GAYE AHLERS, WORSHIP LEADER

​​Surprising Tidbit: My great-great grandmother was a seamstress for Mary Todd Lincoln.  

Salvation Story: I was brought up Catholic. As a teen, I lost interest in religion. in 1978 when I was a junior at ISU, there was a young woman from the Navigators who wanted to do a Bible study in my dorm room. The Bible studies were from the Gospel of John, and we learned about how Jesus related directly to people. I realized that I really needed a real relationship with Jesus Christ. So I bowed in my dorm room on Tuesday, December 5th, 1978, and gave my life to Jesus.  

Education: I have an Associate's Degree of Science in Biology from Lincoln Land Community College, a Bachelor's degree of Science in Medical Technology from Illinois State University, and a Master's Degree of Arts in Individual Option - Science Museum Education from University of Illinois - Springfield.   

Influential People:  Dr. Bob and Pastor Pam's  teachings, prophetic voice, and prayers for me have encouraged and challenged me to continually mature in Christ. This has resulted in me being more responsible with the things of God and  my position in the Church. Pastors have always exhorted me towards excellence in worship, leadership, prayer, learning the deeper things of the Word, and ministry.  

Member Since: I have been planted at Living Water Church since December 31, 2001. 

​Leisure Time: I like to go fishing because I enjoy the peacefulness of being outdoors.  

Line of Work: I work as a service technician.  

Salvation Story: I was saved on April, 1, 1996. I had been thinking about Jesus' love and my need for a savior for some time. One day I got home from work and the reality of my fallen state and Jesus's gift of life became very real for me. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior that day.  

Member Since: I joined Living Water Church in 2001. I had been out of church for a while and some people invited me to a meeting at LWC with Dr. Leon. I recall coming into the house of God and immediately feeling at peace and at home in my spirit. That day, Dr. Bob, the senior pastor, came and talked with me for about ten minutes. I liked what I heard and stayed.    

Smile Worthy: Little children laughing.

Family: I am the only child.  

Leisure Time: I enjoy cycling. When I am on my bike spending time with the Lord, I become alive, energized and free.  

Surprising Tidbit:  I was deaf in my right ear and partially deaf in my left ear. The Lord healed my right ear completely.   

Line of Work: I am a merchandise replenishment manager. I have 30 years of management experience.  

Education:  I have a Bachelor of Science from Culver-Stockton College in Accounting - Computerized Business Systems and a diploma of theology from Global Ministries and Relief. 

​Salvation Story: In 2004, I was lying on the floor of my mother's home having a pity party in my head for the way my life was going. The Holy Spirit so kindly and confidently told me I had a hope and a future in Christ - I stopped wallowing and starting seeking God from that moment on.  

Member Since:  I joined Living Water Church in October of 2008. During late summer of that year, I found myself needing a Spirit-filled church home, so I googled it.  God's presence, power, authority and peace was evident from the first service at LWC that I attended. I think I "visited" for about two months prior to joining. During this time, I'd received several confirmations from Holy Spirit regarding joining the Living Water Church family.  

Influential People: Dr. Bob and Pastor Pam significantly influence my life through their consistent demonstration of love, kindness, wisdom, faith, diligence, and integrity. Their Christ walk and leadership continually aides in my walk with Christ.  

Education: I have a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Illinois at Springfield and  Master of Arts in Special Education from Concordia University - Chicago.  

Leisure Time: I love to cook, travel, and read. All three activities encourage  my love of creativity.