Ken and Trudy Bangs

Ken and Trudy Bangs

Trudy spent 12 years as a high school English teacher in the Plano ISD. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Texas. Trudy was trained in the ministry by June Barnard Ashworth, founder of Christian Gateway Ministries and author of the Spiritual Growth Series; Growing in the Spirit, Walking in the Spirit and Ministering in the Spirit. Trudy founded Christian Ambassadors in 1994 and since that time has worked to bring Christ to the nations by establishing houses of prayer, setting up jail ministries and teaching the Spiritual Growth Series.  Trudy is certified by the State of Texas as a Licensed Child Care Administrator.

Ken is certified by the State of Texas as a Licensed Child Care Administrator and holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, a M.S. in Human Relations and Management from Amber University, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. An ordained and licensed minister, Ken was trained and commissioned as a Minister to Men by the Christian Men’s Network and the late Dr. Edwin Louis Cole. Ken retired in 2002 after spending 10 years with the Dallas Police Department, one year with the Plano Police Department and 25 years as the Director of Police and Security Services with the Plano ISD.

Together, Ken and Trudy have taught the Spiritual Growth Series, conducted marriage seminars, ministered and traveled together carrying the Word of the Lord to the nations . God’s plan for their lives has now brought them to Gateway Farm where they are working hand in hand to provide homes for children in need.

Sherrie Merritt

This dynamic woman of God comes to Christian Ambassadors after decades of service to our Lord.  Licensed and ordained Sherrie has served in church leadership positions in Colorado, Idaho and New Mexico.  Ms. Merritt is an experienced counselor trained by the Elijah House in Washington State

Sherrie serves as the Corporate Director of Operations for Christian Ambassadors and is assigned to the Gateway Farm Campus.  At Gateway Sherrie oversees all aspects of the day to day operations.
 

Mary Ann Armstrong

Mrs. Armstrong comes to Gateway experienced in working with children in both the public (Louisiana Methodist Children's Home-Ruston, LA) and private setting. Mrs. Armstrong holds a B.S. in Family, Infancy and Early Childhood Education from Louisiana Tech University.  She is certified by the State of Texas as a Licensed Child Care Administrator.  She is a member of the management team for Gateway Farm and serves as Case Manager.

 Fredrica Nicholson

Ms. Nicholson joins us from the Louisiana Methodist Children Home. Deeply committed to the service of her Lord, Fredrica believes her call is to work with children.  At Gateway she serves as the Residence Director for Timothy Home.

Ms. Nicholson has served on the foreign mission field and is active in her church serving her Lord with a spirit of excellence.

Sherry Mars

Ms. Mars comes to Gateway from a life of public service.  She has surrendered her life to the Ministry of The Lord Jesus and comes to serve His children at Gateway.  Sherry is the Residence Director for Daniel Home.  Her hearts desire is to be able to nurture the girls entrusted to her care in the love of the Lord training them up to live as Esther's in service to the King of Kings.

 Jeff Pickett

Jeff  is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in communications.  While at O.U. Jeff was a member of the Sooner football team that won the national champonship in 1985. 

Jeff has a heart for children.  He has served in the child services field in California both in direct care and  case management.  At Gateway Jeff will serve as a field based case manager while assisting in direct care, managing the summer program and other special projects directly related to the needs of the children.

Leah Calhoun

Mrs. Calhoun  serves as the business manager for Gateway Farm Operations.  A graduate of the Spiritual Growth Classes, Leah teaches the classes to the boys and girls of Gateway.

Leah and her husband J.T. met while working on the farm with Ms. June Barnard Ashworth.  They are long time residents of Bowie County and are very active in the life of their church and community.  

Larry and Rene Paap 

Larry serves Gateway as the Manager of Facility Services.  Rene serves as the Administrative Assistant for Gateway Operations.  Each have served in direct care both as Residence Directors and in Respite Care.

Larry and Rene are a dynamic team for the Lord serving Him with gladness.  They have truly impacted the lives of children at Gateway and continue to impact generations for Christ through their service.

Roy Spradlin

Mister Roy is the glue that holds things together at Gateway.  He takes care of the grounds, the repairs in the houses and the vehicles of the Farm. 

Roy and his wife Pat  are long time members of the community who are deeply committed to the boys and girls of Gateway.