Gateway Life | May 2017

MAY 2017

GATEWAY MEMBERS SHOW THE LOVE OF JESUS WITH PROM DRESSES.

15

Pastor Steve Dulin talks about Gateway Business Leaders. 8 What to do when your adult children lose their way. 10 The daughter of a dangerous cult leader finds freedom. 12

CONTENTS MAY 2017

COMMENTS

2

WELCOME

3

PULSE F E AT U R E S

8

GATEWAY BUSINESS LEADERS

A conversation with Steve Dulin about Gateway Business Leaders.

10 ASK A PASTOR

Pastor Beth Helton talks about what to do when your adult children lose their way.

11

SONG STORY

Tim Sheppard, Zach Cheatham, and Eric Orson’s “Waiting on a Whisper.”

12 THE POLYGAMIST’S DAUGHTER

Anna LeBaron grew up in a dangerous cult and found freedom at Gateway.

OUTREACH

15

PROM BLESSINGS

Gateway members partner with Youth World to give girls prom dresses.

18

THE INTERSECTION

19

ANNOUNCEMENTS

28

ACTIVITIES

30

PROFILES

READ GATEWAY LIFE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE AT GATEWAYLIFEMAG.COM.

W e l come

piece I saw was a broken bottle cap poised to leave someone with stitches!

I picked it up and as I walked farther, I noticed another piece and then another.

So every walk ended with two pockets full of broken glass and the hope that maybe it saved somebody some misery.

Toward the end of the trip, I ventured out on a walk alone to pray, and of course to pick up more glass. In the middle of that walk, the Lord told me, “I want you to be a person who picks up glass wherever you go, in your MY WIFE, RACHELLE, AND I RECENTLY home, and at Gateway.” It reminded celebrated our 25th wedding anniver- me of John 10:10, when Jesus said, sary with a very special trip. I decided “The enemy comes to kill, steal, and to surprise her with a beach vacation, destroy, but I come to give life and life and we spent quite a bit of time sitting more abundantly.” together with our feet in the sand. We Picking up glass might be having also enjoyed walking on the beach and an honest conversation with someone letting the waves hit our feet. who is hurting, helping others avoid On our first walk, something cap- an unhealthy spiritual roadblock, or tured my attention. The amount of helping to steward the Holy Spirit in broken bottles and shards of glass that our Gateway Groups, workplaces, and had washed up was alarming. The first even our homes.

WELCOME to GATEWAY LIFE

In fact, one of the articles in this issue of Gateway Life talks about how to deal with our children when they seem to be going astray (page 10). Gateway is also helping business owners with Gateway Business Leaders, and you can read all about it on page 8. You’ll also love the story about a Gateway member whose nonprofit organization gives away prom dresses to underprivileged girls.

No matter what you’re going through in life, I want to encourage us all to join together and remove the sharp objects in our lives and in the lives of others.

The best way to start is with honesty and grace. I pray that God reveals the pieces of glass in your world, so you can help bring life to those around you.

Byron Copeland NRH Campus Pastor

What’s the best advice your mom ever gave you? gateway life gatewaylifemag.com Thomas Miller, Senior Pastoral Oversight Lawrence Swicegood, Editor-in-Chief

“Don't get bangs."

I look terrible with bangs.

project management Tracey Schwellinger

“If you want to meet someone, change your circumstances.”

editorial Stacy Burnett, Managing Editor Daniel Hopkins, Senior Writer/Editor Katie Smith, Staff Writer/Editor Georgette Shuler, Copy Editor

“Slow down!” She meant while driving but it applies to everything.

2 MAY 2017

photography Adam Fish, Staff Photographer Cory Hale, Contributing Photographer Abrahanny Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer Delaney Griffith, Contributing Photographer Jonathan Orasanu, Contributing Photographer art Shane Dennehey, Creative Director Tim Lautensack, Art Director/Designer Justin Miller, Art Director/Designer Emanuel Pușcaș, Designer Katrina Sirmon, Production Designer David Phillips, Print Coordinator

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

OUR MISSION is to help each person at Gateway BELIEVE in Jesus, BELONG to family, BECOME a follower, and BUILD God’s kingdom.

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

“You’re grounded!”

Is that advice?

25 Dallas Police officers received rifle-rated armor kits at the Dallas Campus.

“NOTHING LIKE A LI’L HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND JESUS. We spent a rainy day with our Gateway Group, the Gateway Riders Southlake. After church, we all took off looking for a place to eat. Since moving from Louisiana to Dallas it’s been odd for me not knowing anyone. After leaving a high-profile and social position as chief of police, traveling and working from home doesn’t lend itself to meeting friends. But this group has become close to us, and new, true friendships are growing. Today in the cold, rain, fog, and limited restaurant seating, we see those seeds of friendships beginning to blossom.”

Scott Silverii | via Facebook

MEANWHILE AT GATEWAY

The aerialist who performed for the Men’s Summit opener was the stunt double for Andrew Garfield in the Amazing Spider-Man movies (2012–14). • 381 towels, 1,536 pairs of socks, 1,043 hygiene kits, and 14,639 bottles of water were collected at

Men’s Summit to be donated to a local homeless shelter, and 349 kids were sponsored through Compassion International.

6 sledgehammers broke in the process of smashing 3 cars. • 5,568 men attended Men’s Summit. 29 states and 227 churches were represented. The farthest someone traveled to attend was 4,876 miles (from Sweden!). 330 people volunteered.

• Men’s Summit attendees consumed 2,200 barbecue sandwiches, 1,000 tacos, 500 nachos, 300 hamburgers, 3,400 snacks, 1,400 pastries, 1,000 cups of coffee, 1,900 ice creams, 1,400 fried pies and Oreos, and 8,200 bottles of water.

• Right after it was released, Rita Springer’s album, Battles, spent a week at No. 2 on the iTunes Christian Albums chart.

GATEWAYPEOPLE Send us your story, testimony, or feedback on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or email us at life@gatewaypeople.com.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 3

PUL SE

HOWARD AND DANVA MEISTER He built me a sunroom, a beautiful walk-in pantry, and he’s building me a really nice walk-in closet. He was a farmer from Illinois and God told him to go to Bible school, so he came to Texas. We’ve been married six years.

Long before that, I was widowed when I was 18 and widowed again in 2009. I was beside myself. God told me to write a book, and it’s called Texas Woman Widowed Twice and Becoming an Eagle.

It’s about not focusing on your loss but focusing on God’s calling for your life. In the process of writing it, I met Howard. I asked him to do some repairs on my home, and after a year of getting to know each other, we started dating.

God put us together for ministry so we volunteer on the altar ministry team.

I tease him for not being from Texas but he teases me more!

“Thank you for sending me my volunteer name tag in the mail.

It makes me feel special, and

NOW I BELONG.” Linda Cobbs | via Facebook

Gateway celebrates Passover with the Seder feast.

“This week, the Gateway Outreach team hosted an anti-bullying event for Carroll Middle School at the Southlake Campus. John Pritikin from the Power Team came and shared his testimony about being bullied in school and how to be a positive influence. He told us later that a boy came up to him and told him,

"THAT MESSAGE SAVED MY LIFE." He had a suicide note in his pocket and was going to take his life after school. I am so thankful Gateway opened its doors so John could share his testimony and save someone’s life!”

Sarah Weaver | via Email 4 MAY 2017

CHRISTY KIRKLAND We have been at Gateway for a little more than four years. My husband had to drag me in the doors because the

size of this church scared me. I couldn’t see how I could connect and grow in such a large church. (It’s literally bigger than the town I grew up in!) But we are healthier and growing more now than when we came the first time. I have struggled with depression most of my life. I had to be on medication and was feeling hopeless that things were never going to change. Through KAIROS, I was able to get off my medication and begin to heal. The NRH Campus has shown so much love to

my autistic daughter, which helped me release more of my worries. My son became a believer and was baptized here. I went through a miscarriage and had a safe place to mourn and question God. Then, He gave us one more precious little girl. We found a Gateway Group we can connect with and are woven into the Gateway family.

I know even when I slip and stumble, I have people to help me and my family get back up. The deeper I get into this church, the safer I feel.

“A few months ago, Gateway helped restore Mount Olive Baptist Church’s 117-year-old building, a gathering place for many local West Dallas residents. Thanks to our Gateway volunteers.”

Marc Bolling | via Email

TARA AKERS AND ANDREAS CASILLAS Andreas is an athletic 13-year-old. Last year at baseball practice, a ground ball bounced up and broke his nose.

We went to Cook Children’s hospital,

where it took them hours to stop the bleeding. Finally, at 3:30 am, they sent us home, but by the next afternoon, the bleeding started again. We were rushed back to the hospital in an ambulance and after staying there nearly two weeks and going through three separate emergency surgeries, the bleeding continued. The doctors decided a last-resort surgery was necessary, and they told me there was a high risk for paralysis, blindness, and even death. As his mother, I tried to stay strong, but at this point I was falling apart. During all this, the NRH Campus was so comforting.

Pastor Kyle Fox visited several times and prayed for Andreas at Gateway

Students. It meant the world to us. I never stopped believing my child was going to be healed, but I questioned why God let him go through all of this.

When they wheeled him back for the fourth surgery, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said goodbye like it was the last time he would see me, and I cried out to God like never before.

After the surgery, he was healed and hasn’t had a bleeding episode since.

Satan had every intention of taking my baby from us, but the power of God overcame and defeated him once again! I believe with all of my heart that God has plans for Dre and is going to use him for something big, and I am so excited to see what it is!

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 5

PUL SE

WHAT MISCONCEPTIONS DID YOU HAVE ABOUT GATEWAY BEFORE YOU CAME HERE?

T

“

o be honest, I didn’t want to come to Gateway the first time. Other churches I’ve been to were tragic and difficult experiences. I was manipulated, lied to, harassed, and put down every time I walked into other churches. I lost my way with God after these experiences and had a hard time with life. Then, some friends told me about Gateway and how they loved it and felt God wanted me to go too. I shied away the first couple of times they asked, but I finally brought myself to go, and I’ve been here since. I am now very grateful to have this church in my life.”

SONNIE DAWN

I

“

came to visit when the Southlake Campus opened their new building, and I said I would never come back to a church that was so flashy and all about show.

But years later, I [participated] in a ministry Gateway provided that was open to me even though I wasn’t a member. The more I got to know Gateway, the more I understood that Gateway is not all about show, it’s about people—embracing everyone exactly where they’re at, slathering them in grace, and guiding them to be everything they’re called to be in Christ Jesus.”

KATIE LUNA

“I thought [with Gateway] being such a big church, I would just be a face in a sea of people with no real relationships especially with leadership. I was very wrong. Not only am I building relationships, but the pastors I have met remember me and are concerned with what’s going on with their members.

I have been very blessed in my transition to Gateway.”

CHRISTEN ROBINSON

I

“

grew up in a church that never expressed worship so my first Sunday at Gateway Grand Prairie, I thought everyone was crazy! But since then, I have experienced so much freedom in learning what true worship is and how to hear from and talk with God!”

HALLIE SMITH

6 MAY 2017

I

“

I

thought Pastor Robert would be “ wondered how personal it would more like a stereotypical telbe [with the NRH Campus] evangelist and that he would speak being an offshoot of the main big only from the ‘surface’ as to not church. But we found such caring offend anyone. Instead, I find myself godly people who really make you frantically taking notes on all the feel welcome. Gateway really is like verses he references so I can go back a small town, but a small town made and digest later what the Lord truly up of family. We love Gateway!” was speaking to me.”

KACIE KRESTA

REBEKAH SPEAR

Easter Weekend at the Gateway Café.

IN RESPONSE TO KAIROS II:

“I FELT THE PRESENCE OF GOD ALL AROUND ME, AND EVEN THOUGH I CAME BY MYSELF, I NEVER FELT ALONE. HE REMINDED ME OF HIS LOVE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE LOVED.” KAIROS II Attendee

“I AM 74 YEARS YOUNG

and have made a mission board every year since I became a Christian at the age of 55. This year centers around the work I do with refugees and volunteering for Gateway. Currently, I am a greeter, but I hope to facilitate a Mending the Soul group at the Dallas Campus in the next year. I have some personal goals on my board, but mostly I want to be the best me, redeemed and uplifted by our Lord who saved me from sure eternal death.”

Anne Worth | via Email GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 7

A conversation with Steve Dulin about

GATEWAY BUSINESS LEADERS

by Daniel Hopkins

F

OR YEARS, THE CHURCH AND BUSINESS WORLDS HAVE NOT

SEEMED TO CONNECT VERY WELL, but thanks to Pastor Robert’s heart to serve business leaders and Pastor Steve Dulin’s experience in both worlds, Gateway has found a way to bring the two together through Gateway Business Leaders. We spoke with Pastor Steve about the vision behind this one-of-a-kind ministry that is helping business leaders become more successful and grow stronger in their ability to apply proven biblical principles to their lives and businesses.

8 MAY 2017

HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM WORK?

The Gateway Business Leaders program has five pillars: events, mentoring, small groups, training, and resources. Our events provide inspiration, encouragement, teaching, and fellowship. We had more than 500 business leaders attend a recent breakfast and luncheon. Groups are the major part of our program. Groups meet twice a month for two hours and the leaders go through a curriculum with their peers.

We offer a one-on-one mentoring program, training classes and seminars, and a thoughtfully curated list of resources (books, websites, and CDs). These five pillars are supported by custom-designed software.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE WHEN A BUSINESS OWNER BEGINS RUNNING THEIR BUSINESS ACCORDING TO BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES?

We’re not asking business leaders to balance their Christian life and their work life—we’re asking them to integrate the two. We believe that as people learn to steward the business and career that God has called them to, and do it His way, God will bless them. Of course, stewardship isn’t just about money, it’s about people as well. Not only do we teach our leaders biblical principles, but we ask them questions like, “Do you love your employees, customers, and even your competitors?” and “Have you truly given your business to God, as opposed to just dedicating it to God?” These are tough questions, but they’re foundational to running a business God’s way.

HOW DOES THIS MINISTRY SERVE BUSINESS LEADERS?

WHAT’S THE ORIGIN OF GATEWAY BUSINESS LEADERS?

In 2010, I sold my construction company that I had owned for over 20 years, retired, and spent my time consulting and speaking to business leaders at seminars and churches. I was asked by a church to develop a business ministry for them and when I told Pastor Robert about it, he said, “Why don’t you do it here at Gateway instead?” Soon after, I joined Gateway’s staff and began developing Gateway Business Leaders. I have a strong desire to equip business leaders to run businesses God’s way and develop men and women to become all that God has called them to be.

For every company started, 80 percent will be out of business in the next five to ten years. So, one of the biggest things on a business owner’s mind is, How do I stay in business? When I was praying about starting this ministry, I asked God, “What do you want me to do?” And I heard His response so clearly: “I want you to implement Matthew 28:19–20.” “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to obey everything I’ve commanded you ….” Our primary purpose for Gateway Business Leaders is making disciples and fulfilling this Scripture by teaching business leaders to apply God’s proven principles to their businesses. We are here to bless and serve our business leaders. We don’t want anything from them. We want everything for them. That’s our heart, it’s Pastor Robert’s heart, and it’s God’s heart! GL For more information on Gateway Business Leaders, visit gatewaybusinessleaders.org.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 9

ASK A PASTOR GATEWAY PASTORS ANSWER YOUR DIFFICULT QUESTIONS

My adult son is making life choices that go against the way we raised him. I’m struggling about what to do. Am I enabling him if I tolerate his choices and maintain a relationship with him? As Christians, are there boundaries we can set in our relationships that allow us to love our children but not endorse their choices?

by PASTOR BETH HELTON

F

irst of all, I just want to say I am sorry you are having to navigate this scenario. Parenting is definitely not for the faint of heart!

Three thoughts come to mind as I ponder your questions.

1. LOVE NEVER FAILS.

Never stop loving and praying for your son. Even if his decisions are heartbreaking for you, keep your heart open to him. In your situation, I would do my best to keep an ongoing relationship with him. Above all, let him know you love him. When my daughter was a little girl, I used to constantly say to her, “There is absolutely nothing you could ever do that will make me stop loving you.” Now that she’s older, I will occasionally tease her and jokingly ask, “Am I ever going to stop loving you?” She will immediately yell back, “Nope! There’s nothing I will ever do that will make you stop loving me!” Perhaps you had these same conversations with your son, and now he’s putting those words to the test. As heartbreaking as it is, keep loving him.

10 MAY 2017

2. BOUNDARIES ARE A GOOD THING!

You can love your son while still maintaining your convictions. You don’t need to do anything that would compel you to violate your conscience. You may want to predetermine what your non-negotiables are as you work to keep a loving relationship with your son. You don’t have to change your moral convictions to accommodate your son. Extend unconditional love while holding onto your beliefs.

3. MAKE IT EASY TO COME HOME.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about the prodigal son in Luke 15. Verse 20 says, “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming.

Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him” (nlt). His father extended love and forgiveness before the son could even ask for it. Be ready to react the same way when your son (we pray) returns to the faith of his childhood.

In the meantime, I encourage you to tend to your own heart by getting connected with others, especially other parents who may share similar struggles. Sign up for an Equip class, such as Parenting and Partnering with Your Adult Children, Freedom Basics, or Intentional Parenting. You can also join a Gateway Group and/or attend a KAIROS freedom event.” GL This month’s Ask a Pastor is written by Beth Helton, Pastor of Freedom at the Southlake Campus.

Have a difficult question? Email askapastor@gatewaypeople.com.

SONG STORY

As the teams split up, Zach grabbed a guitar, and Tim, Eric, and he made their way to a room with a keyboard. Tim and Zach started playing different progressions and rhythms as they all experimented with melodies and lyric ideas. They kept returning to the account of Elijah, and the idea of waiting through all the craziness of life for a word from God. Then, Zach happened to mention he’d written a bridge but had never been able to build anything around it. As he began to sing, “I will wait for You / I will not forget Your promises,” Eric and Tim latched onto it, and ideas for the verse and chorus started coming. “I know that with one Tim Sheppard, Zach Cheatham, and Eric Orson’s single word from God, everything changes,” says Tim. After that, the song fell together with ease in less than an hour.

Then, all three started wondering if the chorus lyrics needed something more than the repetitive “Your words are life to me / Your words are all I need.” So, they tried to rewrite the chorus but kept coming back to the original.

“There was just something so powerful in the simplicity,” Tim says. “And we thought, We’re going to mess this up if we get too complicated with it.”

by Katie Smith After submitting the song to others, Tim expected to hear, “You could put more into that.” However, everyone SONGWRITING WASN’T EXACTLY A GROUP ACTIVITY for Pastor who heard the song came to the same conclusion: simple Tim Sheppard. Most of the songs he’s written over the is powerful. “In today’s busy and noisy culture, we have years have come while spending time alone with the Lord. constant input from many other voices,” says Eric. “And Nevertheless, he was excited to start working with other we often neglect to seek first the most important voice, our writers when he was invited to a series of Gateway Worship Heavenly Father.” group songwriting sessions.

Now, these lyrics serve as a reminder of the purity of God’s One day last summer, Tim was grouped with Zach message. Their simplicity is packed with power for every Cheatham and Eric Orson, fellow Gateway pastors who Christian’s daily walk. “There is one thing that’s bubbled were also invited to the sessions. Before all the songwrit- to the surface over the years in my relationship with the ing teams were partnered, Pastor Mark Harris opened the Lord,” says Tim. “The most valuable gift we can cultivate session with 1 Kings 19:11–12. God appeared to Elijah, not in in our lives is the ability to hear Him. It’s that simple.” GL the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a whisper. Mark asked everyone to consider writing a song about the way God spoke “Waiting on a Whisper,” the title track from Gateway’s Created to Be devotional album, is available on iTunes. to Elijah. He suggested the title, “Waiting on a Whisper.”

“Waiting on a Whisper”

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 11

ANNA LeBARON GREW UP IN A DANGEROUS CULT AND FOUND FREEDOM AT GATEWAY

NNA L e BARON ONLY RECALLS SEEING HER FATHER

She and her siblings spent their childhood shuffling between different hideouts in the United States and Mexico, where they lived in poverty. Why were they in hiding? They belonged to a polygamous cult

THREE TIMES IN HER LIFE.

12 MAY 2017

led by Anna’s father, Ervil LeBaron, who was believed to be God’s one true prophet.

Ervil had 13 wives, more than 50 children, and several hundred followers who carried out his every demand—even when it meant murdering people on his hit list. The quickest way to get

your name on the list was to disobey an order, challenge his authority, or attempt to leave the cult.

The FBI and Mexican Federal Police struggled for years to locate Ervil, who bounced around from hideout to hideout.

Finally, in 1979, he was caught in Mexico, but not before the death toll had grown to 20 and included one of his wives and several of his children. Two years after his arrest, he died in a Utah Prison. The cult was taken over by Dan Jordan, an even more oppressive leader, and Ervil’s dark influence continued in the form of a large hit list he sent out during his last days in prison.

All of this took place while Anna was a little girl, not fully aware of the evil taking place all around her.

Anna didn’t see her life as strange. Sudden moves from place to place without a chance to put down roots was normal for her. So were the long stretches of time when her mother would disappear from her life, often leaving to join Ervil on secret “mission” trips around the southwest. His influence was so strong that Anna’s mother would leave her 11 children behind anytime he called. Anna was often left in the care of an older sister or another of her father’s wives for weeks and months at a time.

Once, when she was seven years old and in the care of an older sister in Dallas, she and several of her siblings were woken up in the middle of the night and quickly herded out the door. They were told to grab only the possessions they could carry and crammed into the back of a box truck, where they sat in darkness as it made the 800-mile drive to Colorado. Fleeing in the middle of the night became commonplace. “I grew up with a sense I was abandoned and on my own, even though I had siblings by my side,” she says.

Though it all felt normal to Anna, the lack of love and care from a parent caused her to start questioning her family’s way of life. “I still wasn’t aware that there was anything wrong with the way I grew up,” she says. She did as she was told, often doing hard labor six days a week in an appliance repair shop run by new cult leader Dan Jordan, a taskmaster who paid the children pennies. What’s more, Anna became aware that she was being groomed to become the wife of one of the cult followers, whom she would be made to marry after age 15. Her faith in her caregivers crumbled as she was put in harm’s way time and time again, and at age 13 she ran away.

With the help of her older sister Lillian, who had begun cutting ties with the cult, Anna spent several days hiding in a motel while the rest of her family fled to a different state. The fact they left her behind magnified her feelings of worthlessness.

However, Lillian and her husband, Mark (also a former cult member), made a place for her along with six of their own children in their Houston home. “They took me in and raised me,” says Anna. “I lived with them until after I graduated high school.”

She finally felt safe, and she began to attend a Christian church where she gave her life over to Jesus. But only a few years after she received salvation, tragedy struck. Mark discovered that because he didn’t attempt to break Ervil out of jail, his name was on the final hit list. Despite his best efforts to protect his family and himself (including buying and carrying a gun), Mark was killed along with several other former members in the infamous “4 O’Clock Murders.” Lillian, unable to cope, committed suicide soon after, which caused Anna to fall into a deep depression.

“I GREW UP WITH A SENSE I WAS AND ON MY OWN.”

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 13

Yet life continued. Anna’s pain slowly subsided, and she got married and had five children of her own. Her faith remained strong as her family moved around Texas, and she was involved in a local church no matter where they went.

One church referred her to a professional counselor who helped her begin to confront the myriad of painful experiences from her childhood. But something was still missing.

Growing up in a group that didn’t value or care for her and constantly put her in harmful situations, she struggled to see God as her Father. Even more than that, she struggled to see herself as a beloved daughter of God with security and significance.

In January 2005, Anna and her family relocated to Dallas.

Though they would live here longer than anywhere they’d lived before, her freedom journey was just beginning, and it started at Gateway. She attended one of Gateway’s first freedom classes called “Levels of Change” as well as many of the classes and programs that followed. It took years for her to discover true freedom from the pain of her past—a journey she continues today—but her biggest breakthrough was realizing God as her Father and His deep love for her.

“I didn’t believe any of it at first,” she says. “Being able to receive His love and take it in, for someone who was raised fatherless—that’s a big leap.” But she persisted, taking every opportunity to confront her past and the lies she had believed for so many years. One big opportunity came in 2015, when she began writing her memoir, The Polygamist’s Daughter, in which she tells her story in detail.

For the last two years, Anna’s healing journey has centered around recounting her past, and old wounds were reopened. “It’s been a very cathartic process,” she says.

“My counselor was worried about me being re-traumatized by the telling of my story.” There were difficult moments— including reading the manuscript to her mother once it was complete—but being surrounded by a group of women who prayed for her every step of the way helped her not only survive the process but overcome so many of the lies from her past.

And now that the book is released, she can look back and see how far she has come. “Finally, after years of receiving freedom ministry, I attended freedom ministry training so I can help others,” she says. “How I was able to go from a fatherless existence to what I now call a well-Fathered heart— that’s the part Gateway Church has played in my life.” GL To read more about Anna’s story, her new memoir, The Polygamist’s Daughter, is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

14 MAY 2017

“BEING ABLE TO RECEIVE HIS LOVE ...

FOR SOMEONE WHO WAS RAISED THAT’S A BIG LEAP.”

Outreach

P R M B L E S S I N G S Gateway members partner with Youth World to give girls prom dresses.

by Katie Smith

W

HEN ANGIE ROSE APPROACHED YOUTH WORLD, a nonprofit It all started one day in early 2016 when Angie and Chaney organization in South Dallas, about an event for young were wondering what girls do with their prom dresses after girls who couldn’t afford prom dresses, she didn’t expect to prom. Do girls just keep them in their closets with hopes to have her front porch and garage filled with formal dresses. wear them again? Or do they throw them away? And then But as Angie and her 15-year-old daughter Chaney found out, they thought, What if we could do something better with them? when the Lord gives you a big dream, crazy things happen! “There are so many girls who don’t have the opportunity

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 15

Outreach

to have nice dresses for prom. We thought it would be amazing to collect dresses to give them,” Angie says.

“But we wanted to go one step beyond that. We didn’t want to just give them a dress, we wanted to do something that could change their lives.” And with the support of Youth World and Gateway, Prom Blessing was born.

They decided to host a luncheon for the dress recipients that included great food, music, and a speaker. Then the girls would shop in a boutique set up just for them, complete with dressing rooms. They would even have accessories like purses and shoes, and a seamstress ready to help! Angie, Chaney, and Youth World spread the word through social media, asking

“We didn’t want to just give them a dress, we wanted to do something that could change their lives.” girls to donate formal dresses they may have in the back of their closets. They were blown away by the response! One of the contestants from The Bachelor donated all her dresses from the show. Another woman bought several brand-new dresses because she felt like the Lord had showed her each one would be for a specific girl.

Several stories just like this showed

16 MAY 2017

ON APRIL 9, 2016

70 GIRLS attended the first Prom Blessing event and picked out their own prom dresses.

300 dresses were donated.

ON APRIL 1, 2017 Youth World hosted its second annual Prom Blessing event.

125

girls attended this year and

shopped more than

350

dresses!

To mimic the individual “consultant” feel you would find at a high-end dress shop, Prom Blessing had

90

volunteers available to help the girls.

This year’s Prom Blessing event also had a seamstress, a makeup artist, and a fashion consultant!

Each girl also received a gift bag from the event that included a book about creating a vision board and a copy of Jesus Calling.

GRACE in Grapevine donated all the clothing racks, the Expo Group donated all the pipe and drape for the dressing rooms, and Gateway Young Adults donated dresses and volunteered at the event.

Angie and Chaney this event was definitely from the Lord’s heart. “I remember praying one morning and writing in my prayer journal before our first Prom Blessing event. I asked the Lord to provide 150 dresses for it,” Chaney says. “And God doubled my prayer! We had 300 dresses donated!”

The day before the event, volunteers excitedly set up the auditorium at Youth World in South Dallas. “We decorated everything in white and hot pink,” Angie says. “My mother collected nice china, and we had a big buffet set up with food in tiers and on big silver platters.” And Youth World coordinated with inner-city schools in Dallas to invite girls in need or from rough backgrounds to the luncheon.

Seventy girls showed up that day, and Wynter Pitts, local speaker and mom to the little girl in the movie War Room, spoke after they ate. She told them they can dream bigger and gave them hope for their futures. Then the volunteers opened the boutique and let the girls shop!

“We didn’t know what to expect when we turned 70 girls loose in a room with 300 dresses. Were they going to fight over them?” Angie wondered. “But they were encouraging and helped each other pick out dresses. It was beautiful!”

And every single girl left with a dress she loved. One girl wore her dress the entire afternoon and couldn’t stop smiling. Another girl couldn’t find a dress that fit her perfectly, so the seamstress made her one from scratch.

“We wanted to give these girls the experience of going shopping for a prom dress, which is something a lot of us take for granted,” says Chaney. “And we wanted them to have the moment that comes with wearing a gorgeous dress—the ‘I am cherished. I look beautiful. I am a woman.’ moment. Because that changes everything.” GL For more information about Prom Blessing, to donate a dress, or to get involved, visit promblessing.com.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 17

THE INTERSECTION FAITH + POP CULTURE

Lion

by GEORGETTE SHULER & KATIE SMITH

T

HE OSCAR-NOMINATED FILM, Lion, based on the memoir A Long Way Home, tells the incredible and heart-wrenching true story of a young boy, Saroo Brierley, who was separated from his family in India at the age of five. After being picked up in the streets by an orphanage, Saroo was adopted by a loving Australian couple. The movie takes you on Saroo’s journey to find his roots, but throughout the movie, his adoptive mother, Sue Brierley (played

by Nicole Kidman), plays a pivotal part in his journey. As a real-life adoptive mother herself, Kidman signed on to depict Saroo’s mother with raw emotion, telling one news source that “This movie was a love letter to my children.” The more her character is revealed, the more you come to realize that this movie can act as a love letter to all of us.

Soon after the Brierleys adopt Saroo and bring him home to Australia, Sue places him in his new bed and gently whispers, “Someday you’ll tell me your story” to her sleeping boy. The Brierleys eventually adopt another Indian boy who happened to be severely troubled, and years later, when Saroo is a young adult, he has a conversation with Sue where he says he’s sorry she couldn’t have her own kids because he and his brother weren’t “blank pages” like her own children would have been. He says, “You weren’t just adopting us but our past as well.” To Saroo’s surprise, Sue responds, without any tone of bitterness, that she and her husband were able to have their own kids, but they made a choice to adopt instead: “We wanted the two of you in our lives. That’s what we chose.”

18 MAY 2017

What Saroo didn’t understand as he began to search for his biological family behind her back, was that Sue knew he would have a story to tell her—a past to work through—and she chose him anyway. She willingly adopted the boys knowing they weren’t blank pages and left the door open for them to explore their pasts whenever they were ready.

This movie becomes a love letter to us when we realize that God does that for us as well. He rescues us from the streets of depravity—lost, hungry, and afraid—adopts us into His family and takes us as His very own, knowing full-well each of us has a past. Like Saroo, we may worry that our past puts us in an awkward place with the Lord or hurts Him if we need to work through it. Sue’s unwavering love reminds us of God’s unconditional love and sacrifice by choosing us to be part of His family. GL

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYPEOPLE

ACCESS LIFE OUTREACH Saturday, Jun 17 | 8:00 am Lake Grapevine

Help someone with a disability enjoy a day at Lake Grapevine by signing up to be a buddy! Register at outreach.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Sarah Weaver, 817.552.3774, outreachslk@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY GROUPS

If you’re looking for a way to get connected and make new friends at the Southlake Campus, join a Gateway Group or become a group leader. Find your group at groups.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Liz Lowrie, 817.552.7482, groupsslk@gatewaypeople.com

PRAYER SHAWL

Wednesday, May 17 | 5:30 pm

YOUNG ADULTS NIGHT

Tuesday, May 16 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium Join us every second Tuesday of the month for worship, a message, and time to hang out after the service.

MIN

Do you love to knit or crochet? Join us as we make special gifts and lift up the recipients in prayer. We’ll also share a light meal, pattern ideas, prayer requests, and testimonies. Contact: Rebecca Freed, 817.552.7454, prayershawl@gatewaypeople.com

Contact: Brittney Nelson, 817.552.7534, youngadultsslk@gatewaypeople.com

MARRIAGE CHALLENGE

Sundays | 9:30–10:30 am | Ministry Center at 540 S. Nolen (Canceled on Holiday Weekends) Marriage Challenge is for couples in crisis or experiencing a difficult season. Come meet with a couple from our team who is trained and passionate about supporting those in hurting marriages. We offer prayer, direction, and tools for resolution. Registration is not required, and children’s ministry is available at the Southlake Campus. Contact: Doug Hawk, 682.223.6063, marriagechallenge@gatewaypeople.com

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Jun 6–27 | 10:00 am

Come learn more about how to serve in Freedom classes, groups, and sessions.

Contact: Elizabeth Settle, 817.552.7368, freedomslk@gatewaypeople.com

Join us for two groups where we discuss how to tackle tough situations life throws at us and how to make your mark at home, in the marketplace, and in the kingdom.

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

Wednesday, May 17 | 7:15 pm

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: Janice Scott, 817.552.7483, ctvslk@gatewaypeople.com

WOMEN’S GROUPS SUMMER CLASSES

GATEWAY FREEDOM INFO NIGHT MIN

GUEST EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Saturday–Sunday, May 20–21

Learn more about becoming 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

PROMISE PRINCIPLE LEADERSHIP ORIENTATION

Saturday, Jun 3 | 5:45 pm

If you’d like to lead a Promise Principle bible study group, join us for this training! Contact: Liz Lowrie, 817.552.7482, groupsslk@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 19

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATEWAY SOUTHLAKE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

YOUNG ADULTS ONE NIGHT

Tuesday, Jun 13 | Food & Giveaways at 6:00 pm Service at 7:00 pm SLK

GRIEFSHARE

Saturday, May 6 | 2:15 pm | Classroom 1C

Join us as all campuses come together for a night of worship, a message from guest speaker Robert Madu, and an opportunity to connect with other young adults. Contact: Katie Willis, 817.552.5871, youngadults@gatewaypeople.com

If you’re experiencing heartache from the death of a loved one or friend, this class is dedicated to helping you through the grieving process. Cost: $25 for materials. Register at care.gatewaypeople.com.

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

FIFTY-PLUS | NIGHT AT THE ARTISAN

Friday, Jun 23 | 7:00 pm | Artisan Center Theater Come join us for a delightful time at the theater with the timeless musical, Mary Poppins! We have reserved the entire theater! No transportation provided.

Register at fiftyplus.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Noelle Preston, 817.552.7374, fiftyplusslk@gatewaypeople.com

EQUIP NIGHT OF APOLOGETICS: THE BENEFIT OF DOUBT

Wednesday, May 31 | 7:00 pm

Join us for a special night of teaching and discussion featuring Daniel Rangel from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries as we learn how to answer those who have doubts about the Christian faith.

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

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

GATEWAY EQUIP

Wednesdays & Weekends

We offer a wide range of Equip classes featuring Jewish, freedom, stewardship, spiritual life, and marriage and family ministries. We also have a Jewish Roots/Havdalah Fellowship class! Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

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

HEALING MINISTRY

Wednesdays | 7:00 pm If you need physical healing, we would love to pray with you.

MIN

Contact: Buddy Atkinson, 817.328.2084, healing@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00 am | Lobby »» Fifty-Plus Bible Study (Adults 50+) 10:00 am | Classroom 2C

KIDS EQUIP

Becoming one in marriage will not happen by accident. Growing into oneness requires a lifetime process of surrendering, serving one another, and sharing in each other’s strengths.

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

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

Equip is partnering with Gateway Kids to provide fun and educational classes for your children (6–12 years old) to grow spiritually. Registration is not required.

Contact: Lorie Gravely, 817.552.7323, children@gatewaypeople.com

Come be part of the Southlake Campus Equip team! We have opportunities for greeters, room hosts, and altar ministers.

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

Wednesdays, May 31–Jun 14 | 7:00 pm

KIDS KAIROS

Kids KAIROS is an opportunity to allow God to show kids who He says they are and what He has planned for them! One parent needs to have attended KAIROS before registering their child (ages 8–12).

Register at freedom.gatewaypeople.com.

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

BECOMING ONE (PREMARRIAGE CLASS)

Sundays, Jun 4–Jul 23 12:30 pm | Classroom 2C

THURSDAYS »» Men’s Prayer | 5:30 am | Lobby

SUNDAYS »» Freedom Basics Classes | 9:00 am Classroom 1C »» Prayer for Our Nation | 10:40 am

20 MAY 2017

EQUIP VOLUNTEERS

Tuesday, Jul 31 | 9:00 am–4:00 pm | Auditorium

WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium UC

SATURDAYS »» Preservice Prayer | 3:30 pm »» Fifty-Plus Bible Study (Adults 50+) 5:30 pm | Classroom 2A

EQUIP SUMMER SERIES: ONENESS

Wednesdays, Jun 7–21 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium

WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

We’d love for you to be part of our usher, greeter, parking lot, and Gateway Central teams. For more information, visit serve.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Jim Mayher, 817.552.7566, gxp@gatewaypeople.com

Whether you’re pre-engaged, engaged, or newly married, come learn what the Bible has to say about marriage! Cost: $25 per couple. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Amanda Wise, 817.552.7578, premarriageslk@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

MESSIANIC SERVICE: JERUSALEM DAY

Tuesday–Thursday, Jun 27–29

Join us at the next Messianic Service where we’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of the miraculous reunification of Jerusalem! Habrá traducción en Español. Contact: Oli Snyder, 817.552.7452, jewish@gatewaypeople.com

VOTE UNDER GOD Saturday, May 6

It’s time to vote again! Local elections for some mayor, city council, and school board positions are being decided this spring. Visit your city website for early voting dates and a list of candidates.

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL

SLK

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

PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES & NIGHT OF SCENES

May 18–Aug 15

SERVICE TIMES WACKY WEEK

Friday, May 5 Jewish Dance Class | 6:30 pm | Classroom 2C Preservice Prayer | 7:00 pm | Auditorium SLK Service | 7:30 pm | Auditorium

Tuesday, May 16 | 7:00 pm | The Mix

LOCATIONS &

SLK

Gateway Performing Arts offers weekly acting and dancing classes for children and adults!

This summer, we also have performance opportunities for adults with our second annual Night of Scenes (on July 13). For information on classes or to register for an audition, visit performingarts.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Rachel Turner, 682.223.6918, performingarts@gatewaypeople.com

SLK

Join us for an action-packed week of adventure on the high seas as we learn about the depth of God’s love! Wacky Week is for kids 6 years old–6th grade. Cost: $20 per child. We also need volunteers (ages 13+) to join us in the adventure! To attend or volunteer, visit kids.gatewaypeople.com.

To attend: Contact Julie Stockenberg, 817.552.7433, wackyweek@gatewaypeople.com To volunteer: Contact Tabitha Rupert, 817.552.7341, wackyweekvolunteers@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY WORSHIP INFORMATION MEETING

Tuesday, Jul 11 | 7:00 pm

UC

If you are interested in being part of Gateway Worship (including Worship Team Academy and Gateway Choir), please join us for this informational meeting.

Register at worship.gatewaypeople.com.

Prerequisite: Catch the Vision.

Contact: Rachel Melton, 817.552.3728, worshipconnection@gatewaypeople.com

WORSHIP TEAM ACADEMY August–November

UC FRS GRP NFW

Worship Team Academy offers group lessons on piano, guitars, drums, bass, percussion, or vocal technique. For more information, attend the Worship Information Meeting on July 11 or visit wta.gatewaypeople.com.

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

THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT SIMULCAST

Thursday–Friday, Aug 10–11

SLK GRP

Are you battling cancer or caring for a loved one who is? Our Journey of Hope is a cancer support ministry designed to offer care, prayer, and support to you, your family, and friends. Register at care.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Rebecca Freed, 817.552.7454, care@gatewaypeople.com

You’ll hear from world-class experts on leadership, including Bill Hybels, Marcus Buckingham, Angela Duckworth, Laszlo Bock, and so many more! No matter where you lead— from the boardroom to the living room—you’re invited to this spectacular two-day leadership conference. Register at gls.gatewaypeople.com.

Promo Code: PHS17TEAM. Contact: Jaclyn Bowe, 817.552.3629, gls@gatewaypeople.com

TEEN KAIROS

YOUNG ADULTS WEEKEND

OUR JOURNEY OF HOPE

Thursday, May 18 | 7:00–9:00 pm | Classroom 1C

Thursday–Friday, Jun 15–16 | Auditorium

SLK

SLK

Teen KAIROS is a two-day freedom event designed for teens (ages 13–18). It’s a safe atmosphere in a group setting to encounter the Holy Spirit through worship, teaching, and ministry exercises. Register at kairos.gatewaypeople.com.

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

Friday–Sunday, Sep 22–24 | Sky Ranch in Van, Texas

Join us for three days as we encounter God’s presence, hear from dynamic communicators, and connect with others. Early bird discount available now at gatewayyoungadultsweekend.com.

Contact: Katie Willis, 817.552.5871, youngadults@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY KIDS | VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AVAILABLE

We’re looking for team members who would like to help us shape the next generation! Volunteer positions (for age groups birth–elementary) are open at all campuses. Contact: Anne Hardin, 817.552.7475, kidsjobs@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 WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium UC DAL FRS GRP NFW NRH

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

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 21

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHURCHWIDE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY DALLAS

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYDALLAS

GATEWAY GROUPS COMMUNITY GROUPS

Saturdays at 5:15 pm | Sundays at 9:00 am

DAL

Looking to connect with others who love Jesus? Join a Community Group at the Dallas Campus. Contact: Kinnsey Echols, 469.801.7221, groupsdal@gatewaypeople.com

REVIVETX

Apr 17–Jun 1 We’d love for everyone to dedicate one day (or more!) to help us share God with people who may not know Him. For more information, to view the daily schedule, and to register, visit revivetx.gatewaypeople.com.

DAL

GATEWAY STUDENTS

Wednesdays, May 3–31 | 7:00 pm W. T. White High School 4505 Ridgeside Dr, Dallas

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

THE MAZE

Sunday, May 7 | 6:00 pm Majestic Theatre in Dallas

Don’t miss The MAZE, an illusionist show with Jim Munroe! He has mesmerized audiences all over the world for the last decade with his unique theatrical gift and life-changing story. Cost: $10 with code GATEWAY. Register at outreach.gatewaypeople.com.

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

19 MAY 2017

During the month of May, Gateway Students will meet at W. T. White High School instead of at the Dallas Campus. Join us for an exciting time and to meet new friends!

Contact: Rachel Oberst, 469.801.7250, dalstudents@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

Friday–Sunday, Sep 22–24 | Sky Ranch in Van, Texas

Join us for three days as we encounter God's presence, hear from dynamic communicators, and connect with others. Early bird discount available now at gatewayyoungadultsweekend.com.

Contact: Katie Willis, 817.552.5871, youngadults@gatewaypeople.com

PRAY FIRST

Thursdays | 7:00–8:00 am | Prayer Suite Join us as we gather to worship and pray! Come ready to connect with God and pray for our church and nation.

Contact: Tracey Newcomer, 469.801.7206, praydal@gatewaypeople.com

WORSHIP VISION BRUNCH

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Sunday, May 21 | 12:30 pm | Classroom 2A

Saturday, Jun 17 | 8:30 am | Great Hall

Do you love worship and want to connect with other worshippers at the Dallas Campus?

You’re invited to join our worship vision brunch! Contact: Ruben Robles, 469.801.7232, worshipdal@gatewaypeople.com

Join us for worship, teaching, fun activities, and breakfast! All men (ages 12 and up) are invited. Register at men.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Kinnsey Echols, 469.801.7221, mendal@gatewaypeople.com

YOUNG ADULTS ONE NIGHT

Tuesday, Jun 13 | Food & Giveaways at 6:00 pm Service at 7:00 pm SLK Join us as all campuses come together for a night of worship, a message from guest speaker Robert Madu, and an opportunity to connect with other young adults. Contact: Katie Willis, 817.552.5871, youngadults@gatewaypeople.com

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Saturday, Jun 3 | 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.

Contact: Lamar Slay, 469.801.7212, ctvdal@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

WEEKLY EVENTS WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium THURSDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00–8:00 am | Prayer Suite

MEN’S NIGHT

Thursday, Jun 22 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium

Are you looking for a way to get involved at Gateway? We’d love for you to be a part of our usher, greeter, parking lot, and Gateway Central teams. For more information, visit serve.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Lamar Slay, 469.801.7212, servedal@gatewaypeople.com

We will have worship, teaching, food, and giveaways! Register at men.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Kinnsey Echols, 469.801.7221, mendal@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 20

ANNOUNCEMENTS

YOUNG ADULTS WEEKEND

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY FRISCO

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYFRISCO

GATEWAY GROUPS

If you’re looking for a way to get connected and make new friends at the Frisco Campus, join a Gateway Group or become a group leader. Find your group at groups.gatewaypeople.com.

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

GATEWAY GROUP LEADERS NEEDED

If you like bringing people together and helping them grow, consider leading a Gateway Group! Register at groups.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Tricia Centracco, 817.552.7445, groupsfrs@gatewaypeople.com

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Saturday, May 20 | 7:00 am | Lobby We hope to see you at our next breakfast where men in our community come together to connect and hear from the Lord.

Register at men.gatewaypeople.com.

BABY DEDICATIONS

Jun 3–4 | 15 Minutes Before Each Weekend Service | Auditorium

Contact: Nicole Lemons, 817.552.5869, mensfrs@gatewaypeople.com

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Saturday, May 6 | 4:00 pm | Classroom B

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: Vernita Lovett, 817.552.7517, ctvfrs@gatewaypeople.com

HEALING MINISTRY

Tuesdays | 6:30 pm | Classrooms A If you need physical healing, we would love to pray with you. Contact: Mikayla Blease, 817.552.3752, healingfrs@gatewaypeople.com

20 MAY 2017

A baby dedication is a ceremony in which parents make a commitment before the Lord to raise their child in God’s Word and ways. If you would like to dedicate your baby or child to the Lord, register at kids.gatewaypeople.com.

Space is limited!

Contact: Janet Braselton, 817.552.6062, kidsfrs@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

We offer a wide range of Equip classes featuring Jewish, freedom, stewardship, spiritual life, and marriage and family ministries.

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Connie Brown, 817.552.5868, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

FREEDOM: SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

Saturday, May 6 | 5:45 pm | Classroom B Come learn how you can live a life of victory over the enemy. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Mikayla Blease, 817.552.3752, freedomfrs@gatewaypeople.com

FREEDOM: OVERCOMING CODEPENDENCY

Saturday, May 6 | 5:45 pm | Classroom B

WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

This class reveals the enemy’s schemes and how we can overcome them and be free. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Mikayla Blease, 817.552.3752, freedomfrs@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, greeter, parking lot, and Gateway Central teams. For more information, visit serve.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Bryan Burkholder, 817.552.3736, servefrs@gatewaypeople.com

PINK IMPACT CONFERENCE

Friday–Saturday, May 12–13 Fort Worth Convention Center

Pink Impact is our yearly women’s conference dedicated to setting aside time for women to hear the Lord and have an amazing time of fellowship. You can also volunteer and purchase a discounted ticket! To attend or to volunteer, visit pinkimpact.com.

Contact: Leigh-Taylor Hester, 817.552.3638, womenfrs@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS KAIROS

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

Tuesday, Jul 11 | 9:00 am–4:00 pm | Auditorium Kids KAIROS is an opportunity to allow God to show kids who He says they are and what He has planned for them! One parent needs to have attended KAIROS before registering their child (ages 8–12).

Register at freedom.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Mikayla Blease, 817.552.3752, freedomfrs@gatewaypeople.com

EXPECTING COUPLES

Sundays, May 6 & 14 | 12:30 pm | Classroom B Our goal is to prepare first-time expectant couples, as parents and as a couple, for the first year of their child’s life.

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Connie Brown, 817.552.5868, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

WOMEN’S SUMMER EQUIP

Wednesdays, Jun 7–21 10:00–11:45 am | Auditorium

Ladies, join us this summer for a time to worship, hear the Word, and connect with other women. Children’s ministry is available. Contact: Leigh-Taylor Hester, 817.552.3638, womenfrs@gatewaypeople.com

SUNDAYS »» Equip | 9:00 am | Classroom B »» Equip | 12:30 pm | Classroom B

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 21

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATEWAY EQUIP

Weekends

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY GRAND PRAIRIE

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYGRP

GATEWAY GROUPS LEADERS NEEDED

If you like bringing people together and helping them grow, consider leading a Gateway Group! We will give you all of the training, resources, and support you need to succeed. For more information, visit groups.gatewaypeople.com.

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

CONQUER GROUPS

Tuesdays Through May 16 | 7:00 pm These groups are designed for men dealing with sexual addiction. Attendees will find acceptance in a safe place, protection, and encouragement! Contact: Steve Thompson 972.314.9089, groupsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

YOUNG ADULTS NIGHT

Tuesday, May 9 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium Join us every second Tuesday of the month for worship, a dynamic message, and time to hang out following the service. We can’t wait to see you there!

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

WORSHIP TEAM ACADEMY

Through May 23 GRP

Worship Team Academy offers group lessons on piano, guitar, vocals, and drums. For more information, visit wta.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Amanda Cheatham, 972.314.9084, worshipteamacademy@gatewaypeople.com

CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP TEAM

Saturdays at 3:40 pm & Sundays at 10:35 am Classroom A Looking for a way to get more involved in prayer and worship during our weekend services? Join us as we come together to worship and pray for the services. (Musical ability not required!)

Contact: Amanda Cheatham, 972.314.9084, prayergrp@gatewaypeople.com

22 MAY 2017

MEN’S SUMMER SOFTBALL

Thursdays, Jun 1–Aug 24 Mike Lewis Park

There is still time to register to play summer softball with Gateway Men! Registration closes May 14.

For more information, visit gatewaysportsgrp.leagueapps.com.

Contact: Josh Briscoe, 972.314.9088, mengrp@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

MINISTRY TRIP: THE HUB

Jun 23–25 | Shreveport, Louisiana

If you’re interested in serving with Gateway Students, come visit a service, meet our staff, shadow another leader, and hear our heart and vision for the next generation. Registration is not required. Contact: Abby Fernandez, 972.314.9107, studentsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

Join us as we partner with the Hub, a ministry that helps those in poverty discover all God made them to be: happy, whole, healthy, free, self-sufficient, and walking with Him. Register at trips.gatewaypeople.com.

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

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Saturday, May 6 | 4:00 pm | Classroom 2A & 2B 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: Angela Wescott, 972.314.9106, ctvgrp@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY KIDS VOLUNTEERS

Help us shape the next generation for the future God has planned for them. We have volunteer positions available for all ages. Contact: Neesy Brooks, 972.314.9101, kidsjobsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

BABY DEDICATION SERVICES

May 6–7 | Weekend Services | Auditorium

HEALING MINISTRY

Tuesdays | 6:30 pm Ministry Center 2410 N Carrier Pkwy If you need prayer for physical or emotional healing, we would love for you to join us.

If you would like to dedicate your child to the Lord, register at kids.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Neesy Brooks, 972.314.9101, babiesgrp@gatewaypeople.com

Contact: Jackie Alexander, 972.314.9076, caregrp@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

MARRIAGE CHALLENGE

Sundays | 9:30–10:30 am | Ministry Center (2410 N Carrier Pkwy) (Canceled on Holiday Weekends) Marriage Challenge is for couples who are in crisis or experiencing a difficult season. Come meet with a couple from our team who is trained and passionate about supporting those in hurting marriages. We offer prayer, direction, and tools for resolution. Registration is not required. Contact: Bri Kramer, 972.314.9000, marriagegrp@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Freedom Sessions (By Appointment) 6:30 pm | Ministry Center »» Healing Ministry 6:30 pm | Ministry Center WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium SUNDAYS »» Marriage Challenge | 9:30 am Ministry Center, 2410 N Carrier Pkwy (Canceled on Holiday Weekends)

VETSTARTS VETERANS OUTREACH Saturday, May 27 | 11:00 am–2:00 pm UTA Veterans Assistance Center 406 Summit Ave, Arlington

We’ll have award-winning BBQ, cash prize drawings, games, a bounce house, face painting, service dog teams, veterans service organizations, and lots of fun! Come join us as we serve veterans and their loved ones! Contact: Angela Wescott, 972.314.9106, outreachgrp@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, greeter, parking lot, and Gateway Central teams. For more information, visit serve.gatewaypeople.com.

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

YOUNG ADULT PARK NIGHT

Tuesday, May 30 | Mike Lewis Park Join us at Mike Lewis Park for a time of fellowship and grilling out with other young adults! Contact: Rachel Sandefur, 972.314.9088, youngadultsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

MINISTRY TRIP TO KENYA

Jun 14–24

Come with us on a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, as we partner with Mission Barnabas to assist with a conference and do outreach ministry. Register at trips.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Aaron Cheuvront, 972.314.9077, tripsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY EQUIP FREEDOM MINISTRY

Tuesdays | 6:30–8:00 pm | Ministry Center 2410 N Carrier Pkwy We offer individual freedom sessions to anyone who has completed the Freedom Basics classes and KAIROS. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Contact: Jackie Alexander, 972.314.9076, caregrp@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 23

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATEWAY STUDENTS FIRST LOOK

First Wednesday of the Month | 6:30 pm | Auditorium

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY NORTH FORT WORTH

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYNFW

GATEWAY GROUPS

If you’re looking for a way to get connected and make new friends at the North Fort Worth Campus, join a Gateway Group or become a group leader. Find your group at groups.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Byna Terndrup, 682.223.6072, groupsnfw@gatewaypeople.com

SUMMER PLAYGROUPS BLOCK PARTY

Sunday, Jun 4 | 5:00–7:00 pm

Ladies, are you looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Come join us for the summer playgroup block party to find a summer playgroup. Contact: Christy Atkinson, 817.552.3657, womennfw@gatewaypeople.com

WOMEN’S MENTORING

We have ladies who are praying for someone to encourage and mentor them in all phases of their journeys with God. Contact us if you’re interested in being a mentor.

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

HEALING MINISTRY

1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 7:00–8:15 pm | Suite 176 If you need physical healing, we would love to pray with you.

Contact: Kelly Jones, 817.328.2034, freedomnfw@gatewaypeople.com

MARRIAGE CHALLENGE

Sundays | 9:30–10:30 am North Fort Worth Campus Offices Marriage Challenge is for couples who are in crisis or experiencing a difficult season. Come meet with a couple from our team who is trained and passionate about supporting those in hurting marriages.

We offer prayer, direction, and tools for resolution. Registration is not required.

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

PRAY FIRST

Wednesdays | 7:00–8:00 am | Compass A & B Join us as we start our day in prayer, putting God first. Contact: Tagi Takape, 817.328.2061, prayernfw@gatewaypeople.com

24 MAY 2017

MEN’S BRIGADE SERVICE DAY Saturday, May 13 | 7:00 am North Fort Worth Campus

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 a hammer and nails!

Contact: Kaitlen Bottone, 817.552.3792, mennfw@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

Do you love praying with people and helping connect them to God? Altar Ministry Training provides you with information on how we minister at the altar and what the requirements are to serve. The class is also offered in Spanish, if needed. Contact: Kelly Jones, 817.328.2034, freedomnfw@gatewaypeople.com

COMMUNION VOLUNTEERS

May 27–28 | Weekend Services We’re looking for communion volunteers!

If you’d like to serve, visit Gateway Central for instructions 30 minutes before the service you attend. Attire is business casual. Contact: Donya Allen, 817.552.5899, communionnfw@gatewaypeople.com

YOUNG ADULTS NIGHT

Tuesday, May 9 7:00 pm | Auditorium Join us every second Tuesday of the month for worship, a dynamic message, and time to hang out following the service.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Contact: Kaitlen Bottone, 817.552.3792, youngadultsnfw@gatewaypeople.com

TECH ARTS VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

GATEWAY EQUIP

Mondays & Weekends, Beginning May 1 Come get equipped to fulfill your calling.

We offer classes on spiritual life, marriage and family, stewardship, and freedom.

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

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

SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES

Mondays | 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 and teaching as we focus on restoring a single parent’s heart. Contact: Denise Edwards, 817.552.5801, spfnfw@gatewaypeople.com

DIVORCE CARE

Mondays | 6:45 pm | North Fort Worth Campus Offices Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. Divorce Care is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Contact: Denise Edwards, 817.552.5801, spfnfw@gatewaypeople.com

JUSTICE IN THE STREETS: REDEMPTIVE RESPONSES FOR THE ISSUES OF OUR DAY

Monday, May 8 & 15 | 7:00 pm

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 parking lot, usher, greeter, and Gateway Central teams. For more information, visit serve.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Donya Allen, 817.552.5899, servenfw@gatewaypeople.com

Join us as guest speaker, Todd White, shares his testimony through two Spirit-filled messages. Space is limited.

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

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

FINANCIAL FITNESS

Saturday, May 14 | 4:00 pm | Compass A This monthly, personal coaching event is for anyone who desires oneon-one assistance with their finances and is a great follow-up to any of our Gateway Stewardship classes. Register at stewardship.gatewaypeople.com.

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

Sunday, May 7 | 2:00 pm | All Campuses

Come get involved in live audio, video, or lighting production with the Tech Arts team.

Training is provided, and prior experience is not required! Contact: Debbie Kramer, 682.223.6939, avl@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS

SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES | CAREER PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT CLASS Saturday, May 20 | 4:00 pm | The Gathering

WEDNESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00–8:00 am | Compass A & B »» High Noon Prayer | 12:00 pm »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium THURSDAYS »» Men’s Promise Principle Groups 6:30 am | Gateway Central SATURDAYS »» Morning Prayer | 8:00 am | Parking Lot SUNDAYS »» Marriage Challenge | 9:30 am North Fort Worth Offices (Canceled on Holiday Weekends)

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Saturday, May 6 | 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

Come improve your career potential and set goals to reach your career dreams!

You’ll also be able to update your resume and brush up on skills for interviewing, networking, and dressing for success.

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

FINANCIAL HOPE WORKSHOP FLEX

Saturdays, Beginning Jun 3 | 5:45 pm | Compass A & B Would you like to make a fresh start in your finances? In this course, you study the content online and then join an interactive Equip class discussion and workshop with trained leaders.

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

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

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 25

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ALTAR MINISTRY TRAINING

Saturday, May 20 | 5:45 pm | Compass A

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY NRH

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYNRH

GATEWAY GROUPS

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: Kemtal Glasgow, 817.552.5863, outreachnrh@gatewaypeople.com

FIFTY-PLUS GROUPS

YOUNG ADULTS

Tuesdays | 10:00 am | Hospitality Room

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

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

Consider becoming a mentor or mentee.

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

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

Tuesdays, May 16 & 23 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium Join us on May 16 for worship, a message, and time to hang out following the service and then again on May 23 for our City Night where we'll do a fun activity!

WOMEN’S MENTORING

ACFT SCHOOL MENTORING

April–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

MEN’S PRAYER

Wednesdays | 6:30–7:30 am | Lobby Join us as we worship and pray for the men of our church, as they lead in their homes, businesses, and communities.

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

26 MAY 2017

PRAY FIRST

Mondays | 7:00 am | Lobby Join us as we gather to worship and pray! Come ready to connect with God and pray for our church and nation.

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

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Saturday, May 20 8:00–10:00 am | Auditorium You’re invited to our next Men’s Breakfast! It’s going to be a great time of putting on a few pounds, engaging in worship, and hearing from the Lord. Register at men.gatewaypeople.com.

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

GATEWAY KIDS JEWEL STORE

May 20–21 | After Each Weekend Service Bring your jewels to spend at the Jewel Store! Jewels can be earned by bringing your Bible to class, bringing your friends, and more. Contact: Amy Sellars, 817.552.7342, kidsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Friday, Jul 14 | 6:00–10:00 pm

GATEWAY MEN

Men, we’d love to get to know you and share how you can get involved. For more information, visit men.gatewaypeople.com.

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

UC

Whether you’re dating, engaged, newlyweds, or empty-nesters, taking time to invest in your relationship is essential. Join us for a delicious dinner, crazy games, tons of giveaways, and surprises! Cost: $35 per couple. Space is limited, and children’s ministry is not available. Contact: Alicia Osgood 628.223.6144, marriagenrh@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00 am | Lobby TUESDAYS »» Fifty-Plus Group | 10:00 am Hospitality Room WEDNESDAYS »» Men’s Prayer | 6:30–7:30 am | Lobby »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium

GATEWAY EQUIP

Weekends

PRAYER TEAM

If you are interested in praying for people in our congregation, join our NRH Campus prayer team. Contact: Katherine Hesami, 817.552.3600, prayernrh@gatewaypeople.com

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

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 27

ACTIVITIES

•

DEAR MOM•

COLOR THIS CARD, CUT IT OUT ON THE DOTTED LINE, AND GIVE IT TO MOM!

How many descriptive words can you find about your mother?

There are over 30 words in the puzzle!

C L F S P R E C I O U S Z W I S E T K G

O M U M K S E L F L E S S N F W H H L B

O S T A K G R A C E F U L H P E A O O E

L L R R U K Z J B L E S S E D E R U V A

H L U T G R A C I O U S X P N T D G I U

I N S P I R A T I O N A L C H C W H N T

R L T A I H E L P F U L O A G E O T G I

Z B I O W O N D E R F U L H N L R F F F

S E N I N S U P P O R T I V E E K U X U

P S G L R O L G R A T E F U L G I L V L

E T R D N V W N G B R A V E G A N H F M

C B E A M A Z I N G Z Y Z Z O N G X U P

I N A B J Z N P A T I E N T S T R O N G

A A T L W G I V I N G R E L I A B L E G

L U N D E R S T A N D I N G U O X L K U

AMAZING BEAUTIFUL BEST BRAVE COOL ELEGANT GIVING GRACIOUS GREAT HELPFUL LOVING PATIENT RELIABLE SMART SPECIAL STRONG SWEET THOUGHTFUL WISE WONDERFUL

© glasbergen.com

“I don’t know all Ten Commandments.

The only ones I remember are ‘settle down’, ‘act your age’, and ‘take that out of your mouth’.”

Tonya Hamilton is a Bible art journaling teacher and a writer. She has been a member of the NRH Campus for six years, where she also co-leads a Gateway Group and volunteers in the women’s ministry. This piece is part of her Bible art journaling and was inspired by 2 Peter 3:18, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

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

P ro f ile

MARK CONNELL NEVER SAY NEVER. I have lived (well, survived) so many difficult challenges: abuse, crime, jail, drugs, rehab, dropping out of high school, car and motorcycle wrecks, surgeries, adultery, divorce, single parenthood, bankruptcy, cancer, and more.

Now, I have a super-charged faith and will never say never with God in my life!

I LOVE LISTENING TO PAVAROTTI. When I was at University of North Texas, I had this slob of a friend. He was a mess, but he was in the music program, and one day he started singing some of Pavarotti’s work. I remember it was so beautiful, I was almost in tears. Later, I listened to all of Pavarotti’s music and simply fell in love. It’s so passionate and moves me in ways other music just doesn’t.

DON’T BELIEVE WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOU! Growing up, I was told many times by friends, family, and people with authority that I would “die a teenager” or “won’t live to see 20.” I agreed with those statements, lived as if they were true, and almost fulfilled them myself.

When I celebrated my 20th birthday in my second drug rehab center, I realized that all of them were wrong. I began to wonder, what else did I believe that was wrong about me? Now, as a follower of Jesus, I know that what God says is the most important of all!

MY FAVORITE SOUND IS LAUGHTER. It’s more than just a happy sound to me, it’s a unifying sound. No matter where you travel, all people laugh in the same language!

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

FAMILY Jennifer, wife of 17 years. Three children: Stefen, Gracemarie, and Jillienne.

One granddaughter: Hayden (5).

EDUCATION Bachelor of business administration from University of North Texas. Currently earning a master’s in marriage and family therapy at The King’s University.

ROLE AT GATEWAY Gateway Care Pastor.

BACKSTORY Born in North Carolina, then lived in six different US cities from birth to age 17. Attended seven different schools between kindergarten and high school.

30 MAY 2017

LANDON BENJAMIN GOD DOESN’T WANT TO KILL YOU. One time when I was preaching, I was trying to drive home the point that the devil is trying to kill, steal, and destroy, but instead of saying “Satan is trying to kill you,” I said, “God is trying to kill you!” I continued to say it three more times until one of my volunteers yelled out, “Satan! Satan is trying to kill you!” I quickly corrected it, and the room broke out in laughter. Maybe it was God’s way of lightening the moment.

I WANTED TO BE AN ARCHITECT. But when I started playing golf at age 12, I decided I’d rather be a professional golfer. I carried this desire until I gave my life to the Lord at 17. But every now and then I still want to be a professional golfer!

MY WIFE WAS MY HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART. When we started dating, I had just gotten saved.

I was an idiot before that so her dad didn’t like me much. I would go over to her house with a group of friends, and he would take one look at me and leave the room. I knew the only way to keep dating Holly was to win over her dad, so I would find him in the garage and ask about the project he was working on. Eventually he started teaching me things, and we bonded over construction projects.

ALWAYS STAY HUNGRY TO LEARN. I’m a learner, and I like to work with my hands. When my wife and I got married, we bought a foreclosed home, remodeled it, lived in it for a while, and then sold it. We’ve flipped three other homes that way, and it’s been a crazy learning experience.

Remodeling is always fun, because you never know what you’re getting into or what’s going to be behind a wall. You just get in there, figure it out, and fix it.

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

FAMILY Holly, wife of 9 years.

Three children: Hadassah Jadyn (8), Keziah Caroline (4), and Ezekiel Cole (2).

EDUCATION Shady Grove Christian Academy.

ROLE AT GATEWAY Associate Campus Pastor and Gateway Student Pastor.

BACKSTORY Born in the great city of Bedford, Texas; raised in Grand Prairie; and currently living in Dallas.

31 MAY 2017

P ro f ile

LARRY BROWN I WAS A YOUTH PASTOR FOR 12 YEARS. I had a great youth pastor, and I thought it was the ultimate job—going on camping trips and retreats and hanging out with cool teenagers. I thought, Is that really a job? If so, I want it! Then I became a youth pastor and found out it was a job. I didn’t realize it was going to be such a humbling experience (I did many crazy and embarrassing things all in the name of youth ministry!) and that the kids wouldn’t think I was as cool as I hoped!

I LOVE ARTS AND CRAFTS. Seriously. Painting, carving, gluing, and sculpting—I am drawn to the creative process and the idea of creating something out of nothing. Next year I plan to do a pottery internship and get my own pottery set-up. I’m also an extrovert, so I like gathering people to do group projects. At Christmas, I gathered my family (including my sons’ fiancées), and we all made Christmas wreaths together.

Mine was the best!

WE CHOSE GATEWAY BEFORE GATEWAY CHOSE US. My wife and I worked at several churches where we were hired and had to attend. But we chose to go to Gateway. When we moved to Dallas, we immediately started attending Gateway and found a Gateway Group. We took the first Catch the Vision class we could and didn’t waste any time jumping in. We have always felt like we belonged.

I’M A BIRDER. I especially love mockingbirds.

The first time I remember learning about them was when my grandfather told me which birds not to shoot. And I’ve really fallen in love with them since. They are so expressive and their song is always different—sometimes it sounds angry, sometimes it sounds mocking (just like their name), and other times it is just a beautiful tune. I love the diversity.

FAMILY Connie, wife of 29 years. Two sons: Corban (24) and Daniel (22).

EDUCATION Bachelor of business administration and master’s in marriage and family.

ROLE AT GATEWAY Associate Campus Pastor and Marriage & Family Pastor.

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

32 MAY 2017

Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

DUSTY PETREE WHAT AN AWESOME JOB I HAVE! I enjoy finding fun and adventurous ways of teaching children the heart and nature of our loving and compassionate Father. I love helping them discover truths about themselves and who God says they are! I love it when parents tell me that their child has been asking all week, “Is today the day we get to go to church?” These amazing kids are the next generation of worship leaders, pastors, and missionaries.

HUMILITY COMES BEFORE HONOR. I once spoke to several hundred men at a cowboy church rodeo event on the verse in Proverbs 15 that says “humility comes before honor,” only to discover my zipper was down the whole time. It was a not-so-honoring but very humbling experience.

“THIS GUY IS WAY OFF.” That’s what I thought seven years ago when Pastor Ken Jackson said the Holy Spirit told him I was supposed to work in children’s ministry. I remember thinking: I could never minister to kids. I’ve made way too many bad choices in life. Now I realize I had been believing lies. All the foolish things I’d done in my life and my master’s degree from the school-of-hard-knocks was not enough to keep God from using me to do great things for Him. I OWNED A DJ COMPANY. I’ve been an entrepreneur for 23 years and have owned and operated many businesses, including several restaurants.

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

FAMILY Lesia, wife of 4 years.

We are a blended family with four children: Stacy, Chris, Miracle, and Tanner.

EDUCATION Graduated from Eastern Hills High School in 1987 and attended two years of college at the University of Texas at Arlington.

ROLE AT GATEWAY Associate Pastor, Gateway Kids.

BACKSTORY Born in Cisco, Texas.

Population 4,160 and home of the first Hilton Hotel (1919). Moved to Fort Worth in 1982.

33 MAY 2017

P ro f ile

RYAN SANDEFUR I HAVEN’T ARRIVED. The best lesson I’ve learned is to remain humble and never think I’ve “made it.” When I was 12 years old, five different people gave me prophetic words that I was going to be in full-time ministry. (I really wanted to be a rock star, and God knew it would take five people for me to submit my will!) In the meantime, God placed several different people in my life to remind me to remain humble. So, years later, when I finally stepped into full-time ministry, I remembered not to believe I’d finally “arrived” but to be humble in my calling.

I’M A THIRD-GENERATION PASTOR. My dad, in the early years of his ministry, was a full-time car salesman while being a full-time pastor.

And he was really good at selling cars. He knew cars, he knew how to get people excited, and he did it with integrity. When I came to the point in my life where I needed money, my dad told me to go sell cars like he did. Well, I was awful. I was the guy who told people there was a better deal down the street!

I CAN’T RUN THAT FAST. When I was a young kid, we lived in a house where my bedroom was on the opposite side of the house as the bathroom. One day, I took a bath and was drying off when my parents opened the front door for the nanny, who was a young adult from our church. I thought, I bet I can run so fast to my bedroom that nobody would see me. I made the run—completely naked—and heard people bust out laughing! I turned bright red with embarrassment. I was wrong. I was not fast enough.

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

FAMILY Rachel, wife of ­­4 years.

One son: Zion (18 months).

EDUCATION Texas Bible Institute.

ROLE AT GATEWAY Associate Pastor of Young Adults.

BACKSTORY Born and raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

34 MAY 2017

LORENA VALLE A SMALL GROUP SAVED MY LIFE. I grew up Catholic, and I never would’ve stepped into a Protestant church, but when this guy (my husband now) invited me to his small group, I thought, Why not? I met the Lord in that group, and it was all because of a cute boy!

BE SURE. About 9 years ago, when working in the Global department, we had a ministry partner from Nicaragua visiting the offices. I noticed the woman was very skinny but had a big belly. So I rushed over, put my hand right on her belly, and started rubbing it and saying “Congratulations!” My friend made gestures and faces at me until I realized the horrible truth: she wasn’t pregnant. The woman put on a sweet, genuine smile and said, “Oh honey, I’m not pregnant. I have a tumor.” I just about died.

I didn’t know what to do with my hands. I didn’t know how to talk. It was so bad. Now, Pastor Kevin Grove likes to introduce me to ministry partners just to tell that story.

I DANCE FLAMENCO. When I was a little girl, I loved watching Spanish movies, and the ladies wore beautiful long dresses when they danced.

I fell in love with flamenco dancing, but we couldn’t find a place nearby that taught it. And believe me, my mom looked! Then one day, she was driving around and found a flamenco dance studio. I immediately started taking classes and then eventually taught some classes too. I loved it. If there were a studio somewhere nearby, I would dance again.

I HAVE TWO HOME COUNTRIES. I moved to the States when I was 18, and although I’ve lived here longer than I lived in Guatemala, I still consider that my home. I had a great childhood there, and I miss it all the time.

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

FAMILY Luis, husband of 19 years. One son: Christopher (12).

EDUCATION Studied international business at Florida Atlantic University.

ROLE AT GATEWAY Pastor, Adult Ministries.

BACKSTORY Born and raised in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

35 MAY 2017

Everyone has

INFLUENCE. No matter where you lead, you’re invited to this fresh and inspiring two-day conference.

BILL HYBELS

SHERYL SANDBERG Chief Operating Officer, Facebook

CEO, Whitespace at Work

Star of CNBC’s The Profit; CEO of Camping World and Good Sam

LASZLO BOCK

ANGELA DUCKWORTH

FREDRIK HÄRÉN

ANDY STANLEY

Founder and Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church

JULIET FUNT

MARCUS LEMONIS

Thursday–Friday, August 10–11 Gateway Church Southlake & Grand Prairie Campuses

Senior Advisor at Google; Bestselling Author

Professor, University of Pennsylvania; Bestselling Author

Author; Business Creativity Expert

Leadership Author; Communicator; Pastor

AND MANY MORE!

REGISTER TODAY AT gls.gatewaypeople.com

June 11 | 6:00–7:30 pm ALL CAMPUSES

Join us for an exciting time of worship and ministry as we draw near to God and He draws near to us! worship.gatewaypeople.com Children’s ministry, birth through five years old, is available.

Gateway Student Conference

BEN PIRTLE Gateway Church JASON LAIRD Sozo Church

LOUIE GIGLIO Passion City

ACH CHAD VE h Zoe Churc

CHRIS DURSO Christ Tabernacle Church

ALEX SEELEY The Belonging

TIM ROSS Embassy City Church

PASSION BAND

GATEWAY STUDENTS WORSHIP

CODY CARNES & KARI JOBE

Wednesday–Friday, July 19–21, 2017 Gateway Church Southlake Campus Register at gatewaystudentconference.com.

READ GATEWAY LIFE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE AT GATEWAYLIFEMAG.COM.