Hi, I’m Amanda Howatae, and I serve as the Middle School Director here at Community Church. My heart for this role is deeply personal—I didn’t grow up knowing God as a source of love or hope. In fact, faith felt more like a punishment than anything else. But after finally stepping through the doors of Community Church on Easter Sunday in 2017 (after lots of nudging from family), my entire view of God and church began to change.

Now, I get to pour into students in the very age range where I struggled most. My role includes planning weekly lessons, building up our team leaders, organizing trips and events like Pineapple Sunday, and creating spaces where middle schoolers feel safe, known, and welcomed. I’ve walked through bullying, loneliness, and feeling misunderstood—and I believe God’s brought me through all of that to meet these students exactly where they are.

Outside of ministry, I’m a huge animal lover. I’ve had everything from pet rats to a surprise snapping turtle in the family bathtub (long story), and now I live with four dogs, four cats, and six chickens—yes, every one of them has a story. I also love being outdoors, especially camping and hiking.

One resource that’s been a lifeline in my spiritual journey is the “Therapy and Theology” podcast by Lysa TerKeurst. Her honest stories and biblical wisdom have helped me navigate healing, especially in areas of forgiveness and identity.

If there’s one thing I’d want anyone to hear, it’s this: no matter how broken or far gone you might feel—you’re not. God can and will meet you right where you are. That truth changed my life, and I hope to help our students discover the same.