“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” This verse (Philippians 4:13) first impacted Gina in grade 4, at a time of deep discouragement. Struggling with a learning disability, she faced frequent bullying from her classmates, who often laughed at her and called her stupid. When the school guidance counsellor discovered that Gina was writing notes to herself that said she no longer wanted to live, the counsellor gave her some support. And Gina’s mother arranged regular visits with their pastor in Listowel, who shared Philippians 4:13, along with other verses. “That was the verse that kept my faith going, and it is still the verse that I live off of.” Even though the bullying continued throughout elementary school, high school, at skating club, and sometimes at her own church, Gina didn’t let it bother her as much. And she stopped putting herself down as often as before. Attending Conestoga Bible Camp also had a positive impact. Gina became a Christian at age 11 and had the opportunity to be a camp counsellor from age 16 to 18. This experience strengthened her life-long passion for working with young children. In 2002 she moved to London to attend Fanshawe College for Early Childhood Education. Since graduation she has worked at several daycares and currently works full-time at Tiny Hoppers Daycare.

Terrance also faced major challenges during childhood and adolescence. His father abandoned the family when Terrance was 3. His mother became a Christian later in life, and Terrance committed his life to Christ at age 13. Then, when Terrance was 15, his life was turned upside down when his mother died of suicide. Even during this traumatic season Terrance “had this peace from the Lord that he knew she was going to heaven because of her being a Christian. He had peace that God gave him—the faith to keep going.” For two years he lived with the lead pastor and his wife of the church he was attending. Then in 1997 he moved to London to go to Westervelt College for computer programming. For the past fifteen years he has worked for CompuData doing IT work.

Terrance and Gina were married in 2007 and have two sons—Micah (11) and Ryan (7). Terrance has attended Gateway for over 20 years, and Gina began to attend after they were married. They have a strong passion for service and are very involved at both the Komoka and London campuses of Gateway. Terrance and Ryan like to help with the welcome team at the London campus. In Komoka Terrance often volunteers with media, and Micah sometimes gets to operate the camera. Gina often serves with preschool kids in the children’s ministry—initially at both campuses, but now mainly in Komoka. On the Sundays when the family arrives at Komoka early for setup, the boys enjoy helping. When people arrive, Ryan welcomes them with enthusiastic hugs. And of course, the boys love the pancake breakfasts.

The Arsenault’s also like participating in Family Connect, where they have deepened relationships with other families. Gina attends the Monday evening Women’s Bible study, Micah enjoys GSM, and Terrance has got to know more men at Gateway Guys gatherings. Involvement in their local community in St. Thomas is also a priority, with opportunities to bless neighbours in practical ways.

As they think about the future, “we hope that our children will continue to go after God. We want them to experience for themselves that even when they face failures, trials and struggles that God will always be there for them—and so will we.”