Welcome Amanda!

Our new middle school director

When we made the decision to split our student ministry into two separate focuses—one for middle school and one for high school—we did it because we’re committed to investing in the next generation. Middle school and high school students are in very different places developmentally and spiritually, and we saw a clear need to give each group the attention and care they deserve. Our elders and leadership prayed over this decision and felt strongly that we should support this shift with the right people in place.

So, we brought Amanda Howatae on board as our new Middle School Director. Amanda is a fantastic fit. She started just a couple weeks ago, but her journey with our church goes back to 2017. That’s when she and her family started attending, and right away, she jumped into serving. She actually went on our Costa Rica mission trip that year and was baptized in the ocean during that trip—it was an incredible moment. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow so much in her faith and spiritual maturity.

Over the years, she’s served in a bunch of ways—from VBS to Sunday night leadership to leading a middle school girls’ Bible study. She’s shown she’s not just involved—she’s all in. What’s especially powerful is her heart for middle schoolers. Amanda didn’t grow up with spiritual mentors, so she’s passionate about being that adult leader for students who need someone in their corner. She gets them. She cares deeply. And she loves Jesus. This new role brings all of that together—and I’m genuinely excited to have her leading the way.

Joseph Furno
Students Pastor