"I am so grateful to the Lord for the words, principles, and practices he provided me then, and for the fact that, years later, the blessings of a clearly defined mission still serve the ministry leaders and staff well." 

After decades at Gateway, I was asked what gives me satisfaction. As I look back, there are many, many people, events, and blessings to list; so much to be thankful for! A special time when God was a faithful guide and inspiration occurred as I was drafting our original mission and values statement.

Gateway Woods’ mission statement is: To honor and obey God by providing hope and healing to children and families, who may then bless others.

In the late 80s and early 90s, many businesses, organizations, and ministries were adopting mission statements. For several years, we had been repeatedly challenged at leadership and training events to provide a statement that clearly and simply defines our purpose and practices and guides our direction. During that time, I collected various examples of these statements from other organizations and corporations, including those guided by Christian principles. I would just stick them in a file to consider at a later time. That time finally came.

In 1993-94, the administration building was being expanded to over twice its original size, but it was not yet finished. Being easily distracted, I had made little progress working and writing in my old office. I blocked off several days and set up a simple workspace in my newly constructed but unfinished office at the end of a quiet hall. The drywall wasn’t painted, and the floors were plywood. I didn’t have a phone, but I had a table, a chair, flip-chart paper, tape, markers, pens, a stack of samples, a dictionary, and a Bible. There was probably a plentiful supply of M&Ms, which had also helped me through grad-school writing assignments. Large pieces of paper were taped to the walls, and notes and drafts kept spreading across the table. Through praying, reading, thinking, sifting, writing, and rewriting, the mission and values statement slowly took form and order in the bare, yet somehow fertile, environment.

In this field, sometimes we need reminders that we worship a God of hope. Out of faith and obedience to God’s call to serve the fatherless, a vital phrase,” … who may then bless others,” was added. It serves to lift our eyes, hearts, and prayers beyond our immediate work to what the Lord can do in the future as lives and even generations are changed eternally.

A list of key values was also developed, refined, and prioritized to publicly state who we are and how we will operate as Christian individuals and as a Christian ministry.  

Our Seven Values

Christian Principles: The Bible, which includes the saving power and gospel of Jesus Christ, serves as the motivation, guide, and final authority in all we do.

The Family: The core and cornerstone of society and our primary therapeutic tool. We will provide services to families and surrogate families for children who need security and guidance based on Biblical principles.

Commitment: Exemplified by optimism, resilience, determination, hard work, self-denial, and unconditional love, our commitment is to Jesus Christ, each other, our clients, their families, and our supporters.

Teamwork: Recognizing our individual limitations and the strengths and wisdom in numbers, we will work cooperatively with each other, our clients, our authorities, and other professionals.

Quality: We will maintain high standards for our services and facilities. Through accountability and creativity, we will continuously seek to find new and more effective ways to meet human needs.

Integrity: We will be faithful in our responsibilities. We will do what we say we will do. We will tell the truth. We will be honorable in all of our relationships.

Stewardship: We will make wise use of our spiritual gifts as well as our human, material, and financial resources.

The Mission and Values Statements are posted around campus and are read aloud before each board meeting. I am so grateful to the Lord for the words, principles, and practices he provided then, and that years later the blessings of a clearly defined mission still serve the ministry leaders and staff well. It defines what they do, keeps them on course, inspires hope, and holds all to the highest standards worthy of our Lord.

"Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)