Lake Tyler Baptist Church

Gary has been serving as pastor of Lake Tyler since September of 2020. He and his wife Debbie have been married for 25 years. They have two sons, Aaron and Jarod. Aaron is married to Maureen, and they are the parents of Gary's favorite grandson and only grandchild, Brooks! Gary is a graduate of Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary where he received an Associate and Bachelors Degrees in English Bible/Theology.

Debbie joined the staff as part-time Financial Secretary in 2009. She has taught Sunday School for various age groups, is active in the various ministries of the church including the Women's Ministry, Fellowship/Kitchen Ministry, feeding the homeless (part of the Hope on the Street Ministry), 4-Him Ministry, Senior's Ministry, and Children's Ministry.

Debbie came to LTBC with over 30 years experience in business administration and accounting with 29 of those years with the Farm Credit System.  She currently works full-time as Office Manager and Legal Assistant for a local law firm and keeps books for a local construction company.

Debbie is married (48 years) to Mark and they have 2 grown children, 10 grand children and 2 great-grandsons - all of which live close by and keep them busy. She loves spending time with her family and in her spare time she enjoys cooking, gardening, cross-stitching, crocheting and reading.

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)

I have been blessed to be a part of Lake Tyler Baptist for 15 years. I have spent the last several as the Children's Director.

I spent 23 years working for State Farm Insurance until the birth of my special needs son in 2008. Little did I know what a blessing he would be and little did I know that God had an even bigger plan for me. I had taught Sunday School , Children's Church and worked in the church nursery at previous churches since I was 25. I had always had a desire to be able to dedicate more time to the children but with my job it was almost impossible.

A very special pastor told me , "You don't find God's will, God's will finds you. " God's will did find me and placed me in my current position.

I have had the opportunity to start several outreach programs for our children and have seen many blessings come from these programs.

I have seen many children come to know Jesus as well as some parents. What a blessing this has been!

I work with a remarkable and dedicated Children's team and we are continually brainstorming for new and better ways to reach, teach and attract children for God's glory.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.