Pastor Don's testimony of salvation and healing through God's touch demonstrates that the Word of God is applicable today. He wants you to know that Biblical promises such as deliverance, freedom, breakthrough, prosperity, and blessings are available to you. Every need can be met in, and through, the Word of God coupled with a personal relationship with Jesus.
Having grown up in church, Jonna dedicated her life to the Lord at an early age. Her testimony proclaims the power of God's love and His ability to guide young lives. Jonna is gifted with the ability to connect with people as she finds common ground with them. She speaks words of wisdom and discernment into lives and situations, bringing a clear view of God's love. In her service as a full-time RN, Jonna is called upon to support grieving families, giving her the opportunity to share Jesus in many tough situations.
Pastor Don and Jonna were married in 1989 and have been in full time ministry for over 20 years. They spent 12 years in Freeport, Texas where Pastor Don served as Senior Pastor before their transition to MercyGate Church. Together Donald and Jonna have two boys, Trey and Corey, and they reside in Mont Belvieu, TX.
Staff:
My primary area of ministry: Care Ministry
I was raised in: Galveston, TX
Family info: Wife (Sharon), 2 kids (Larry, Jr. & Paul), 4 Granddaughters and 1 Grandson
Special family tradition: Attending Family Camp each summer
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Scripture: John 10:18
Favorite style of music: Gospel
Favorite Band/Singer: Sharon Jones (my wife)
Hobbies: Guns
Most embarrassing moment: Once I was making announcements in church and was encouraging the men to greet the men, and the women greet the women, with a hug and a holy kiss. I mixed up my words and asked the men to greet the ladies with a hug and kiss. Sharon was on the front row and got my attention to tell me I had mixed it up. So, I corrected myself but accidentally said it wrong again! Needless to say everyone was laughing except for me. The teenagers, however, felt like they had received a word straight from God that morning.
You may not know this about me: I was once employed by Peter Jacobson (Golf Touring Professional) to manage the construction of several golf facilities.
My primary area of ministry: Kid's Ministry
I was raised in: Little Rock, AR
Family info: 2 kids (Jordan & Brynlee)
Special family tradition: Weekly dinner at the Noodle House
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite style of music: Gospel; Hip-Hop
Favorite Band: Hillsong Kidz
Hobbies: Working on my yard, playing X-box, and rock climbing
Most embarrassing moment: Once when I was walking up to the altar for prayer my Pastor asked me to sing an old hymn...on stage...by myself...and I can't sing!
You may not know this about me: I still love to play with Hot Wheels and G.I. Joe.
My primary area of ministry: Graphic Design, Digital Media
I was raised in: Monahans, TX
Family info: Wife (Gina) and 1 Son (Zion)
Special family tradition: Piñatas
Favorite Food: My wife's chicken and asparagus casserole, followed by cheese cake.
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 40:31
Favorite style of music: Neo Soul, a touch of folk and every now and then I'll admit to liking country.
Favorite Band/Singer: Israel Houghton, John Mayer, John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae, Carman
Hobbies: Music, Spelunking and eating swiss rolls
Most embarrassing moment: Picture it. Freeport, TX. 2003. It was the church's annual Happy Harvest festival. I was conned into dressing as Barney because that was what the kids were into at that time. Well, I ended up getting beat up by the kids that night. Not my finest moment...
You may not know this about me: I went to try out for American Idol but I was 19 days too old.
My primary area of ministry: Support staff
I was raised in: Palestine, TX
Family info: I married my high school sweetheart, Lonnie, and we have 2 children, Amanda and Trey. I am truly blessed!
Special family tradition: Christmas at Mom's! We visit, eat lots of food, read the Christmas Story, open gifts (Chinese Christmas style) and play games like charades, Catch Phrase and dominoes.
Favorite Food: Lemon Chicken
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 26:3
Favorite style of music: Classic Rock & Contemporary Christian
Favorite Band: Journey
Hobbies: Reading, Cross-stitching, yard work
Most embarrassing moment: I once sang on the praise team and the whole time my slip was hanging below my skirt about 3 inches!
You may not know this about me: I am a huge Treckie and Sci-fi nut. I also have a great burden and compassion for children, the poor, hurting and abused. I love to do budgets and work with numbers.
My primary area of ministry: Children's Day Out
I was raised in: Orlando, FL
Family info: Husband (Richard) and 3 kids (Alan, Tamra & Ryan)
Special family tradition: On Christmas Eve we eat finger foods, play games and open presents.
Favorite Food: Chicken Fettucini Alfredo
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite style of music: Christian, Pop & Country
Favorite Band/Singer: Mercy Me
Hobbies: Scrapbooking
Most embarrassing moment: I was in a restroom with my youngest son Ryan and he asked "Mom, did you toot?" I whispered to him that it was the person next to us. Not following my lead to be quiet he exclaimed, "eeewwww...she tooted!"
You may not know this about me: I was born in a car in the parking lot of the hospital.
Primary Area of Ministry: Nursery
I was raised in: Victoria TX
Family Info: Husband (Leonard), Children (Danae 22, D'Layne 12,Drue Emma 10, and our grand baby Jaxon 1)
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5
Favorite Style of Music: Christian Music
Favorite Band/Singer: Third Day, Francesca Battistelli
Most Embarrassing Moment: I once asked a lady when she was due only to find out that she was not pregnant.
You May Not Know This About Me: I am not as outgoing as people think I am.