Student ministry is not about controlling fears, circumstances, or raging hormones! It is watching in awe as the Lord holds, calms, excites, directs, and lights passion within the transforming lives of a generation that is living for Him! I am Cary Ryals and when I was a teenager, I never really thought the Lord would use me in ministry with all of my fears, circumstances, and raging hormones; but, one day at the age of 18 while praying and seeking Him, the Lord put a deep love in me for teenagers. He gave me a desire to come along side of students to share our Savior's grace, love, and passion. No 'work' on this earth makes me happier than to be with students on their walk of discovering our Mighty Savior! After studying at Lee University, my like-hearted best friend, Rachel, came along side me as my wife. We now have two daughters, Kate and Sophie who astound us at every turn! We served in two churches in our home state of Georgia before coming to Gateway in 2008. Now, we are proud to say that Tennessee holds our home and our hearts! Between the two of us, we have an abundance of hobbies and interests. We enjoy hanging out with our family and our students and whatever surprises that may entail! My hobbies include watching the Florida Gators in any sport, reading, and any competitive activity from sports to cards to rubber band shooting to thumb war. One, two, three, four.are you ready?