Gateway Life | November 2016

NOVEMBER 2016

IGNITED How one Gateway student started a citywide movement. p. 12

ALL IN THE FAMILY

TABLE TIME

THE BEAT GOES ON

The Beasleys adopted a girl no one thought would survive, then God did a miracle. p. 10

Pastor Sandy Jobe shares about valuing time at the dinner table. p. 14

An update on Gateway’s Heart for the Kingdom initiatives. p. 17

Anneke de Jong is 12 years old, and her family has been attending Gateway for three years. She volunteers with Gateway Kids, and she has always had a passion for art. This design was inspired by the word thanks. “It’s such a powerful word if you think about it!”

CALLING ALL CREATIVES! We want to showcase your art in Gateway Life! For details, visit art.gatewaypeople.com.

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2016

COMMENTS

2

WELCOME

3

PULSE OUTREACH

8

HEAVEN IN PERU Gateway Worship saw walls come down in Lima, Peru.

F E AT U R E S

10 12

ALL IN THE FAMILY

The Beasleys adopted a girl no one thought would survive, then God did a miracle.

IGNITED

How one Gateway student started a citywide movement.

14 TABLE TIME

Pastor Sandy Jobe shares about valuing time at the dinner table.

16

SONG STORY

Tyler Bates, Cole Novak, and Paul Trimble’s “Remind Me”

17 THE BEAT GOES ON An update on Gateway’s Heart for the Kingdom initiatives.

19

ANNOUNCEMENTS

32

ACTIVITIES

33

THE INTERSECTION

34

PROFILE – STOKES COLLINS

DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY LIFE APP AND READ GATEWAY LIFE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Now available for iPhone, Android, iPad, and Kindle Fire.

For more information, visit gatewaylifemag.com.

OUR VISION is to see people saved, healed, set free, discipled, equipped, empowered, and serving.

Our mission is to help people BELIEVE in Jesus, BELONG to family, BECOME a disciple, and BUILD the kingdom.

For Gateway’s complete mission statement, visit mission.gatewaypeople.com.

W e l come

WELCOME to GATEWAY LIFE

and focus on things that are worthy to be considered.

Being grateful is a simple choice.

Choosing to look through the lens of gratefulness changes the way we deal with all of life’s situations, whether I LOVE THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER BECAUSE, good or bad, simple or complicated. In while Thanksgiving is a great reminder Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages us to of all the reasons to be grateful, this “Fix our thoughts on what is true, and time of year reminds me that a life of honorable, and right, and pure, and gratitude is best lived all year long. lovely, and admirable. Think about Every time I return home from a things that are excellent and worthy long day or a trip, I’m reminded of of praise.” Life can overwhelm us at what it means to give thanks. That’s times; however, if we begin each day because on one side of our living room listing the things for which we are wall the word “Grateful” hangs with grateful, then the other things that bold letters in a large painted wood have a tendency to overwhelm us will frame. My wife, Jodie, and I were very seem small compared to all of the many intentional in choosing this word to be blessings God provides. prominently displayed in our home. It There’s another reason to be reminds us daily to count our blessings excited about November—it’s National

gateway life gatewaylifemag.com Thomas Miller, Senior Pastoral Oversight Lawrence Swicegood, Editor-in-Chief project management Tracey Schwellinger

2 NOVEMBER 2016

editorial Stacy Burnett, Managing Editor Daniel Hopkins, Senior Writer/Editor Katie Smith, Staff Writer/Editor Sydnie Shreffler, Staff Writer/Editor Georgette Shuler, Copy Editor photography Adam Fish, Staff Photographer Cory Hale, Contributing Photographer Danielle Birkbeck, Contributing Photographer Tim Lautensack, Contributing Photographer Trey Freeman, Contributing Photographer

Adoption Awareness Month, and this issue of Gateway Life follows up with Luke and Lindsey Beasley as they share their miraculous story of adopting a baby girl (page 10). You won’t believe some of the astonishing things our students are doing as you read about Gateway Student Jess Ford’s grassroots ministry that is seeing hundreds of teenagers come to Christ (page 12). And you’ll love the recap of Gateway Worship’s time in Lima, Peru, recording a live album with more than 20,000 people attending (page 8). What an amazing time to be a part of what Gateway is doing!

There’s an old saying: “It is not happy people who are grateful, but grateful people who are happy.” During this month of Thanksgiving, practice being grateful. Fix your thoughts on God’s goodness and provision. Instead of fixating on what you lack or what prayer hasn’t been answered yet, think about all of the great things God has done, all of the things large and small that he has provided. Choose to be grateful.

Mark Harris Associate Senior Pastor, Gateway Worship

art Shane Dennehey, Creative Director Tim Lautensack, Art Director/Designer Chloé Kennedy, Designer Katrina Sirmon, Production Designer Jules Oravetz, Production Designer David Phillips, Print Coordinator

GATEWAYPEOPLE

All responses taken from Gateway Church social media. Send us your story, testimony, or feedback on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or email us at life@gatewaypeople.com.

IN RESPONSE TO PASTOR ROBERT’S SERIES LIVING IN HIS PRESENCE

“I WILL NEVER EVER SEE WORSHIP THE SAME WAY AGAIN AFTER HEARING PASTOR ROBERT’S MESSAGE ‘HIS INSTRUMENTS’!”

Tristan Fenholt | via Facebook

“As a musician, the message ‘His Instruments’ inspired me in a special way.”

Charis Chung | via Facebook

CHRISTMAS SERVICES UPDATE FROM PASTOR ROBERT As Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, this year we decided to do things a little differently. After much prayer, the elders and I have decided to have our Christmas Candlelight Services on Friday and Saturday, December 23 and 24.

This means we are asking people to have Christmas with their families in their homes across the Metroplex, and we will not be having services at our campuses on Sunday, December 25.

If you are unable to attend one of the 31 Candlelight Services at our six campuses, or you simply want to experience it again, we’ll have the complete service available for you to watch anytime on Christmas Day at gatewaypeople.tv.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

See our ad on the back cover for more details about our two special Christmas weekends.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 3

PUL SE

Gateway Conference

“GATEWAY CONFERENCE IS ONE OF THE MOST LIFE-CHANGING CONFERENCES WE HAVE ATTENDED.” Elier Figueroa | via Facebook

Gateway Conference

Gateway Conference

“WORSHIP AT GATEWAY CONFERENCE WAS SO POWERFUL. I’VE NEVER SEEN SO MANY LIFTED HANDS AND GROWN MEN KNEELING IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS.” Mary Perratore | via Facebook

Gateway Conference

“I NEVER REALLY TOOK THE TIME TO GET CONNECTED WHEN I ATTENDED THE FRISCO CAMPUS. I KNEW IN DALLAS I WANTED TO CHANGE THAT. ATTENDING THIS SECOND MEN’S BREAKFAST WAS INCREDIBLE AND INSTANTLY CONNECTED ME WITH OTHERS.” Matt Washington | via email

Men’s Breakfast | Dallas Campus

“The Pink Night of Worship was so powerful!

What an encouraging and refreshing night!”

Ashley Costa | via Facebook

Men’s Breakfast | Dallas Campus

Pink Night of Worship

Pink Night of Worship

Pink Night of Worship

HIGH FIVE

IN RESPONSE TO THE INSIDE STORY SERIES

“WE SAW MORE THAN 142 PRISONERS ACCEPT CHRIST DURING THE INSIDE STORY SERIES!”

CLINT CLAYPOOLE PASTOR, MARRIAGE & FAMILY

FAVORITE MUSIC? Christmas music. The Christmas season is my favorite time of the year, and it provides the opportunity to listen to traditional classics like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? We arrived late to the funeral for my friend’s grandmother (whom I’d never met), but the funeral home had multiple funerals going on at the same time, and we attended the wrong one.

WHICH MOVIE DESCRIBES YOUR LIFE? The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Because much of my life has seemed like an unpredictable adventure.

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD? My kids, Logan and Bailey, when they imitate our mannerisms and our lack of being tech savvy.

IF YOU COULD GET COFFEE WITH ANYONE LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE? Walt Disney. I would love to talk about vision and how to navigate through challenges and setbacks to your vision.

For more about Gateway pastors and staff, visit staff.gatewaypeople.com.

G3 Prison Ministries | via Facebook

“I always take my boys to Gateway Kids, but for Michael Jr.’s service, they asked to come to ‘big church.’ Toward the end of the service, my three-year-old had to go to the bathroom.

We were washing our hands, and a lady in the bathroom looked at me with a big smile and said, ‘I don’t ever do this, but God told me to give you $100. I was watching you and your boys during the service, and I watched your son put his hands up when we prayed and it just blessed me.’ Of course, I started crying!

It wasn’t that we needed money. It was just an answer to a question I’ve been asking God for a while now: Are you still listening to me?

Do you see me? Through this, I heard God clearly say, ‘Lauren, I’m still here and I’ve got you.’ I had an overwhelming sense of peace.”

Lauren K. | via email

IN RESPONSE TO GATEWAY EQUIP AT THE SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS

“PASTOR JAN GREENWOOD’S INCREDIBLE THREE-WEEK CLASS, SQUARE UP, WAS A REMINDER THAT MY OWN STORY AND JOURNEY MATTER, AND I’M PRAYING GOD SHINES IN IT ALL!” Bonnie Ruth Rolf | via Facebook

6 NOVEMBER 2016

“Our 12-year-old daughter made her decision to make Jesus her Lord and Savior public! She’s been wrestling with doubt for quite some time, and tonight the Holy Spirit moved in her heart.

Just a couple of years ago, the Holy Spirit moved in the same way in me and my husband when Pastor Robert did the Room 12 series! God is faithful!”

Chay McClellan | via Facebook

a loan from my 401k to get our air conditioning unit replaced this summer—my daughters were sleeping on the couch because their rooms were so hot—and since then, we have been trying to figure out how to make up the lost money from each

paycheck. I called an air-conditioning technician and asked if we could just replace the air conditioning unit and not the furnace to save money. He called back a few hours later and said his distributor had a ‘scratch-anddent’ unit they were going to let him have super cheap, so he could do the whole repair for $2,300 less than he

had originally quoted us, and it was a better unit. Then, I got a raise at work.

After taxes, the raise is almost exactly what the paycheck deduction for the loan is. And my raise was effective the day the technician started work on our air conditioner.”

Mike | via email

IN RESPONSE TO THE GATHERING

“We so enjoyed participating in this! We love seeing an increase of prayer and repentance in this nation!”

The Prayer Room DFW | via Instagram

IN RESPONSE TO GATEWAY LIFE’S DRAW YOUR DREAM JOB CHALLENGE

“Thank you for putting ‘Draw Your Dream Job’ in the magazine! I had so much fun doodling and I realized, I am doing my dream job of teaching Spanish, publishing a book, writing songs that teach languages, and traveling with my husband, singing to people about how much they are loved.”

Loren Pappas | via Instagram

During the three-week outreach series, The Inside Story, 2,008 people committed or rededicated their lives to the Lord. • After the flooding crisis in Louisiana, Gateway worked with and supported 2 local ministries and 2 relief organizations (one of which served 60,000 emergency meals) and sent 3 teams to help with cleanup. • On September 3, Men’s Night attendees donated 1,718 bottles of water, 602 pairs of socks, and 105 towels to Hands of Hope for distribution to homeless shelters. • More than 1,000 churches have purchased the Gateway Kids Heartbeat album’s lyric/dance instruction videos since August for use in their own kids’ ministry. • At a Gateway Grand Prairie Young Adults service, 30 backpacks were packed with supplies and sent to Sierra Leone to give to 30 orphans who lost their parents to the Ebola virus. • In August and September, 992 people attended KAIROS and 567 people attended KAIROS II.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 7

PUL SE

“MY WIFE AND I had to take

Outreach

Gateway Worship saw walls come down in Lima, Peru.

by Jessica Sheppard

THIS SUMMER, I FOUND MYSELF IN A BULLFIGHTING ARENA in Lima, Peru. Well, it used to be a bullfighting arena. Coliseo Amauta is the largest multi-use indoor arena in Peru, and it has been host to circuses, basketball and volleyball world championships, Miss Universe 1982, and a variety of other events. Who would’ve thought years ago that such a facility would be used to gather thousands of worshippers?

To give you a little background, Gateway Worship released our latest album, Walls, in October 2015. It was amazing to be a part of that project, and I would never have dreamed

8 NOVEMBER 2016

that within a year, Gateway Worship would be in Peru doing a live recording of the same songs in Spanish for a release in Latin America. Over 15,000 people attended the night of worship, and hearing that many voices together for a united purpose is breathtaking in and of itself. But for the collective sound to be the familiar melodies we sing every weekend at church? Now that’s overwhelming.

The worship leaders featured on Murallas (the Spanish language release of Walls) are some of the most well-known Christian artists in Latin America. They’re all friends of the

Gateway Church family, with many of them calling Gateway their home, including Coalo Zamorano, Christine D’Clario, Lilly Goodman, Julissa, Luis Marrero, and Jacobo Ramos.

At one point during the night, my dad (the white-haired, super-amazing worship leader, Tim Sheppard) and Coalo knelt side by side, leading “We Bow Low,” switching back and forth between English and Spanish. As I played the piano at the end of the song, I could hear a faint echo of the chorus: “Santo, Santo, Santo…” (“Holy, Holy, Holy...”).

The congregation didn’t want the song to end! For about 10 minutes, they spontaneously sang the chorus, and then their sound grew louder and louder. The band finally joined in, building and exploding as the crowd led in worship. It felt as though heaven had come to earth.

THAT HEAVENLY MOMENT WHEN THE CROWD LED THEMSELVES IN WORSHIP SUMMED UP THE NIGHT. After all, the ultimate objective of leading worship is to connect with God and connect with people, and then help bring the two parties together. Once that connection is established, the worship leaders might as well be invisible.

It’s not about platform, performance, lights, or sound—it’s about people experiencing God in the greatest way possible.

That heavenly moment when the crowd led themselves in worship summed up the night and encapsulated the recording project for me. Nations came together, united as one, to sing the words the angels never stop singing. They’re the words we’ll sing for eternity!

Pastor Thomas Miller often refers to Psalm 133. This passage was a key focus on our trip and for the weeks and months of preparation leading up to the project: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.

It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forevermore” (Psalm 133:1–3).

Over the years, traveling with Gateway Worship has drawn me out of the day-to-day routine and given me a big-picture perspective. This live-recording night was one of those big picture moments, and we’ll never know the eternal implications on this side of heaven. I am humbly grateful to serve with a body of believers making an impact for the kingdom of God! GL

All in the Family The Beasleys adopted a girl no one thought would survive, then God did a miracle.

by Daniel Hopkins LINDSEY BEASLEY SAT ALONE IN THE QUIET OF HER NEW HOME one morning in November 2014. She and her husband, Luke, had just moved in a few months before, and they were preparing for yet another major life change. They had just been approved by Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) to be foster parents. (You might recall their story from Gateway Life in September 2014 about how God miraculously provided them with their dream home for becoming foster parents.)

10 NOVEMBER 2016

Lindsey describes the house as being a peaceful place, and visitors—including CPS workers—have mentioned how serene the home feels. But on that morning in November, her quiet moment was interrupted when the phone rang.

On the other line a worker from their foster care agency explained that Khloe, a girl born four days before, needed immediate placement. When Lindsey and Luke were going through the process of becoming foster parents, they

requested the children be at least six months old. However, Lindsey felt God moving her to say yes. “When she said her name, my heart started beating out of my chest,” says Lindsey. “It was so sweet of God to give me a physical sign of what was happening spiritually, because these calls can feel really confusing.”

Luke, a basketball coach at Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club, was traveling to a tournament with his team and wouldn’t be home until much later that night. Lindsey said yes, but the foster care agent was doubtful the infant would be placed with the Beasleys because it had been 20 minutes since Khloe’s name entered their system. Typically, in that amount of time, 20 to 30 families would have already jumped at the opportunity to foster a newborn like Khloe.

“People wait for a long time to get babies,” says Luke. “Everyone wants a baby.” Somehow, Luke and Lindsey were the only ones on the list.

Lindsey ended the call at noon and CPS brought Khloe to the Beasleys’ house around four o’clock. It was clear from the moment she arrived she would need much more than a home. Born at 38 weeks—still considered full-term—Khloe weighed a little more than four pounds. She was malnourished in the womb and because of her mother’s drug addiction, she was born addicted to opiates, methamphetamines, alcohol, and nicotine. She was emaciated and fit in the palm of Luke’s hand. When she arrived at the Beasleys’ home, the symptoms of withdrawal from all those substances were well underway. “The first night wasn’t warm and fuzzy because of the withdrawals, but it was still a special time,” says Lindsey. “Every night when I would sit up with her for hours, I would so clearly hear God’s voice and feel His presence comforting her. His presence gave me the energy and love I needed.”

In the days and weeks that followed, Khloe was diagnosed with failure to thrive, and there were many nights she wasn’t expected to survive. However, she kept making miraculous recoveries, and Luke and Lindsey kept praying.

As the complications continued, it became more difficult for Lindsey to work in Gateway’s compassion ministry, and she eventually left so she could care for Khloe around the clock. At one point, Khloe was seeing 14 different medical specialists and appointments occurred several times a day.

Then a big appointment came, but it wasn’t with a doctor. At Khloe’s six-month hearing with CPS—the hearing to determine if she would continue to be placed in Luke and Lindsey’s care—her biological mother came prepared to make a case to take her home. Since the birth, she had gone through rehab and tried to get clean, but when she realized the extent of Khloe’s complications, she knew she didn’t have the resources to provide for her. “She left the

court after finding out Khloe had special needs and was never seen again,” says Lindsey. “We never met her dad.”

After this pivotal day in court, a plan was set in motion for Luke and Lindsey to legally adopt Khloe. Her physical complications persisted and she was diagnosed with deafness, seizures, and brain damage, and doctors were grasping at anything to figure out what was happening. At different times they thought they had it figured out and called it cancer, HIV, and cystic fibrosis. The Beasleys had to go through the fear of having each one, but thankfully God didn’t make them walk that road. Then, shortly after that six-month hearing, something began to change.

Fresh out of yet another hospital visit with Khloe, Lindsey took her to church, and during worship, someone felt led to

“I kept telling them, ‘God healed her!’” pray for her. In that instant, Khloe’s deafness was healed.

Two days later, doctors were perplexed when tests showed she could hear perfectly. “I kept telling them, ‘God healed her!’” says Lindsey. “At first, they thought something was wrong with the machine, but she passed the hearing test and all the follow-up tests.”

A few months later, when Khloe was one year old, Luke and Lindsey adopted her and officially made her a member of their family, though the trials they’d faced had already drawn them close together. The adoption was just an outward sign of what they knew from the very beginning—they were a true family. The healing continued, and now at nearly 2 years old, Khloe is laughing, jumping, and running—something doctors said would be impossible without the support of leg braces. She has gone from having 14 specialists to only 3, and that number is dwindling. “Since her adoption, she has had so many moments of instantaneous healing,” says Lindsey. “The miracles shine brighter than the darkness of the illness.”

And for the first time, after two of the most difficult years of their lives, the Beasleys are grateful that the toughest days are behind them and their biggest problems are now just small ones. Now they simply get to enjoy being a family of three.

“I wouldn’t change the last two years. Our marriage and our relationship with Khloe was strengthened because we were put through the fire in such an intense way,” says Lindsey. “We don’t sweat the small stuff—we cherish the small problems because we know what it feels like to dream for them when things are so difficult. We’re just really grateful.” GL GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 11

I G N

T E D

HOW ONE GATEWAY STUDENT STARTED A CITYWIDE MOVEMENT

by SARAH WRONKO

JESS FORD, A STUDENT FROM GATEWAY NRH,

looked around as teenagers began to gather in the park. It was a warm summer evening and because of his passion to connect young people with Jesus, 155 students were coming together for Ignite—the monthly meetup Jess and his friends Caleb McKee and Michael Cendrick started last summer. The teens meet and share testimonies of what God is doing in their

12 NOVEMBER 2016

lives. Students are from different high schools and many are not believers— but thanks to Jess’s obedience, that’s beginning to change.

This meeting began with some of the kids sharing their testimonies, and as one 16-year-old girl began to speak, tears silently made their way down her cheeks. She had been cutting herself and struggling with suicidal thoughts, but since she started attending Ignite,

her self-destructive behaviors and thoughts stopped. She shared that she had never felt such tangible love, joy, and peace until she attended Ignite.

Later that night, she and 11 other students gave their lives to Jesus. “It’s crazy!” says Jess. “We just sit at the feet of Jesus, and He shows up!”

Ignite started as an idea Jess had last June to bring young people together. Teens from all walks of life

meet each month at a park in Arlington.

Jess, in addition to leading the meeting, has worked out a way for sponsors to provide meals for every student attending. It started with a small group of 25 students who came for games and a message, but it has grown to 233 and spread throughout the Arlington Independent School District. At the

“WE JUST SIT AT THE FEET OF JESUS, AND HE SHOWS UP!” beginning of the school year, Jess was able to get legal permission for students to lead a weekly Ignite Group in their high schools. He believes when students are leading the meeting, youth feel more connected and less defensive.

“We weren’t sure we would get permission for a Christian, student–led group, but we were so excited when it got approved,” says Jess. Now, these groups meet each week at their schools, and they all come together once a month for the big gathering.

In just three months, Ignite has grown to more than 200 students.

Jess says he got the inspiration and courage to create this ministry from his friendship with Pastor Kyle Fox, who leads Gateway Students at the NRH Campus. “I met Pastor Kyle four years ago, and I have never been the same,” says Jess. “I had a school project and wanted to write something about loving your enemies, so I set up an interview with him. After hearing his heart and passion for Jesus and people, I was completely wrecked.”

In the four years since they met, Pastor Kyle has become a mentor to Jess, providing an example of what ministry looks like and urging him to not just sit on the sidelines but to actively participate in ministry. “I’ll gladly do ministry in schools, but that’s not my job,” says Kyle. “My job is to equip students to do ministry in their schools.” Part of that equipping process for Jess was overcoming a fear of speaking in front of people.

One Wednesday night during Gateway Students, Pastor Kyle surprised Jess by inviting him onstage to share his testimony, even though he knew Jess was terrified. Now, thanks to Pastor Kyle’s mentorship, Jess has no problem speaking in front of his own growing ministry and meeting other challenges that come along the

Jess Ford, the Gateway Student behind Ignite.

way. “He has always been there for me, teaching me how to be a light in my school. That’s why I’m here today and able to lead Ignite,” says Jess.

Every Wednesday night across the metroplex, Gateway campuses are filled with students just like Jess who are mentored by their Gateway Students pastors, and something phenomenal is taking place. The next generation of world changers is discovering their sense of belonging as they encounter Jesus. And with Ignite, Jess isn’t just waiting for kids to come to church—he’s taking the experience of encountering Jesus out into the world, and the lives of hundreds of teenagers are being changed. And if other students can grow the same passion as Jess, the potential for students being reached across Dallas/Fort Worth is massive!

“You don’t have to change the world to be a world changer,” says Pastor Kyle.

“You just have to change someone else’s world.” No one knows the truth of these words better than Jess Ford. GL For more information about Ignite, visit twitter.com/igniteaggtown.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 13

Valuing time at the dinner table.

by Pastor Sandy Jobe 14  NOVEMBER 2016

ROWING UP, MY FAMILY ALWAYS SAT AROUND THE TABLE FOR DINNER. It was the one time each day

when we were all together. We often had friends over for dinner, and many times we hosted the visiting speakers at our church, so we had guests at our table too. My dad was an amazing cook and found such joy in preparing meals for others, something he passed on to me.

I carried on this tradition with my family, and although my husband, Mark, and I are empty nesters now, we still sit at the table every night for dinner. Even if we’re busy and end up ordering take-out, we sit at the table to eat. It’s a time for us to reconnect and not only nourish our bodies but our souls. If you think about it, every home has a designated place for the table, whether it is called the dining room or the breakfast nook, and most everyone has a table. It’s a place where, no matter how chaotic schedules get, people can gather, relate, and refuel.

My passion for table time is one of the reasons I love hosting Thanksgiving. Most years we have our “Big Family Thanksgiving,” with around 32 family members, a week early so everyone can attend. But my absolute favorite thing is FDN (Family Dinner Night)—a night to have all my kids and grandkids home for dinner. I love it so much that Mark and I decided a couple of years ago we wouldn’t let anyone do dishes after the meal. Instead, we continue to connect with the kids and then wash the dishes after they leave. I would rather enjoy our time together by sharing, laughing, or playing a game around the table.

You may not realize it, but the Bible talks a lot about table time. In Matthew 9:10, Jesus has dinner at Matthew’s house, and in Luke 19:1–10, Jesus eats a meal at the home of Zacchaeus. And in Revelation 3:20, we read, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (emphasis added). From the celebration and dinner that was prepared when the prodigal son returned home to Jesus having dinner with all the disciples the night before He was crucified, dinners at the table are seen throughout Scripture.

And all these references tell me table time is important. It’s important for our relationships and for our families, and I try to treat this time with attention and care.

I am passionate about my friends and family feeling prepared for, so I spend extra time and effort preparing for a meal even when it’s not a holiday or special event. Sometimes I purchase scrapbook paper (usually sold by the sheet) to use as place mats. They can be holiday or birthday themed or simply be there to add a pop of color. It’s just a tiny addition to help make every table time unique. Sometimes we forgo the fancy dishes and use disposables so the cleanup is easy and we have more time to enjoy each other’s company. Preparing your table to be different and special is an

easy task young kids can help with as well, and it provides a little more excitement at dinnertime.

Whenever I have my kids and their families over, I try to include a food I know everyone will enjoy. Sometimes the meal includes paleo, vegetarian, or grain- and dairy-free items, but I always include something from the “comfort food group,” better known as dessert (my favorite!). I like to make the preferred dessert of choice for whoever’s birthday is closest to that night. My kids aren’t huge birthday cake fans—one requests strawberry crepes, one wants peach cobbler, one asks for angel food cake, while another prefers red velvet cake; however, Texas chocolate sheet cake is never refused!

Throughout the years, we’ve started a few traditions with our table times. During the fall season, we have a special piece of artwork we place on the mantle that says, “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.” It reminds us of the goodness of God, and we love to reflect on it while we share communion or the Lord’s Supper with one other. Matthew 26:26 says that while the disciples were eating, Jesus took the bread and broke it and handed it to them. The first communion was really a dinner with Jesus where they were all relating around a table. When we share the Lord’s Supper around our table, each person shares something they’re grateful for. We focus on what we have because Jesus gave His life. It’s always a sweet time to stop and reflect on His immeasurable love.

Whether you have lots of people at your table or just one

I am passionate about my friends and family feeling prepared for, so I spend extra time and effort preparing for a meal even when it’s not a holiday or special event. or two, consider making table time a priority. Each family’s table time may look different, especially as the family grows.

Table time when my kids were young looked a lot different than it does now with grown children. It’s all about making memories and spending time connecting with one another.

Even if you’re on your own for a night, set an empty place at your table and ask the Lord to join you. You may be pleasantly surprised by His presence. We are told in Revelation 19:9 that one day we will all join Jesus at the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven. Now that is table time.

Until then, I’ll continue setting the table and ringing the dinner bell. GL Sandy Jobe is the associate pastor of Gateway Women and Marriage & Family at the Grand Prairie Campus. She is also the author of Hearts Gather Here, a cookbook filled with delicious recipes and personal stories that will inspire you to make memories around the table. She and her husband, Mark, have three married children and three grandchildren.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 15

SONG STORY

TYLER BATES, COLE NOVAK, AND PAUL TRIMBLE’S

“REMIND ME”

by KATIE SMITH

IN PREPARATION FOR THE GATEWAY KIDS HEARTBEAT

album, coworkers Tyler Bates and Paul Trimble got together to talk about issues kids struggle with. As they talked, they were reminded of a list the Gateway Kids ministry keeps with all the prayer needs kids have throughout the year. They keep this list so they can continue to pray for them all week. This gave Paul and Tyler a lot of insight into how they could address kids’ needs, and it helped get the album off to a great start.

As they began to write out all the needs on a whiteboard, words like “family” and “healing” were common, but the themes of “identity” and “fear” popped up more than others. They already had a song about tackling fear for the Heartbeat album, but they felt strongly about addressing the theme of identity too.

“Our goal is to provide kids with something they can remember and repeat the next time they encounter a situation when the enemy is talking to them or something bad happens in their life,” says Paul. “It’s what someone did for me years ago, and I know I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the fun, Bible-based tools I was taught when I was younger.”

With that in mind, they met Cole Novak at the Southlake Campus to write, and Tyler and Paul explained their idea

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of writing a song about identity. “We all said we wanted it to be like Cody Carnes’ song ‘All He Says I Am,’ but more upbeat,” says Paul. Cole responded with a laugh, “Something with more shouting!” As they were talking and joking during the songwriting session, Cole played a melody he had been working on, but it didn’t have any words. Paul and Tyler loved it, so they all opened up a Bible to Romans 8 and started writing lyrics.

“Cole is the fastest songwriter on the planet,” Paul says.

Just days before their session with Cole, it took Tyler and Paul 11 hours to write one song. “Then Cole shows up,” Tyler says. “Forty-five minutes and one coffee break later, we all looked at each other and said, ‘I think we’re done with this song.’” But as short as the writing time was, they spent most of it working out specific wording and phrases.

Lyrics like, “When I’m broken, when I’m hurting / You remind me who I am / I am wanted. I am chosen,” were carefully and prayerfully picked. “All three of us have kids now, and we all thought, What do I want my children singing and declaring over their lives? ” Cole says. “There’s nothing more important than knowing we belong to Jesus and our identity is rooted in Him.” GL “Remind Me” is on the Gateway Kids Worship album, Heartbeat, available at Gateway Bookstore and on iTunes.

BUILDING

THE BEAT GOES ON BUILDING

An update on Gateway’s Heart for the Kingdom initiatives.

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build God’s kingdom here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. During the past few years, the expansion and remodel of several Gateway campuses as well as the addition of new campuses have been a part of Heart

for the Kingdom, and through your faithful and extravagant giving, we’ve been able to see God move in more ways and in more places than ever before. And there’s more to come!

Here are a few updates on some of Gateway’s Heart for the Kingdom initiatives from the past few years.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 17

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ACH YEAR, Gateway announces several initiatives to help

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HEART FOR THE KINGDOM UPDATES

1

Grand Prairie Campus Remodel

In January of this year, the Grand Prairie Campus reopened its doors after nearly a year of construction.

(This included seven months of meeting in a tent!) The construction included adding Equip classrooms, remodeling the Auditorium, remodeling the children’s area, and adding more parking spaces to make it a fully functioning Gateway campus. It’s been 10 months since the reopening, and the campus has grown tremendously!

ȫȫ Last year, the Grand Prairie Campus offered no Equip classes because they had no classrooms. This fall, they’re offering 15 Equip classes in 4 newly added classrooms. ȫȫ In the past year, the average attendance has gone up almost 1,000 adults and 300 kids per weekend. ȫȫ On the weekend of September 10–11, the campus had its highest regular weekend attendance so far: 3,096 people—this includes 766 kids in children’s ministry! That is a 40% increase from last year at that time. ȫȫ During the outreach series in September, 312 people made decisions for Christ.

2

NRH Campus Remodel

Equip classes, better guest interactions, and more room for children’s ministry and playtime. Weekend services will continue as usual during the construction.

ȫȫPlans include:

• Converting the Chat Room to The Mix (a classroom for 5th–6th graders).

• Adding 2 large classrooms.

• Building a Bubble Land indoor play area for children.

• Moving the Gateway Bookstore into the Serve Lounge location.

• Creating a place for Guest Central.

3

Addition of the Dallas Campus

In March of this year, we added the Dallas Campus as Gateway’s sixth campus in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. It was a very exciting time, and since then, the campus has participated or hosted several community events that are impacting the city of Dallas.

Dallas Solidarity

After the police shootings on July 7, the Dallas community gathered for an interdenominational prayer rally, and several Gateway Dallas pastors and staff participated. The staff locked hands and lifted up prayers with hundreds of other religious leaders in the community and showed our support for all life in the city of Dallas. Later, the team also prayed at the site of the shooting with other leaders, asking God for reconciliation and peace.

As Gateway’s first extension campus, NRH hasn’t seen any significant updates for a long time, but the plans for a campus makeover are “To the Jew First” complete, and construction will begin Because the city of Dallas has a large in mid-November. Construction will Jewish population and Gateway believes in going “to the Jew first,” our Dallas occur in phases, allowing for more

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Campus staff has reached out to several Jewish synagogues and nonprofits to build relationships. We’ve given to several nonprofit organizations, like Jewish Family Services, to support their work in the city. And early on, Gunnar Johnson, the executive pastor of pastoral care at Gateway Dallas, went to the synagogue down the street to introduce himself to the rabbi there. They have since become friends, and the rabbi told Pastor Gunnar that he’s never had a Christian pastor come sit in his office and offer friendship.

On May 4, the campus hosted a Holocaust Remembrance event and invited the local Jewish community to honor those who were lost during the Holocaust and pray for God to heal the hurts of the past. As we reached out to the Jewish community to join us, many were surprised that a Christian church would want to honor the Jewish heritage. About 400 people attended, and more relational bridges were formed.

From August 5 through 14, the Dallas Campus hosted the Gateway Performing Arts’ summer production of Fiddler on the Roof. Because the show centers around a Jewish family, it was another way for the Dallas community to see Gateway’s love for the Jewish people and for us to minister to them. GL

YOUR DEDICATED PRAYERS AND DEVOTED GIVING HAS MADE ALL OF THESE THINGS A REALITY, AND YOU SHARE IN EACH VICTORY WITH US. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HEART FOR THE KINGDOM.

GATEWAY SOUTHLAKE

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYPEOPLE CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

1st Saturday of Every Month | 4:00 pm | Classroom 2D This class connects you to Gateway Church and explains our purpose, values, and history and gives you an opportunity to become a member. Register at ctv.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Bree Vasquez, 817.552.7483, ctvslk@gatewaypeople.com

GRIEFSHARE

Saturdays Through Dec 3 | 2:15–3:45 pm If you’re experiencing heartache from the death of a loved one, you don’t have to go through it alone. In this class, you’ll hear testimonies and receive resources to help you. Cost: $25 for materials, but scholarships are available. Register at care.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Rebecca Freed, 817.552.7454, care@gatewaypeople.com

WOMEN’S NIGHT OF PRAYER & WORSHIP

Monday, Nov 7 | 7:00 pm Join all the women of the Southlake Campus as we gather to pray and rest in God’s presence. We’ll also have a sweet time of worship!

Contact: Christy Linder, 682.223.6935, womenslk@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY EQUIP

Wednesdays & Weekends Through Nov 20 This fall, we are excited to announce the addition of our newest class, Built for More than Enough. We also have a Jewish Roots/Havdalah Fellowship class!

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Karen Hageman, 817.552.7462, equip@gatewaypeople.com

MEN’S PRAYER

Thursdays | 5:30 am | Lobby Join us as we gather to worship and pray for men who lead in their homes, businesses, and communities. Contact: Dustin Herron, 817.552.5809, menslk@gatewaypeople.com

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Box Collection: Nov 12–13 & 19–20 Weekend Services

Are you looking for a way to give this Christmas? Donate a shoe box filled with gifts for a child in need! Boxes will be available at your campus earlier in the month for you to fill with gifts and bring back. For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org.

Contact: Jon-Michael Martin, 817.552.7293, christmaschild@gatewaypeople.com

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MEN’S BRIGADE SERVICE DAY

Saturday, Nov 12 | 7:30 am Men’s Brigade serves widows and single mothers by doing odd jobs around their homes on the second Saturday of every month. Come help us spread the gospel with hammers and nails!

NRH

Contact: Dustin Herron, 817.552.5809, menslk@gatewaypeople.com

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS

Friday, Nov 11 | 7:00 pm [NRH]

Join us for this one-night event designed for those who have recently lost a loved one. We’ll have dinner and give you the tools you need to move through the holidays. Cost: $5 per person. Register at care.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Rebecca Freed, 817.552.7454, care@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY CARE

We offer encouragement to people experiencing hospitalization, critical illness, birth, adoption, or loss of a loved one. For more information, visit care.gatewaypeople.com. For an after-hours crisis, call 817.328.1000.

Contact: Rebecca Freed, 817.552.7454, care@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY FREEDOM INFO NIGHT

PARKING TEAM

Wednesday, Nov 16 | 7:15 pm | Ministry Center Would you like to volunteer with the Gateway Freedom team, but don’t know where to start? Come learn more about how to serve in Freedom classes, groups, and sessions. Contact: Elizabeth Settle, 817.552.7368, freedomslk@gatewaypeople.com

We are looking for people who love to be outside and want to serve. Bring your sunscreen and help us welcome people to the Southlake Campus! Contact: Sarah Weaver, 817.552.3774, serveslk@gatewaypeople.com

GUEST EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Saturday–Sunday, Nov 19–20 | Classroom 1B & 1C

Come find out how to become a greeter, usher, parking lot attendant, guest host, or any of our other volunteer roles. Register at gxp.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Jim Mayher, 817.552.7566, gxp@gatewaypeople.com

FINANCIAL FITNESS

Sunday, Nov 13 | 12:00 pm | Classroom 1C This monthly, personal coaching event is for anyone who desires one-on-one assistance with their finances and is a great follow-up to any of our Gateway Stewardship classes.

Register at stewardship.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Jacquelyn Bushnell, 817.552.7428, stewardship@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00 am | Guest Central »» Fifty-Plus Bible Study 10:00 am | Classroom 2C »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium UC (Canceled on Nov 23) THURSDAYS »» Men’s Prayer | 5:30 am | Lobby SATURDAYS »» Preservice Prayer | 3:30 pm | Classroom 2A »» Fifty-Plus Bible Study (Adults 50+) 5:30 pm | Classroom 2A SUNDAYS »» Prayer Foundations | 9:00 am | Classroom 2C »» Freedom Basics | 9:00 am | Classroom 2D »» Prayer for Our Nation 10:40 am | Classroom 2A

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Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

MEN’S NIGHT

Thursday, Nov 3 | 7:00 pm Activities at 5:00 pm

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL

MESSIANIC SERVICE

Friday, Nov 4 | 7:30 pm | Auditorium

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You won’t want to miss our guest speaker from Israel, who will share a dynamic message about the parallels between Jesus and Joseph.

Preservice prayer begins at 7:00 pm. Habrá Traducción en Español. Contact: Oli Snyder, 817.552.7452, jewish@gatewaypeople.com

THE KING’S UNIVERSITY CAMPUS DAY UC

Come learn how TKU uniquely combines accredited higher education with the ministries of Gateway and get information about admissions, financial aid, academic programs, and student life. Register at www.tku.edu/campusday. Contact: Angela Tranel, 817.552.7381, angela.tranel@tku.edu

ELECTION DAY

Be sure to do your part and vote in the upcoming presidential election! For more information on voting according to biblical principles, visit voteundergod.com.

LIONS ROAR | GLOBAL SUMMIT GRP

Men, join us for a conference with the Christian Men’s Network where leaders gather to encourage you to be a godly leader in your home, business, and church. Register at lionsroar2016.com.

Use promo code GATEWAY for a discount.

Contact: Christian Men’s Network, 817.437.4888, office@christianmensnetwork.com

KAIROS

Thursday–Friday, Nov 10–11 9:00 am–5:00 pm | Auditorium

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This is a time for you to experience God in a deeper and more intimate way through worship, teaching, and ministry. Register at kairos.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Jennifer Stracener, 817.552.7446, kairos@gatewaypeople.com

HABITATION

Sunday, Nov 13 | 6:00 pm | Auditorium SLK FRS GRP NFW

Join us for a powerful teaching from Pastor Robert as well as an extended time of worship, testimonies, and ministry. Preservice prayer begins at 5:15 pm. Visit habitation.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Nancy Brumit, 817.552.5893, habitation@gatewaypeople.com

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Join us as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, the salvation of Israel, and divine protection for the Jewish people. Contact: Mark Anthony, 817.552.3789, israelprayer@gatewaypeople.com

YOUNG ADULTS ONE NIGHT

Tuesday, Dec 6 | 7:00 pm

DAL

Gateway Young Adults are invited to join together at one location for an extended time of worship, teaching, and fun. We’ll have live music and food trucks after the service as well! Contact: Katie Willis, 817.552.5871, youngadults@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY STUDENTS WINTER RETREAT

Jr. High | Jan 27–29 Sr. High | Feb 3–5 Lakeview Camp & Retreat Center | Waxahachie, Texas Join us for a unique, distraction-free chance to experience God and grow deeper in your friendships. You won’t want to miss it! For more details and to register, visit students.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Joy Cromer, 817.552.7375, students@gatewaypeople.com

WORSHIP TEAM ACADEMY February–May

Tuesday, Nov 8

Wednesday–Friday, Nov 9–11

SERVICE TIMES Tuesday, Nov 15 | 7:00 pm | The Mix

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Get ready for an awesome night filled with a tailgate competition, free food, incredible worship, and special guests Eugene Cho from Quest Church and comedian Cleto Rodriguez. Register at men.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: David Rivera, 817.552.3631, men@gatewaypeople.com

Saturday, Nov 5

LOCATIONS &

SLK FRS GRP NFW

Worship Team Academy is our exciting 12-week, video-based curriculum (for piano, guitar, or vocals) to train musicians in worship theology and musical craft. For more information, visit wta.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Kristy Luth, 817.552.7611, worshipteamacademy@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY KIDS PAID & VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Help us shape the next generation for the future God has planned for them. We have part-time paid and volunteer positions available. Contact: Anne Hardin, 817.552.7475, kidsjobs@gatewaypeople.com

HOSPITALITY TEAM

If you love people and food, we’re looking for people to help us maintain a friendly and inviting atmosphere during weekend services and major events. You can help with food prep, serving, and cleanup. Contact: Jasmine Streete, 682.223.6009, hospitality@gatewaypeople.com

SPONSOR A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS

This Christmas, consider blessing a single parent family here at Gateway. To donate major retail store gift cards or cash, place a clearly marked envelope in any offering container at your campus. To give online, visit egiving.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Velory Latham, 817.552.3684, singleparentfamilies@gatewaypeople.com

SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS SLK 700 Blessed Way · Southlake, TX 76092 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm DALLAS CAMPUS DAL 12123 Hillcrest Rd · Dallas, TX 75230 Sat 4:00 pm Sun 10:45 am FRISCO CAMPUS FRS 7125 Legacy Dr · Frisco, TX 75034 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm GRAND PRAIRIE CAMPUS GRP 2404 N Carrier Pkwy · Grand Prairie, TX 75050 Sat 4:00 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm NORTH FORT WORTH CAMPUS NFW 4209 Basswood Blvd · Fort Worth, TX 76137 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm NRH CAMPUS NRH 7501 Davis Blvd · North Richland Hills, TX 76182 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm MINISTRY CENTER MIN 540 S Nolen · Southlake, TX 76092 UNIVERSITY CAMPUS UC 2121 E Southlake Blvd · Southlake, TX 76092 817.328.1000

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AVAILABLE

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium SLK DAL

GRP NFW

WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium (Canceled on Nov 23) UC FRS GRP NFW NRH

SUNDAYS »» Marriage Challenge | 9:30 am MIN (Canceled on Holiday Weekends)

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHURCHWIDE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY DALLAS

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYDALLAS

PRAY FIRST

Thursdays | 7:00–8:00 am | Prayer Suite Come ready to connect with God and release His kingdom on earth through worship and prayer! Contact: Tracey Newcomer, 469.801.7206, prayerdal@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY KIDS 5TH AND 6TH GRADE MINISTRY

Weekend Services | The Mix

All 5th and 6th grade students are invited to our Gateway Kids service where we have fun and learn about God. Contact: Rob Warfel, 469.801.7236, kidsdal@gatewaypeople.com

CHILDREN’S HUNGER FUND

Food Collection: Nov 19–20 | During Weekend Services Help us share God’s love by bringing food and other resources to children in need in Dallas. We’ll be handing out food boxes and a list of acceptable items to purchase during weekend services November 5–6.

Contact: Marc Bolling, 469.801.7237, outreachdal@gatewaypeople.com

REACH | A DALLAS OUTREACH EVENT

Saturday, Nov 5 | 9:15 am–3:00 pm City Church International | Dallas, Texas

FINANCIAL FITNESS

This is a great opportunity for you, your family, or your Gateway Group to minister to the Dallas community. We especially need Spanish speakers.

Register at outreach.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Marc Bolling, 469.801.7237, outreachdal@gatewaypeople.com

Sunday, Nov 20 | 10:45 am Prayer Suite

GATEWAY STUDENTS

Wednesdays | 7:00 pm | Auditorium Students in 7th–12th grade are welcome to join us every Wednesday night as we experience God, connect with friends, and have an incredible time of worship and ministry.

Contact: Carly McLaughlin, 469.801.7230, studentsdal@gatewaypeople.com

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This monthly, personal coaching event is for anyone who desires one-on-one assistance with their finances and is a great follow-up to any of our Gateway Stewardship classes. Register at stewardship.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Brad Jack, 214.563.6787, stewardshipdal@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATEWAY KIDS PAID & VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Help us shape the next generation for the future God has planned for them. We have part-time paid and volunteer positions available.

Contact: Anne Hardin, 817.552.7475, kidsjobs@gatewaypeople.com

FIFTY-PLUS BIBLE STUDY

Sundays | 9:00 am | Classroom 2A If you’re part of the 50+ crowd, married or single, you’re invited to join us for Bible study and fellowship. Contact: Carol Rose, 469.801.7228, fiftyplusdal@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

Are you looking for a way to get involved at Gateway? We’d love for you to be a part of our usher and greeter teams. We also need parking lot attendants as well as Guest Central and Welcome Center hosts. For more information, visit gxp.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Kelly O’Briant, 469.801.7222, servedal@gatewaypeople.com

TOY WRAP DAY WITH CHILDREN’S HUNGER FUND

Saturday, Dec 3 | 9:00 am–12:00 pm 11550 Newberry St, #100 | Dallas, Texas

The Children’s Hunger Fund needs volunteers to help wrap toys to distribute to needy children in the Dallas area. This is a great ministry opportunity for Gateway Groups and families (ages 10+). Contact: Marc Bolling, 469.801.7237, outreachdal@gatewaypeople.com

SAFETY SERVICE TEAM

Do you have a heart to serve and protect? We have paid part-time positions available for licensed Level 3 officers to join our security team. Contact: Dara Prince, 817.552.7330, safety.services@gatewaypeople.com

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Saturday, Nov 12 | 9:00–11:45 am | Classroom 2A This class connects you to Gateway Church and explains our purpose, values, and history and gives you an opportunity to become a member!

Register at ctv.gatewaypeople.com or text MEMBERSHIP to 22100. Contact: Kelly O’Briant, 469.801.7222, ctvdal@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium (Canceled on Nov 23) THURSDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00–8:00 am | Prayer Suite SUNDAYS »» Fifty-Plus Bible Study 9:00 am | Classroom 2A »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 10:45 am | The Mix

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY FRISCO

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYFRISCO

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Saturday, Dec 3 | 9:00 am | Lobby

Come learn more about Gateway’s purpose, values, and history and explore how to get involved. Register at ctv.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Vernita Lovett, 817.552.7517, ctvfrs@gatewaypeople.com

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Saturday, Nov 19 | 7:00 am | Lobby We hope to see you at our next breakfast where men at our campus come together to connect and hear from the Lord.

Contact: Janae Hausman, 817.552.7585, menfrs@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY EQUIP

Weekends, Oct 29–Nov 20 We offer a wide range of Equip classes featuring freedom and spiritual life. We also have a special marriage and family class called How We Love that will help us relate to others. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Connie Brown, 817.522.5868, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

BABY DEDICATIONS

Nov 12–13 | Before Weekend Services | Auditorium A baby dedication ceremony is where parents make a commitment before the Lord to raise their child according to God’s Word and ways. Register to participate at kids.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Janet Braselton, 682.223.6062, kidsfrs@gatewaypeople.com

24 NOVEMBER 2016

CAMPUS TEAM NIGHT

Thursday, Dec 1 7:00–8:30 pm | Auditorium

Are you part of or interested in getting involved in worship, prayer, or technical arts at the Frisco Campus? Join some of our leaders and team members for a night of connection and community.

Contact Ashley Jackson, 817.552.7541, worshipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

GATEWAY GROUPS

If you’re looking for a way to get connected and make new friends at the Frisco Campus, join a Gateway Group! You also have the opportunity to lead a group. To find or lead a group, visit groups.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Kelly Hamilton, 817.552.7301, groupsfrs@gatewaypeople.com

WOMEN’S MENTORING

XO MARRIAGE CONFERENCE

Friday–Saturday, Feb 10–11 | Auditorium

Do you want to discover more about yourself, your potential, and your capabilities? Consider becoming a mentor or mentee.

We’re joining MarriageToday for an unforgettable two-day simulcast event designed to bring you and your spouse closer together. Features include special guest speakers and a Q&A with Pastor Jimmy Evans and his wife. For more information and to register, visit xomarriageconference.com.

Contact: Janae Hausman, 817.552.7585, xo@gatewaypeople.com

Contact: Kelly Hamilton, 817.552.7301, womenmentoringfrs@gatewaypeople.com

PARKING TEAM

We are looking for people who love to be outside and want to serve. Bring your sunscreen and help us welcome people to the Frisco Campus!

Contact: Tricia Centracco, 817.552.7445, servefrs@gatewaypeople.com

SAFETY SERVICE TEAM

Do you have a heart to serve and protect? We have paid part-time positions available for licensed Level 3 officers to join our security team. Contact: Dara Prince, 817.552.7330, safety.services@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Healing Ministry | 6:30 pm (Canceled on Nov 22) WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium (Canceled on Nov 23) FRIDAYS »» Men’s Prayer Meeting | 6:00 am | Lobby SATURDAYS »» Gateway Equip | 5:45 pm | Classroom B SUNDAYS »» Gateway Equip | 9:00 am & 12:30 pm Classroom B

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 25

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY GRAND PRAIRIE

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYGRP

BABY DEDICATIONS

Nov 19–20 | Weekend Services | Auditorium A baby dedication ceremony is where parents make a commitment before the Lord to raise their child according to God’s Word and ways. Register to participate at kids.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Neesy Brooks, 972.314.9101, babiesgrp@gatewaypeople.com

ANGEL TREE OUTREACH

Dec 3–20

We’re partnering with Angel Tree to provide gifts to children in our community! We’ll have Christmas trees in the Lobby with special ornaments that list a child’s name and gifts they might like. You can pick up an ornament and drop off your gift at the campus any time before December 20. Contact: Neesy Brooks, 972.314.9101, babiesgrp@gatewaypeople.com

SERVICE TIME CHANGE

Beginning Saturday, Nov 5 | 4:00 pm It’s a great time to change! Beginning in November, our 5:00 pm service will be a 4:00 pm service to sync with the Southlake Campus’s live service!

EQUIP FALL SEMESTER

Sundays Through Nov 13 | 9:00 am & 10:45 am We offer a wide range of Equip classes featuring Jewish Equip, freedom, stewardship, spiritual life, and marriage and family. To register, visit equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Angela Wescott, 972.314.9106, equipgrp@gatewaypeople.com

YOUNG ADULTS

Tuesdays | 7:00 pm | Auditorium If you’re in your 20s or 30s, join us each week as we connect with each other, experience God, and have a great time!

Contact: Zach Faught, 972.314.4725, youngadultsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

26 NOVEMBER 2016

MEN’S BREAKFAST & BOOK STUDY LAUNCH

Saturday, Nov 12 | 9:00–11:00 am

Join us as we gather for a delicious breakfast, powerful worship, and encouragement!

All Grand Prairie Campus men are invited. Register at men.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Rachel Sandefur, 972.314.9088, mengrp@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Box Collection: Nov 12–13 & 19–20 Weekend Services Are you looking for a way to give this Christmas?

Donate a shoe box filled with gifts for a child in need! Boxes will be available at your campus earlier in the month for you to fill with gifts and bring back. For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org.

Contact: Jon-Michael Martin, 817.552.7293, christmaschild@gatewaypeople.com

THANKSGIVING DRIVE OUTREACH EVENT Thursday, Nov 24 | 8:00 am Mission Arlington | 210 W South St

Join us as we partner with Mission Arlington to deliver food to those in need on Thanksgiving Day! Register at outreach.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Angela Wescott, 972.314.9106, outreachgrp@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY KIDS PAID & VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Help us shape the next generation for the future God has planned for them. We have part-time paid and volunteer positions available. Contact: Anne Hardin, 817.552.7475, kidsjobs@gatewaypeople.com

SAFETY SERVICE TEAM

Do you have a heart to serve and protect? We have paid part-time positions available for licensed Level 3 officers to join our security team. Contact: Dara Prince, 817.552.7330, safety.services@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

XO MARRIAGE CONFERENCE

Friday–Saturday, Feb 10–11 | Auditorium

We’re joining MarriageToday for an unforgettable two-day simulcast event designed to bring you and your spouse closer together.

Features include special guest speakers and a Q&A with Pastor Jimmy Evans and his wife.

For more information and to register, visit xomarriageconference.com. Contact: Janae Hausman, 817.552.7585, xo@gatewaypeople.com

Are you looking for a way to get involved at Gateway? We’d love for you to be a part of our usher and greeter teams. We also need parking lot attendants and Guest Central and Welcome Center hosts. For more information, visit gxp.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Joel Maldonado, 972.314.9108, gxpgrp@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium (Canceled on Nov 23) SUNDAYS »» Marriage Challenge | 9:30 am Ministry Center, 2410 N Carrier Pkwy (Canceled on Nov 27)

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 27

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY NORTH FORT WORTH

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYNFW

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

1st Saturday of Every Month | 4:00 pm | Compass A This class connects you to Gateway Church and explains our purpose, values, and history and gives you an opportunity to become a member. Register at ctv.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Donya Allen, 817.552.5899, gxpnfw@gatewaypeople.com

COMMUNION VOLUNTEERS

Nov 26–27 | Weekend Services If you’d like to come help serve communion, visit the Welcome Center for instructions 30 minutes before the service you attend. Attire is business casual. Contact: Donya Allen, 817.552.5899, communionnfw@gatewaypeople.com

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Box Collection: Nov 12–13 & 19–20 | Weekend Services Are you looking for a way to give this Christmas? Donate a shoe box filled with gifts for a child in need! Boxes will be available at your campus earlier in the month for you to fill with gifts and bring back. For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org.

Contact: Jon-Michael Martin, 817.552.7293, christmaschild@gatewaypeople.com

SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES FALL SEMESTER

Mondays Through Nov 14 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium

Single parent families are welcome to join us each week for a complimentary dinner at 5:30 pm followed by a night of worship or teaching about a relevant topic.

Contact: Denise Edwards, 817.552.5801, spfnfw@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY EQUIP FALL SEMESTER

Mondays & Saturdays Through Nov 12 Come meet new people, grow spiritually, and get equipped to fulfill your calling. We offer classes on spiritual life, marriage and family, stewardship, and freedom.

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Denise Edwards, 817.558.5801, equipnfw@gatewaypeople.com

28 NOVEMBER 2016

WOMEN’S NIGHT OF PRAYER AND WORSHIP

Thursday, Nov 17 | 7:00 pm

Join all the women of the North Fort Worth Campus as we gather to pray and rest in God’s presence. We’ll also have a sweet time of worship with Pastor Rita Springer! For more information, visit women.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Christy Atkinson, 817.552.3657, womennfw@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LOCAL OUTREACH

Do you want to get involved with local outreach at the North Fort Worth Campus? We have many opportunities for you to serve your community. Visit outreach.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Matt Osgood, 817.552.7581, outreachnfw@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

MEN’S BRIGADE

Are you looking for a way to get involved at Gateway? We’d love for you to be a part of our usher and greeter teams. We also need Guest Central and Welcome Center hosts. For more information, visit gxp.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Donya Allen, 817.552.5899, gxpnfw@gatewaypeople.com

We assist widows, the elderly, and single parents of Gateway Church with basic handyman needs around their homes.

Special skill sets are not required to serve!

Contact: Matt Osgood, 817.552.7581, mennfw@gatewaypeople.com

FREEDOM, ALTAR & HEALING MINISTRY

We are looking for people to serve on our freedom, altar ministry, and healing teams here at the North Fort Worth Campus. We are also looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers.

Contact: Meredith Tilton, 817.328.2075, freedomnfw@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00–8:00 am | Auditorium »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium WEDNESDAYS »» High Noon Prayer | 12:00 pm »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium (Canceled on Nov 23) THURSDAYS »» Men’s Promise Principle Groups 6:30 am | Guest Central SATURDAYS »» Morning Prayer | 8:00 am | Parking Lot SUNDAYS »» Marriage Challenge 9:30 am | North Fort Worth Offices

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 29

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY NRH

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYNRH

PRAY FIRST

Mondays | 7:00 am | Lobby Come ready to connect with God through worship and prayer! Contact: Katherine Hesami, 817.552.3600, prayernrh@gatewaypeople.com

YOUNG ADULTS CONNECT NIGHT

Tuesday, Nov 8 | 7:00 pm

If you’re in your 20s or 30s and want to get to know others at the NRH Campus, we’d love for you to join us!

Contact: Brian McNabb, 817.552.7318, youngadultsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Box Collection: Nov 12–13 & 19–20 | Weekend Services Are you looking for a way to give this Christmas? Donate a shoe box filled with gifts for a child in need! Boxes will be available at your campus earlier in the month for you to fill with gifts and bring back. For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org.

Contact: Jon-Michael Martin, 817.552.7293, christmaschild@gatewaypeople.com

NIGHT OF WORSHIP

ACFT SCHOOL MENTORING

November–May | ACFT Elementary School By giving just one hour a week, you can become a part of our mentoring program. For more information, visit outreach.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Kemtal Glasgow, 817.552.5863, outreachnrh@gatewaypeople.com

EQUIP CLASSES

We have a variety of Equip classes featuring Jewish Equip, parenting, freedom, and marriage.

For more information, stop by the Equip booth in the Lobby or visit equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Crystal Molinar, 817.552.7619, equipnrh@gatewaypeople.com

30 NOVEMBER 2016

Sunday, Nov 13 Preservice Party 5:00 pm Preservice Prayer 5:30 pm Service 6:00 pm

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving season, let us come with grateful hearts to our heavenly Father in a powerful time of extended worship and prayer with your NRH Campus family!

Contact: Katherine Hesami, 682.223.6021, worshipnrh@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

EMBRACE GRACE BABY SHOWER

Thursday, Nov 17 | 7:00 pm Join us for the Embrace Grace baby shower as we bless and honor young girls with unplanned pregnancies. This is a great opportunity to adopt a mom and shower her with love, grace, and sweet gifts for her baby.

Contact Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, outreachnrh@gatewaypeople.com

VOLUNTEER CREATIVE & SOCIAL MEDIA TEAMS

Do you love to decorate? We’d love for you to be on our creative team and help set up and decorate for events. Are you passionate about photography? Come be a part of our social media team by taking pictures of services, events, and outreaches.

Contact: Katherine Hesami, 817.552.3600, creativenrh@gatewaypeople.com

FIFTY-PLUS DAY TRIP | THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

Sunday, Dec 4 | 12:00 pm

FIFTY-PLUS BIBLE STUDY

Tuesdays | 10:00 am

If you’re a part of the 50+ crowd, you’re invited to join us on Tuesday mornings for Bible study and fellowship. Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.4144, fiftyplusnrh@gatewaypeople.com

MEN’S PRAYER

Wednesdays | 6:30–7:30 am | Lobby Join us as we gather to worship and pray for men who lead in their homes, businesses, and communities. Contact: Matt Lankenau, 817.552.5802, mennrh@gatewaypeople.com

Join us to see The Gift of Christmas at Prestonwood Baptist Church. Cost: $25 per person, includes bus transportation from the NRH Campus, a lunch buffet, and your show ticket. Register at fiftyplus.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, fiftyplusnrh@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS JEWEL STORE

Dec 10–11 | After Each Weekend Service Kids, bring your jewels to spend at the Jewel Store! Jewels can be earned by bringing your Bible to class, returning Replay sheets, and more. Contact: Joseph Chirico, 682.223.6917, kidsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

BARABBAS FREEDOM MINISTRY

Sundays | 7:00 pm | Chat Room

This ministry is for men and women (18+) who have been incarcerated or struggle with addictions. Come discover new life through faith in Jesus. Contact: Matt Lankenau, 817.552.5802, outreachnrh@gatewaypeople.com

BABY DEDICATIONS

If you would like to dedicate your baby or child to the Lord, register at kids.gatewaypeople.com by Monday, October 31. Space is limited.

Contact: Amy Sellars, 817.552.7342, babiesnrh@gatewaypeople.com

Sunday, Nov 13 | 12:30 pm Service | Classroom A Gateway Kids Serve is a program that trains students (5th grade–age 15) to serve in the Gateway Kids classrooms. Join us for our next training! Contact: Joseph Chirico, 682.223.6917, crossfirenrh@gatewaypeople.com

If you’re looking to get connected at the NRH Campus, join a Gateway Group! We also have openings for group leaders. Find a group at groups.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Rachel Sabo, 817.552.5885, groupsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

LEAD AN OUTREACH GROUP

If you want to connect with others while serving our community at the NRH Campus, we’d love for you to lead an outreach group.

Contact: Matt Lankenau, 817.552.5802, outreachnrh@gatewaypeople.com

WOMEN’S MENTORING

Do you want to discover more about yourself, your potential, and your capabilities?

Consider becoming a mentor or mentee.

Contact: Rachel Sabo, 817.552.5885, womennrh@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS

Nov 5–6 | 10 Minutes Before Every Service | Auditorium

GATEWAY KIDS SERVE TRAINING

JOIN OR LEAD A GROUP

MONDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00 am | Lobby

FAMILY NIGHT AT THE RODEO

TUESDAYS »» Fifty-Plus Bible Study | 10:00 am | Chat Room

Join us for our Family Night at the Rodeo!

Cost: $15 per person (children 2 and up need a ticket for admittance). Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, familynrh@gatewaypeople.com

WEDNESDAYS »» Men’s Prayer | 6:30–7:30 am | Lobby »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium (Canceled on Nov 23)

Tuesday, Jan 17 | 7:30 pm

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 31

ACTIVITIES

Thanksgiving Finger Puppets

Instructions: 1. Color in the pictures.

2. Cut them out.

3. Tape or glue the back tabs together.

4. Place puppets on your index fingers and play.

32  NOVEMBER 2016

THE ABCs OF GRATEFULNESS WHERE

FAITH + POP

CULTURE

MEET

by Chelsea Seaton

I’m Thankful for …

A

N

B

O

C

P

D

Q

E

R

F

S

G

T

H

U

I

V

J

W

K

X

L

Y

M

Z

“He’s got a point. Nobody eats a flamingo on Thanksgiving.”

“I CAN’T RUN ANY FARTHER THAN THAT!” I said emphatically as I crossed the finish line of my first 5K (3.2 miles). Three years later I crossed the finish line of my first half-marathon and not only vowed to never run another race but also wondered how people could go on to do a full marathon (26.2 miles)!

That’s a lot of miles to run. In fact, the word marathon comes from the story of a Greek soldier running 26 miles from Marathon, Greece, to Athens to tell the Athenians they had won the battle. Once he got to Athens, he delivered his message, keeled over, and died. Why people willingly run that distance is crazy! Yet in March of 2015, I ran 26.2 miles and completed my first marathon.

What amazes me about my journey is how many times I said, “I can’t.” I had every excuse not to run that far and was not in any shape to even train for that distance, yet something inside me questioned if that was a fact. Was it really true that I couldn’t do it? Or could I actually do what seemed impossible to me?

There are so many things we believe we can’t do because they seem impossible. We can’t start that workout. We can’t have that tough conversation. We can’t get over that pain someone caused us. We can’t mend this marriage, and we can’t get out of this debt. But what if we can?

God calls us to conquer the, “I can’ts” of this world all the time. He does it to build our belief in Him, strengthen our faith, and become overcomers.

I didn’t wake up one morning and decide to run a marathon. It started with me asking for God’s help and telling the “I can’ts” to take a hike, and beginning a daily process toward health. Were there mornings I wanted quit? Yes! When it’s 17 degrees and you need to get a run in, the “I can’ts” are really loud. Those are the moments you ask for God’s help and let Him be your strength.

Whatever impossible situation you’re facing, whatever thing you’ve said you can’t do, give that over to the Lord today. It may be the very thing he’s calling you to overcome because “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 33

PROFILE

with the passion and the drive to cook good barbecue.

I just had fun watching people gather around the tables and enjoy the food. If any of this implies I can cook, my wife is going to have a really good laugh.

AS MOST SALVATION STORIES START FOR MEN, I MET A GIRL …. I was managing Smokin’ Stokes and had always wanted to be a big deal, and there I was, my name on a restaurant and on t-shirts, and I just felt like life was great. Then I met this girl who was seriously way out of my league. She was a single mom, and I knew her through a friend of a friend. We became friends, and I just enjoyed hanging out with her. Actually, let me say that differently. She enjoyed hanging out with me, but I was smitten. We’d hang out almost every night, but on Wednesday nights she had church. I would call and invite her to hang out, and she would say she had church and ask if I wanted to go with her. I would usually say, “No, but I’ll call you tomorrow.” Eventually, I realized if there was any chance for the relationship to go to the next level, I was going to have to give this church thing a try.

STOKES COLLINS IS THE EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF ADULT MINISTRIES AT GATEWAY. HE AND HIS WIFE, BETH, HAVE TWO DAUGHTERS. I STARTED WORKING AT A YOUNG AGE and never really stopped. After high school, while other people went off to college, I went to work at a car dealership because I love anything that has to do with cars. I just wanted to be around them! I’ve also managed a restaurant, been in sales, and owned a car repair business, which was actually a total failure. I had to claw my way out of that one. It was awful and great at the same time. I learned way more from the failure of that car repair business than I did from any success I’ve had.

RIGHT BEFORE COMING TO GATEWAY, I was the director of sales and marketing for a digital print firm in South Carolina. I love the fundamentals of sales, and I enjoyed working to help make that business

34 NOVEMBER 2016

successful. I felt called to ministry for some time, then one day I was in my office and said to the Lord, “You know what, God? I think I missed it. I think I’m called to do this, and I’m going to do it ‘as unto You.’ I’m going to do a killer job for You, and I’m going to treat my boss like he’s the king of the land.” Within two months, I got a Facebook message from a friend about joining the staff at Gateway.

MY FAMILY WERE “CHRISTMAS AND EASTER” PEOPLE. Church was always boring, and I never understood the point of it. Then I went with the girl on a Wednesday night to a fully charismatic church service, and I knew her church was different. (But she could’ve at least prepared me for how expressive they were!) It was kind of a crazy experience, but two weeks later I came back. Long story short, I gave my heart to Christ, was baptized, and was filled with the Holy Spirit in that church—and I married the girl who brought me there!

I OFTEN SPEAK TO MY FAMILY IN CRAZY ACCENTS. I love to talk like the characters from the movie Nacho Libre, but I do a lot of other accents too. It all stems from movie quotes. For the past four years, Beth and I have gone to the movies every Friday. It’s one of our favorite things to do together, which is good because I’m really not sure I can carry on a high-quality conversation without inserting a movie quote in there somewhere.

MY DAD LOVED TO COMPETE IN BARBECUE TOURNAMENTS. We’re from South Carolina, so for us, barbecue tournaments were a really big deal. The Memphis in May Society is the biggest tournament in the country—about one million people attend it.

My dad actually competed in it and did pretty well.

He created a sauce and won a couple trophies. That turned into a catering business, which built demand for a restaurant, and we actually ended up opening one.

We named it Smokin’ Stokes, and I was the manager.

We later had two locations and did tons of catering all over the place. It was a lot of fun, and I still make my dad’s sauce from time to time.

STOKES IS MY MIDDLE NAME. I’m not going to tell you my first name because it’s pretty embarrassing, and I’m really glad my mom decided to call me Stokes my whole life. I’m the fourth generation with Stokes as a middle name, but no one has ever told me where it came from. I should call my mom and find out.

BARBECUE IS THE ONLY THING I CAN COOK. I was the manager of the restaurant, but my dad was the one

For more about our Gateway pastors and staff, visit staff.gatewaypeople.com.

CELEBRATE HANUKKAH Friday, December 2 | 7:30 pm Grand Prairie Campus Join us for a special Messianic service where we’ll hear teaching on the Festival of Lights.

Afterward, we’ll have a live band and traditional Hanukkah latkes and donuts! jewish.gatewaypeople.com

BLESS A SINGLE PARENT FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS! To donate major retail store gift cards or cash, place a clearly marked envelope in any offering container at your campus.

To give online, visit egiving.gatewaypeople.com. singleparents.gatewaypeople.com

A New Truthical Adventure

CANDLELIGHT SERVICES

A Gateway Family Christmas

A Gateway Christmas Musical SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS Thursday, December 15 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm Friday, December 16 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm Saturday, December 17 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm Sunday, December 18 10:00 am, 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm Admission is free, but you must reserve a seat to be guaranteed admission. Reserve your seat today at gatewaychristmas.com.

Reservations are not required for other campuses.

SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS Friday, December 23 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm Saturday, December 24 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm Read more on page 3.

For other service times and locations, visit gatewaychristmas.com.

GATEWAYPEOPLE

DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY LIFE APP AND READ GATEWAY LIFE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

G AT E W AY L I F E M A G . C O M

Available for iPhone, Android, iPad, and Kindle Fire.