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 Kelly Ferree:
Mandy was in the water with all three of my children as they were being baptized. She stood with us as we dedicated Kendall to the Lord.
She has ALWAYS been so faithful and kind. Through victories and tragedies, Mandy was always present. She has prayed over my family and has allowed me the privilege of praying over the Mousers.
She helped Tracy in her transition to heaven. I saw just how much she loved her, and she has never missed acknowledging her birthday or the day of her earthly death for almost 10 years.
We are family....I, in all of my years, have never met a person I respect more, nor a person who displays the love of Jesus more than Mandy Mouser. Words will never do her justice, nor convey just how much I love her.
I, with my family, are so grateful that God put her in our path.
Mandy was in the water with all three of my children as they were being baptized. She stood with us as we dedicated Kendall to the Lord.
She has ALWAYS been so faithful and kind. Through victories and tragedies, Mandy was always present. She has prayed over my family and has allowed me the privilege of praying over the Mousers.
She helped Tracy in her transition to heaven. I saw just how much she loved her, and she has never missed acknowledging her birthday or the day of her earthly death for almost 10 years.
We are family....I, in all of my years, have never met a person I respect more, nor a person who displays the love of Jesus more than Mandy Mouser. Words will never do her justice, nor convey just how much I love her.
I, with my family, are so grateful that God put her in our path.
From Jen Janney:
My earliest memories of Mandy were my early days on staff. She was still the Ark Children’s Center Director then at Abundant Life. I really learned so much more about her professionally when she joined the staff as Director of Gateway Kids when we were preparing to move into this building. I watched her navigate the decisions of opening a new children’s wing, oversee and make choices about our original playground (which is WAY more complicated than one would think!). I learned even more as our paths crossed at large church events, watching her NEVER lose her cool, always able to pivot when the world shifted beneath her, and quietly organizing and leading with grace, kindness and a smile. I learned more about her personally on a car ride to a Women’s Conference and grew to love and respect her even more. In our time serving together in leadership, I’ve come to love and respect her deeply.
Mandy is one of the purest examples I’ve met of a person with the gift of Serving, and who walks in the Spirit, exhibiting its fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, and all with a twinkle in her eyes! I will miss serving alongside her and will miss seeing her weekly. I pray that she will walk with the assurance of all the lives she has touched and guided toward Jesus, and that she will know the love and gratitude of our church family.
My earliest memories of Mandy were my early days on staff. She was still the Ark Children’s Center Director then at Abundant Life. I really learned so much more about her professionally when she joined the staff as Director of Gateway Kids when we were preparing to move into this building. I watched her navigate the decisions of opening a new children’s wing, oversee and make choices about our original playground (which is WAY more complicated than one would think!). I learned even more as our paths crossed at large church events, watching her NEVER lose her cool, always able to pivot when the world shifted beneath her, and quietly organizing and leading with grace, kindness and a smile. I learned more about her personally on a car ride to a Women’s Conference and grew to love and respect her even more. In our time serving together in leadership, I’ve come to love and respect her deeply.
Mandy is one of the purest examples I’ve met of a person with the gift of Serving, and who walks in the Spirit, exhibiting its fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, and all with a twinkle in her eyes! I will miss serving alongside her and will miss seeing her weekly. I pray that she will walk with the assurance of all the lives she has touched and guided toward Jesus, and that she will know the love and gratitude of our church family.
From Katelyn Mouser:
Hiiii mommmma,
So, What does it mean to be a leader?
We often describe a leader as someone who inspires passion and motivates others to follow a vision. Someone who not only sees the path ahead but helps others walk it — providing support, tools, and encouragement along the way. Good leaders embody empathy, humility, integrity, patience, and the ability to resolve conflict with grace.
But when I think about the last 30 years of my mom’s service — first as the Ark Director and ultimately as the Children’s Ministry Director — I don’t think of a good leader. I think of a great one. And not because she ever sought to be recognized as such, but because she lived out all these qualities quietly, faithfully, and often behind the scenes.
True leadership isn’t about applause. It isn’t about being noticed or celebrated. It’s about understanding the work is bigger than yourself. It’s about the unseen moments — the ones where no one may ever say thank you, the moments where the impact of your service might never be visible.
I’ve watched those moments with my own eyes. I’ve seen my mom stay late after events, cleaning up after everyone else had gone home. I’ve seen her sitting in our living room, talking on the phone with a teammate, a friend, or me — laughing, crying, listening, or simply being present. I’ve watched her create decorations for SKC or Christmas, pouring love into every small detail. If someone needed help, she showed up. If a kid had an event, she was there. And I’ve watched her hug every single child who came through the Ark or Gateway, no matter how busy she was. She always stopped what she was doing to truly connect with them.
For her, it has always been about relationships. About ministry. About purpose. About serving with a God-loving heart that never needed acknowledgment to keep going.
One of my favorite things happens during the simplest moments — when we’re out walking or running errands together. Almost every time, she runs into someone whose child passed through the Ark at Abundant Life or Gateway. Sometimes she needs a tiny reminder of a name or face, but the second she remembers, she lights up with a story or a memory of that child. Parents are always so surprised that she remembers something so specific — and in return, they share how grateful they are and how their child is doing now or where.
People often ask me, “Oh, you’re Mandy Mouser’s daughter?” After I get over the initial shock that they seem surprised I’m her daughter (kidding… kind of), the conversation always goes the same way:
“She is so kind.”
“She is just the sweetest.”
“Oh my gosh, I love your mom.”
Yeah, she is. That’s my bestie for the restie!
It has been the honor of my life to have a front-row seat to her growth and to the love she gives so effortlessly. Josh and I are blessed to have both her and my Dad as examples of what it means to lead with humility, gratitude, and unwavering obedience to God’s calling. She has built a legacy — one she never built for herself, but for the children, the families, and the generations to come. She won’t like the word legacy, but, she leaves behind the mission she shared with the team she trusts to carry forward, to expand, to strengthen, and to continue in God’s purpose.
Mom, you are my favorite person. I am endlessly proud of you. Ministry never retires, and although this chapter may be closing, a beautiful new one is beginning.
Thank you for every unseen moment, your leadership at church and at home, every act of obedience, and every ounce of love you’ve poured out over the last 30 years.
I love you, Momma. ❤️
Hiiii mommmma,
So, What does it mean to be a leader?
We often describe a leader as someone who inspires passion and motivates others to follow a vision. Someone who not only sees the path ahead but helps others walk it — providing support, tools, and encouragement along the way. Good leaders embody empathy, humility, integrity, patience, and the ability to resolve conflict with grace.
But when I think about the last 30 years of my mom’s service — first as the Ark Director and ultimately as the Children’s Ministry Director — I don’t think of a good leader. I think of a great one. And not because she ever sought to be recognized as such, but because she lived out all these qualities quietly, faithfully, and often behind the scenes.
True leadership isn’t about applause. It isn’t about being noticed or celebrated. It’s about understanding the work is bigger than yourself. It’s about the unseen moments — the ones where no one may ever say thank you, the moments where the impact of your service might never be visible.
I’ve watched those moments with my own eyes. I’ve seen my mom stay late after events, cleaning up after everyone else had gone home. I’ve seen her sitting in our living room, talking on the phone with a teammate, a friend, or me — laughing, crying, listening, or simply being present. I’ve watched her create decorations for SKC or Christmas, pouring love into every small detail. If someone needed help, she showed up. If a kid had an event, she was there. And I’ve watched her hug every single child who came through the Ark or Gateway, no matter how busy she was. She always stopped what she was doing to truly connect with them.
For her, it has always been about relationships. About ministry. About purpose. About serving with a God-loving heart that never needed acknowledgment to keep going.
One of my favorite things happens during the simplest moments — when we’re out walking or running errands together. Almost every time, she runs into someone whose child passed through the Ark at Abundant Life or Gateway. Sometimes she needs a tiny reminder of a name or face, but the second she remembers, she lights up with a story or a memory of that child. Parents are always so surprised that she remembers something so specific — and in return, they share how grateful they are and how their child is doing now or where.
People often ask me, “Oh, you’re Mandy Mouser’s daughter?” After I get over the initial shock that they seem surprised I’m her daughter (kidding… kind of), the conversation always goes the same way:
“She is so kind.”
“She is just the sweetest.”
“Oh my gosh, I love your mom.”
Yeah, she is. That’s my bestie for the restie!
It has been the honor of my life to have a front-row seat to her growth and to the love she gives so effortlessly. Josh and I are blessed to have both her and my Dad as examples of what it means to lead with humility, gratitude, and unwavering obedience to God’s calling. She has built a legacy — one she never built for herself, but for the children, the families, and the generations to come. She won’t like the word legacy, but, she leaves behind the mission she shared with the team she trusts to carry forward, to expand, to strengthen, and to continue in God’s purpose.
Mom, you are my favorite person. I am endlessly proud of you. Ministry never retires, and although this chapter may be closing, a beautiful new one is beginning.
Thank you for every unseen moment, your leadership at church and at home, every act of obedience, and every ounce of love you’ve poured out over the last 30 years.
I love you, Momma. ❤️
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