The Goofy Gary Story

Once upon a time, long, long ago, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, Goofy Gary Mathews was born. Now he wasn't born goofy - his name was Gary Randolph, the son of Mable and Claude Mathews. In fact, his birth was more dangerous than goofy. The doctor didn't think he could save both Gary and his mom, and his father was asked to choose who should survive. Late that night, after much prayer, Claude told the doctor to save them both! After a long night and day of labor for Mable and prayers from members of the Assembly of God church in Wewoka, Gary came into this world! God saved both he and his mother that day, because God had a good plan for Gary Randolph Mathews - ain't God good!

Now as Gary's story continued, he grew up, learning a lot, dreaming a lot, and creating a lot. After high school, he studied at Southwestern Christian University and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. He received a tech degree in electronics and was licensed by the FCC in broadcasting with technical endorsements. Gary owned his first business at age 19 and soon after began using his voice and his expertise as a radio announcer.

One of the most important parts of Gary's life is family. He met Lora Mae Howard at Southwestern University and they got married and had three children: Gary Ronald, Jeffrey Don, and April Marie. Their three children have married and given them 11 grandchildren whom they love and beam with pride when sharing stories about them. Gary and Lora love children and family.

Gary served in the ministry for many years, both as a senior pastor, as an associate and as the National Children's Ministry Director. However, this is where the story gets really interesting and you will want to read on. Remember I told you God had a good plan for Gary?

Gary and his wife, Lora, have been in children's ministry for over 30 years. They are well-known as pioneers in children's ministry, among the first to focus their efforts totally on the children, and among the first to travel across the nation, holding children's programs and services just for the children. In fact, it was the children who named Goofy Gary when he drew them a picture of the cartoon character Goofy.