On the day we celebrate our Lord's birth, halfway around the world in Seoul, Korea Marie Verdugo was brought into the world. Brought up as a practicing Buddhist, Marie fell into a life of opposition and hardship early on. Marie was given immense responsibility early on, as she was often looked on as a mother figure to her younger siblings. In 1975, Marie's family brought her to live in the U.S., and she has lived in Arizona since the age of 13. It was here that she met her husband, Jaime while attending Tolleson High School. They were married Christmas day in 1992 and have gone on to have three beautiful and amazing children ages 16, 11 and 8.

On June 4th, 2003 the Lord touched her heart and she abandoned her life in Buddhism. She was saved that day, and has passionately committed her life to serving Christ since. When Pastor Mike and Julie Gowans were called to open Gateway Life Church in Chandler, Marie and Jaime felt called to serve there as well. Marie quit her previous thirteen-year career as a manager, administrator, trainer and director in the Chiropractic profession to serve in the ministry full time. They now reside in Chandler, and through God's gifts and blessings are serving their community to reach more people for Christ.

Marie Verdugo

Position: Minister of Administration

Hometowns: Seoul, Korea
and Carson City, CA

Favorite Shows: Food Network, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars

Hobbies: Cooking, Running, Music & Dance

Married: December 1992

Children: Monyque, Erykah, Jaimito