Leader's Bios
George Archibald
Birth Date: October 27th.
Favorite movie: American Graffiti
Middle School / High School / College attended: Tower Heights MS, Centerville HS, University of Cincinnati, Ohio University.
In High School I was a student.
Current Job/School: Business development
Pet Peeves: None
Favorite Food/type of food: Dark Chocolate
The best fad I was a part of: The entire decade of the 70's
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: As an adult of 40 years, by coming to New Life. I was made aware of the difference between religion and a personal relationship with God.
Favorite verse and why: Isaiah 43:7: "Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." It sums up the reason why we exist.
Tammy Busby
Nick Name: Momma or Mrs. Busby
Birth Date: July 2nd
Favorite movie: While You Were Sleeping and That Thing You Do
Middle School / High School / College attended: Omak High School (in Washington state) / Oregon State University
In High School I was a dead ringer for Olive Oyl.
Current Job/School: Office Systems Administrator for Limitedbrands (supporting Express)
Pet Peeves: Dirty kitchen when I come home from work, worms on the sidewalk after it rains (that one just grosses me out!!)
Favorite Food/type of food: Dark chocolate anything
The best fad I was a part of: High waist pants with wide legs and wedge shoes - the first time around! Farrah Fawcett haircut.
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: I was saved in high school during summer church camp my junior year. However, after joining the Navy and moving away from home, I pushed God out of the way to make room for me. It was after I got out of the Navy, got married and had our first baby that I heard/felt the stirrings from the Holy Spirit again. During the period of time when our first daughter died, He was heavily pursuing me. After the birth of our second daughter, God brought a couple into my life and used them to draw me to Him. And on a night in February 1991, while reading Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti (I had just finished the part where Sally Roe gave her life to Christ and the Heavenly Hosts were celebrating - GOOD STUFF!!), I knelt beside my bed and began my relationship with Christ!
Favorite verse and why: Jeremiah 29:11: " "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to five you hope and a future." " As a mom, wife, youth worker, and just for me, it is a constant reminder that God has awesome and wonderful plans for us. The life we choose for ourselves can in no way compare with what He chooses for us. He has a rich, abundant life/plans in store for each of us if we are obedient and wait on Him and his timing.
Fred Donelson
Nick Name: Mr. D
Birth Date: December 31
Favorite movie: The first Star Wars, The Matrix, and although it's not a movie...the musical Wicked.
Middle School / High School / College attended: There were no middle schools when I was in school! High School: Sherman Central School (graduating class of 56 kids). College: B.A. in Life science from Otterbein; M.A. in science Education from The Ohio State University.
In High School I was a jock...16 varsity letters, and a drama geek...three leads in grades 10-12, including Cheaper by the Dozen and Oklahoma.
Current Job/School: Science Department Chair, Science Academy Coordinator at Gahanna Lincoln High School, where I also teach Dissecting Biology, Space Technology, Virtual Space Tech, and Honors Bionics.
Pet Peeves: Kids who are only nice to me when they are in my class; parents who are always making excuses for their kids bad behavior instead of dealing with them.
Favorite Food/type of food: Slaw salad, a good greasy pepperoni pizza, and good spicy, crispy General Tso's at Asian Gourmet.
The best fad I was a part of: Bell bottom jeans...they were "the bomb"!!
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: I committed my life to Christ in my bedroom late one Sunday evening of my senior year after being convicted of my sin during a sermon at my church.
Favorite verse and why: II Timothy 2:2: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." It has become my life verse...God's desire is that we do more than just share his love. He wants us to help new Christians grow to maturity, so that they can lead others to Christ and help them grow to maturity.
Margie Gyde
Nick Name: Mom, Mommy, Marge
Birth Date: August 7th.
Favorite movie: Romances, especially Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, that genre.
Middle School / High School / College attended: I went to Christ the King Elementary through 8th grade, then Bishop Hartley HS, attended OSU a couple quarters, and Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach for a year.
In High School I was a bookworm. I loved hanging out with girlfriends, going to football and basketball games, then going out for pizza afterwards.
Current Job/School: Student Ministries Administrative Assistant at New Life.
Pet Peeves: Slow computers, misunderstandings not quickly resolved.
Favorite Food/type of food: White cake with white icing, oh, and yummy salads.
The best fad I was a part of: Some fads I got into were disco dancing a lot in high school, listened to the radio way too much, loved roller skating and swimming, yo-yos, pogo sticks, jacks, and bell bottoms.
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: I grew up in a church where I came to know about God and was drawn to Him, yet I didn't come to understand why Jesus is so important until I got into a Navigator Bible Study group when I was 19. Then the light bulb turned on and I am so happy that now, "I'm my beloved's and He is mine. His banner over me is Love."
Favorite verse and why: Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." It gives me joy to be able to rest in God's faithfulness to complete what He has begun to do in me, to make me more like Jesus.
Steve Martin
Nick Name: "Cap"
Birth Date: April 29th
Favorite movie: I don't really have a favorite movie, but I like comedies and westerns.
Middle School / High School / College attended: I went to Blendon Jr. High and graduated from Westerville South High School. I also attended Columbus Technical Institute and received a machining certificate.
In High School I was into metal shop and building things.
Current Job/School: Buyer for a metal fabrication company
Pet Peeves: Cold food and bad drivers
Favorite Food/type of food: Steak and potatoes
The best fad I was a part of: Jean jackets
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: Through members of a small group bible study that my girl friend took me to (who is now my wife).
Favorite verse and why: Luke 11:9: "Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you." It tells me to continually seek after God's will and he will continue to bless me.
Joshua Potter
Nick Name: To my kids I'm Papa and Pickle.
Birth Date: November 27th
Favorite movie: Ever After and Notting Hill
Middle School / High School / College attended: Blendon Middle School, Westerville south High School, some college at The Ohio State University.
In High School I blended into the background. I did some sports but none of the popular ones.
Current Job/School: I work in a printing company.
Pet Peeves: Practical jokes.
Favorite Food/type of food: Charred bits of animal flesh (meat in most of its varieties).
The best fad I was a part of: I don't think I was really ever a part of fad.
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: I was 13, going to church with some neighbors because my parents didn't want to go to church. The kids were all talking about being saved. I didn't want to be left out so I kind of secretly prayed that God would take away my sins through the blood of his Son. I vowed then that I would follow Him no matter what life threw at me. I am no longer one who wants to do anything for God secretly.
Favorite verse and why: Romans 10:9-10: "That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
Melanie Potter
Nick Name: MJP or Mommie
Birth Date: Jan 6th
Favorite movie: While You Were Sleeping
Middle School / High School / College attended: Shelby High School, MI
In High School I was a member in choir and show choir.
Current Job/School: Customer service-"making copies"
Pet Peeves: Drivers who do not use their turn signals, bad breath, and other odors.
Favorite Food/type of food: Meat and potatoes
The best fad I was a part of: None of them.
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: While my Dad was preaching one Sunday night (June 20, 1984), I felt convicted by the Spirit. I realized I need Jesus directing my life every day.
Brett Ryan Starr
Nick Name: "Daddy Chicken".....you'll have to ask my daughter.
Birth Date: November 29th
Favorite movie: Hmmmm.....that's a hard one because I don't get too attached to specific movies, but some that come to mind are Gladiator, Stranger Than Fiction, Opportunity Knocks.
Middle School / High School / College attended: East Moline Christian School (MS), United Township High School, Liberty University.
In High School I was a Thespian....that means actor and usually choir geek comes along with that label.
Current Job/School: Director of Student Ministries at New Life Church.
Pet Peeves: When people only slightly crack open the tab on a can of pop and don't open it all the way.
Favorite Food/type of food: Mexican / Chips and Salsa / A good Pizza / steak (medium) / my wife's Puerto Rican food.
The best fad I was a part of: Penny rolling my pants at the ankles, otherwise known as tight-rolling, peg-legging, or other various forms. Also, I have to throw in occasionally wearing baggy bib overalls or jeans "Kris Kross" style. Make ya' wanna Jump Jump.
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: My mom says that I got saved when I was 5 when my toy fireman fell off the kitchen table. She asked me if he was going to heaven and I said I did not know. Then we talked about Christ and how he died on the cross for my sins and rose again. I personally don't quite remember that, but I trust my mom. I do remember attending Christian School in 2nd grade with my Bible teacher, Mrs. Richards, when she shared the Gospel with us and I accepted Christ at that point.
Favorite verse and why: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Be Joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Tammy Lou Starr
Nick Name: My sisters call me Tam.
Birth Date: September 23rd
Favorite movie: It's a toss up between White Christmas and Sound of Music.
Middle School / High School / College attended: Greenbelt Middle School, Riverdale Baptist High School, Liberty University
In High School I was Boy crazy and into Drama.
Current Job/School: Mount Carmel East Hospital - Registered Nurse (part-time), Homemaker
Pet Peeves: Nail biting, any kind of body part picking, people who want me to read their minds.
Favorite Food/type of food: My Mom's cooking
The best fad I was a part of: The 80's towering bangs on female hair.
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: Through my family and Christian summer camp.
Favorite verse and why: 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in Love. Perfect Love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in Love." This verse has come to my head more than any other in the past few years. With kids, moving to different states, being in ministry, and being far away from my family, it is hard not to be afraid of the unknown and let it overtake you. It is a good reminder to me that God is Love and Love = No Fear.
Aaron Ward
Nick Name: A-DUB
Birth Date: March 2
Favorite Movie: The Bourne Identity Series
Middle School / High School / College you attended: Hinton ES / Hinton HS /
In High School I was a basketball player.
Current Job/School: Custodian at New
Pet Peeves: Talking during
Favorite Food/type of food: Chicken Pineapple Pizza, Carribean Jerk Wings
The best fad I was ever a part of: Bib Overalls
How you came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: As a child I came to know Christ through my grandparents as they took me to Sunday school, prayer meetings, Awana and also being in youth choir. As an adult I felt I needed to rededicate my life to Christ.
Favorite verse and why: Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. This verse clearly tells you the payment for sin (which is death). God can give you life everlasting through Christ Jesus, when you accept him as your savior (How Awesome).
Anita Ward
Birth Date: November 27
Favorite Movie: Sister Act II
Middle School / High School / College you attended: Mifflin MS / Mifflin HS /
In High School I was a volleyball & basketball player.
Current Job/School: Secretary at
Pet Peeves: Food touching
Favorite Food/type of food: Chipotle or any tacos/nacho’s
The best fad I was ever a part of: Mushroom Hairstyles
How you came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: I came to know him as a teenager when I attended church and VBS, but I gave my life to Christ again as an adult.
Favorite verse and why: Psalms 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Brian Washburn
Nick Name: It started in middle school and on through high school it was Bernie, I think because of my last name.
Birth Date: June 20th
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Middle School / High School / College attended: Gahanna MS West, Gahanna Lincoln HS, DeVry University.
In High School I was a ‘tweener, not a jock and not a hood.
Current Job/School: Service engineer @ Honeywell.
Pet Peeves: People who claim to be Michigan fans, but don't even know the coaches name.
Favorite Food/type of food: "Hot stuff" - cheese and salsa melted together.
The best fad I was a part of: Had a mullet in high school.
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: My Grandmother led me to Christ when I was 4, then I gave my whole life to God at 19.
Favorite verse and why: Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Susie Washburn
Nick Name: Susie
Birth Date: June 16th.
Favorite movie: Pure Luck, Fried Green Tomatoes, My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Middle School / High School / College attended: Yorktown Junior High, Sherwood Middle, Walnut Ridge High, Judson College.
In High School I was a singer and actor.
Current Job/School: Executive secretary for a non-profit association.
Pet Peeves: Hearing people chew-yuck!
Favorite Food/type of food: Salad, raspberries, coconut, Dr. Pepper.
The best fad I was a part of: Feathering my hair & rolling my jeans.
How I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: I went to church all of my childhood, and thought I was a Christian. Just like sitting in a garage does not make you a car, sitting in church does not make you a Christian. At church camp, some of the counselors were "leading kids to Christ" and I wanted in. I gave all of myself to all I knew of God, but a tragic event took place and I fell away from God. I had a lot of hatred in my heart. A friend a couple of years later would not give up on praying for me, and led me back to God, discipled me, and was a true Christian friend. I praise God for not giving up on me! My hope is in Him!
Favorite verse and why: Psalm 139:13-14: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." This verse reminds me that God created me and had plans for my life from the start.
Mindy Wingo
Nick Name: Mama Dubbs
Birth Date : 1/31
Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music
What Middle School / High School / College you attended: Southwestern High School/ University of Rio Grande
In High School I was a Prom Queen.
Current Job/School: Business Process Analyst
Pet Peeves: I hate to be tickled/ I don’t like being late
Favorite Food/type of food: Italian Food/ Chocolate
What was the best fad you were ever a part of: Big Hair of the 80’s
How you came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: At a revival with my Dad when I was 8 years old
Favorite verse and why: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself will come down from Heaven with a shout, with a loud command, with the voice an archangel and the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then those who are alive and remain will be caught up together with Him in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. – I’m looking forward to the second coming!
