Illinois, and has been preaching ever since.

Doug and Cheryl were married in December of 1966, and he thinks of her as his best friend and partner.

Doug and Cheryl came to MCC on Easter Sunday, 1994, and have thoroughly enjoyed serving here. The church in those days was small and struggling, but the people really wanted to do something for the Kingdom. In order for this to happen, a lot of changes had to take place -- the church was open to change, and grew rapidly as a result. Now we have a wide variety of worship services and study opportunities, to bless a wide variety of people.

Part of Doug’s dreams has been fulfilled now that we’ve moved into our beautiful new building. But, the dream is far larger than that: our next mission is to fill it up with people who are eager to worship our Lord and King. Each weekend, we enjoy 3 worship services and two Bible Studies, and there are studies for all ages throughout the weekdays, too. In addition, we have a first-rate Christian School that meets every school day – what a joy!

MLCC is committed to becoming a powerful influence in our community for Christ. Our goal to become ever more effective at drawing people of every age group to a closer walk with Christ. And, we need to do it fast...because we believe our Lord could return at any moment.

Cheryl really enjoys all that she does and looks forward to going to "work." Her attitude is: "It's a privilege to have a job that makes us a partner with God, and that all I do has a chance to effect someone for eternity."

Cheryl remembers when she and Doug first came to Mid-Lakes. The elders knew that she had a musical background. In fact, she used to teach it in a Christian school. So they told her, "Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to bring our church into a mode that would be attractive to younger families raising children." It proved to be a real challenge, but Cheryl adds, "It's been lots of fun to see the great attitudes in the church folk as we have gradually added youth and family-friendly aspects to the worship services and music."

Cheryl writes, "We've all had to make a few concessions here and there. At Mid-Lakes, we take the attitude that if there isn't something in one of the weekend services that isn't our preference, we probably aren't presenting the balance in our services that we should. Our desire is to have a point of connection for every age group, while still keeping the dignity and power of worship. Our leaders have the wisdom to know that the kingdom of God is bigger than the personal preferences of anyone of us. So Christ is being honored in many ways today at Mid-Lakes Christian Church."

in Kissimmee, FL. His interests include spending time with his family, fishing, playing sports and watching the Miami Hurricanes beat the Seminoles and Gators.

Brent married his wife, Michelle, on December 18, 1999. They now live in Eustis with their two kids, Wes and Caylyn. Brent and Michelle have a passion to see the church grow and people come to Christ. The Sports Ministry offers opportunities for people of every skill level. There are also a wide variety of sports and activities, including: basketball, softball, volleyball, martial arts, aerobics, fishing tournaments, golf tournaments, soccer, football and many other things.

When Brian is not with his family or working with the middle or high school youth, you can find him fishing or playing some type of sport. He has been on staff with MCC since Jan 1st, 2005.

Ministry. While in college he worked for a local church in Kissimmee, Florida and gained even more experience leading worship. After graduation in 2005, Tim was called to ministry in Naples, Florida and worked almost four years helping to create a Contemporary worship service from scratch. In February of 2007 he finally returned to his home church here at Mid-Lakes and is leading worship, creating videos, and adding excitement to the worship services! Tim is married to Tammy and they have two children, Justin and Savannah.

Christian College where he graduated in 1989 majoring in Bible and Philosophy. He served as the Senior Minister and Elder at Miami Shores Christian Church until the year 2000 when he moved to Lake County. Wyb and Dee were married in 1956, and have four sons who are all involved in various aspects of ministry. While at Miami Shores he founded the Missionary Assistance Program, (MAP), which has given special assistance to over 15 different Missions in the Caribbean and South America. Wyburn is also the “Stateside” Director of Dessalines Christian Development, a Mission in Haiti that supports 18 Haitian Ministers in 16 different churches in central Haiti.

Wyburn says, “The Lord has been blessing us with steady growth over the years. With our new facilities here in Tavares, all areas of Christian Service and Christian Education will be able to thrive when we have the space that we need.”

encouragement, Kerry moved his family to Kissimmee, Florida to begin his ministry studies at Florida Christian College.

In May, 1990, Kerry graduated cum laude with a BA in Ministry and moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida to work with the Port St. Lucie Christian Church in starting a new church. Kerry ministered at the Westport Christian Church in Port St. Lucie for 8 years. While there he also served as the chaplain for the Air Force Sergeants.

In October 1998, Kerry accepted the call to serve as Minister for the Lake Community Christian Church in Uniontown, Ohio and served there until called to MCC, in May of 2003.

Kerry & Joanna have three daughters and 5 grandchildren. All three daughters and the grandchildren live in Florida.

in Tavares. She has a passion for both God and kids!

Dick's business career consisted of two lengthy positions, one with ITT as Director of Operations Control and one with Abbott Laboratories as Manager of Manufacturing Engineering Operations. He was responsible for Strategic Planning, Program Management, Industrial Engineering and Contract Administration.

As a result of frequent moves, Dick has had the opportunity to serve as elder for five different churches in Indiana, Illinois and Florida. He has served as Board Chairman, Treasurer and Financial Secretary. He has also taught for many years and filled the pulpit when needed.

Dick is happy and honored to be a part of the vibrant, growing work at Mid-Lakes.

Christian College where he graduated in 1989 majoring in Bible and Philosophy. He served as the Senior Minister and Elder at Miami Shores Christian Church until the year 2000 when he moved to Lake County. Wyb and Dee were married in 1956, and have four sons who are all involved in various aspects of ministry. While at Miami Shores he founded the Missionary Assistance Program, (MAP), which has given special assistance to over 15 different Missions in the Caribbean and South America. Wyburn is also the “Stateside” Director of Dessalines Christian Development, a Mission in Haiti that supports 18 Haitian Ministers in 16 different churches in central Haiti.

Wyburn says, “The Lord has been blessing us with steady growth over the years. With our new facilities here in Tavares, all areas of Christian Service and Christian Education will be able to thrive when we have the space that we need.”

for Hospice of Lake and Sumter Counties, Fl., for 5½ years.

Leroy and Phyllis have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

After receiving Christ as his Lord in 1970 at the age of 46, Steve became actively involved in his local Methodist church. He loved singing in the choir there for 25 years. Eventually served as Lay Leader, on the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and as Chairman of the church council before moving to Lake County in 1989. He joined a non-denominational church in 1990, later serving as an Elder before leaving there in 2001.

Steve and Shirley joined MCC in March of 2002, several months after starting to attend services here. They are pleased with the teaching and messages they receive from the Lord through Preacher Doug. Steve and Shirley serve the church through ministry in the kitchen, choir, Senior Servants (cleaning the church building). They also enjoy working with our Senior Sonshiners group.

spook--he continued as a civilian contractor until 1995, at which time he retired for good.

Hudge enjoys being a deacon. He writes, "It's challenging, but it provides great fellowship with the other deacons who work together as a close-knit team. I feel as though the entire church is my family."

joined MLCC. He was ordained as a deacon in January, 2002.

Bill says, "One of our biggest concerns in relocating to Florida was finding a Bible-believing church. We immediately found that and much more in Mid-Lakes with all the warmth and friendliness here."

passion for serving the Lord has not stopped.

Dan was appointed deacon in December 1999. When it comes to feeding our flock you will surely find him in the kitchen; some call him "Deacon Dan the Cookin' Man". He has found a real desire for mission work and has made several trips to Haiti to help the missionaries. He also serves on the Mission Committee. He was instrumental in helping get Adventure Christian Academy’s thrift center (Adventure Thrift Center) up and running. The word 'servant' truly fits Dan's desire to serve the Lord and he is very honored to be a deacon.

Willie started his working career in the commercial printing business while he was still in high school and retired after 46 years in 1991. During their retirement travels, Willie and Pat enjoyed their visit to Florida so much, they decided to by a home there and became official “snow birds,” now spending 7 months in Florida and 5 months in Indiana. Friends soon introduced them to Mid-Lakes Church and in 2000 they became members.

Willie looks forward to his work at the Thrift Store in the winter months while they are in Florida.

serve our Lord by serving our church.”

Bob retired after 27 years as an artist with The Chronicle-Telegram Newspaper in Elyria, Ohio. He has returned as their Editorial Cartoonist via e-mail and a scanner for the past three years.

He has attended Mid-Lakes for 10 years, and after attending Doug's 3M
class, was baptized in March of 2002.

Bob says: "I believe my art ability is a gift from God. I look forward to drawing 'Sid and Sal' cartoons for the newsletter and helping with other church graphics."

various ways, but especially in greeting people on Sundays.

help other places as needed) He retired from truck driving after putting in over 40 years and became a realtor. He still drive trucks (fire trucks) part time. He and Jean have 4 children and 5 grandchildren who all live in Florida.

Masters in Business Administration.

Hal retired in 1991 and moved to the Arkansas Ozarks where he later met his sweetheart and future wife, Sue. They were both baptized and joined MCC in 2004. Shortly There after Doug married them at the old church.

Hal became a Deacon in 2007 and has served his church willingly as one of the “PA” guys.

with five children: Laura, April, Stacey, Robbie and Michael. Mike started attending Mid-Lakes Christian Church as a Children’s Sunday School Teacher when it was the “little church” on C.R. 473 in Leesburg. He was baptized in May, 2004 and has been active at Mid-Lakes in the Children’s ministry and has helped with the Camera, Lighting, and Video production in the Media Area. Mike currently helps with the “Helping Hands” ministry and enjoys working with the community. He was ordained as a deacon in 2007 and maintains the air conditioning equipment at our church.

were blessed with three children (Rhonda, Donna and Steven) and they blessed us with seven grandchildren. We moved to Southern Indiana in 1980 and lived there until 1996. I retired from Ford Motor Company, Heavy Truck Division, January 1, 1994 after 31 ½ years of service. We moved to Florida in 1997.My wife and I attended several churches in the area and then in January 2005 we attended Mid-Lakes Christian Church and moved our membership to work with this church in March of 2005. The Lord has blessed me with good health for over 75 years and I am happy to serve the Lord by helping care for the 15 acres of grounds the church occupies, therefore being blessed again by being able to get plenty of exercise, fresh air and sunshine.

New England, I enrolled in 1952 at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, graduating in 1956. I started working with the Office of Auditor General of the State of Florida that same year retiring in 1991 after 35 years. During that time I met my wife Nancy while on assignment in Tavares and we were married in December 1959. We have three children, sons, Kerry and Robert and daughter Genta. We attended the First Baptist Church of Tavares until 2001, and New Beginnings Christian Fellowship from 2002 to August 2005. Nancy was a Lake County School Teacher, retiring in 2003. In my retirement years I have done volunteer work at churches, worked on the Wooton Wonderland Playground Project and presently serve on the City of Tavares Public Library Advisory Board.