from donations from our SKC kids and adults have raised over $100,000 to help build two playgrounds, a dairy farm, soccer fields, libraries, and a basketball court, as well as provide classroom furniture and computers.
I have loved the relationships formed with my teams, parents, students, and our Gateway family. One of the greatest joys has been witnessing children grow up through Gateway Kids, move into student ministry, and now—years later—lead their own families, serve in ministry as a calling or live out their faith as Christian leaders in the workplace. Those moments are sacred reminders of God’s faithfulness.
Another joy is watching my team grow as leaders, and seeing the passion they have for our Gateway Kids and families! Their passion, work ethic and servant hearts inspire me every day.
As I look ahead, I am prayerfully discerning how to finish strong. While I don’t yet know what my next steps are, I am confident that God is not finished with me. I trust He will lead me toward a part-time role filled with purpose, Kingdom impact, and opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life—just as He has faithfully directed my steps throughout this entire Gateway adventure. And outside of a part-time job, I want to learn a couple of hobbies that might include taking a painting class and hopefully writing several toddler children’s books!
My prayer for Gateway Church is that its staff and lay leadership will continue to seek the Lord wholeheartedly – His will, His way – every step of the journey. That we would not grow weary, but would continue to pray for one another, support one another, love one another, and serve one another with humility, walking in the love of Christ. I pray and know that as I pass the torch to Ann, Amy, Nick, Sidonia, Andy, Erika and the future elementary coordinator, they will continue to grow and improve whatever kingdom impact God calls them to. I love them all and have the utmost confidence in them!
I have been truly blessed beyond measure and so grateful for everyone who has prayed over me, encouraged me, taught me something, listened to me, hugged me, or supported me; you’ve all been a part of my journey…Thank You!
Our family’s journey began Thanksgiving of 1992 when the Gignac family invited us to Abundant Life. Larry and I grew up in different denominations and were prayerfully seeking one church where our family could worship, grow, and serve together. Little did we know that this invitation would mark the beginning of three decades of calling Abundant Life/Gateway our church home and provide new opportunities as professions for myself, Larry and Josh.
In those early years, we were a portable church – meeting every Sunday at Ward Elementary with one service time. Larry sang in the choir, we helped with set-up and tear-down, and I volunteered with our preschoolers each week. In the children’s area, we created makeshift classrooms using cafeteria tables to divide baby, toddler, and preschool areas. We had “Mr. Jim” who was the Guitar Brigade, pretend kitchens made from recycled storage bins that doubled as toy storage during the week and play stoves on Sundays; and through all of it, children were learning about Jesus. It was simple, humble, and part of my ministry calling.
In May of 1996, the pastor at Abundant Life asked me to start-up a weekday preschool. By God’s grace, the Ark Children’s Center opened in August of that same year. Although my degree and background included teaching science, physical education, coaching, and two years teaching Pre-K at a Methodist preschool in Pasadena, I had absolutely no idea how to direct a preschool. I didn’t know how to hire staff, manage budgets, navigate building or occupancy codes, construct a playground, or even fully understand minimum standards.
Yet, as God always does, He proved faithful. He surrounded me with incredible teachers, business-minded leaders, and mentors who coached and supported me every step of the way. I began that journey without my director’s certificate—receiving a waiver and attending night school the following year to earn the credential. God truly made a way. I also look back and see how leadership conferences I had attended as a Lay Leader provided my love of becoming a better leader and what the word ‘influence’ humbly meant.
In the fall of 2006, Randy Hageman asked me to prayerfully consider stepping into the role of Children’s Director over Gateway Kids, which also included supervising the Ark Children’s Center. I accepted, trusting God’s timing—and it was perfect. He brought together an amazing ministry team during that season, including Terri Kent and Charlotte Morse, and it was filled with countless “God moments.” Christy Mayhew stepped into the Ark Director role, bringing me tremendous peace and confidence, as she was a gifted teacher and a spiritual mentor.
Looking back over these 30 years of ministry, one truth is clear: you never walk this journey alone. I am first and foremost grateful to God—for taking someone who preferred to stay behind the scenes and grew me in leadership, humility, wisdom, and dependence on Him. I have seen firsthand that when we are willing to be shaped, molded, coached, and remain humble, God can grow something truly beautiful.
What I am most proud of are the relationships God has allowed me both to pour into and to be shaped by. My mom has been my greatest mentor, modeling a life of integrity and faith as a true woman of God. Over the years, the Lord has placed many women in my life whom I’ve had the privilege to mentor—and who, in turn, have mentored and shaped me. I am deeply grateful to have played a small role in impacting lives and advancing God’s Kingdom.
I am secondly proud of the people in my ministry who helped start our Special Blessings class. A volunteer, Jessica Dudley first had the heart for the ministry. Then Belinda Thompson and now Amy Thac have continued to grow this ministry to better meet the needs of our Special Blessings families.
Another area in which our children’s team has grown with excellence has been Summer Kids Club. Terri Kent has led this charge, and the fruits of this concentrated week has led to many decisions to follow Jesus. During SKC, we have intentionally partnered with Starfish Kenya as our Mission Project every year, and from donations from our SKC kids and adults have raised over $100,000 to help build two playgrounds, a dairy farm, soccer fields, libraries, and a basketball court, as well as provide classroom furniture and computers.
I have loved the relationships formed with my teams, parents, students, and our Gateway family. One of the greatest joys has been witnessing children grow up through Gateway Kids, move into student ministry, and now—years later—lead their own families, serve in ministry as a calling or live out their faith as Christian leaders in the workplace. Those moments are sacred reminders of God’s faithfulness.
Another joy is watching my team grow as leaders, and seeing the passion they have for our Gateway Kids and families! Their passion, work ethic and servant hearts inspire me every day.
As I look ahead, I am prayerfully discerning how to finish strong. While I don’t yet know what my next steps are, I am confident that God is not finished with me. I trust He will lead me toward a part-time role filled with purpose, Kingdom impact, and opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life—just as He has faithfully directed my steps throughout this entire Gateway adventure. And outside of a part-time job, I want to learn a couple of hobbies that might include taking a painting class and hopefully writing several toddler children’s books!
My prayer for Gateway Church is that its staff and lay leadership will continue to seek the Lord wholeheartedly – His will, His way – every step of the journey. That we would not grow weary, but would continue to pray for one another, support one another, love one another, and serve one another with humility, walking in the love of Christ. I pray and know that as I pass the torch to Ann, Amy, Nick, Sidonia, Andy, Erika and the future elementary coordinator, they will continue to grow and improve whatever kingdom impact God calls them to. I love them all and have the utmost confidence in them!
I have been truly blessed beyond measure and so grateful for everyone who has prayed over me, encouraged me, taught me something, listened to me, hugged me, or supported me; you’ve all been a part of my journey…Thank You!
From name:
Posted in retirement
Recent
Archive
2025
December
2024
2023
November
December
2022
October