Our Team
Rushton & Mandy Metzler
House Parents
mandy@prepareforbabies.org
Rushton and Mandy Metzler began this ministry by simply giving their
“yes” to a repeated whisper from the Lord calling them to…"prepare for babies.”
They have always had a heart for babies and children and take seriously the biblical mandate to care for the orphan and the widow. So naturally when God crossed their paths with Richard and Monica Sotolongo, the founders of Abide To Love, Inc., they began to see that God was up to something, and together sought His heart for a solution to a major problem of orphanhood in our generation. They believe every life is precious and an expression of the image of God. The Lord has gifted them with two sons, Knox and Luke. Rushton and Mandy believe strongly in the power of the spirit of adoption over this generation and generations to come.
In 2021, after five years of ministering to people battling alcohol and drug addiction, and helping to start a church in their hometown of Augusta, they felt God calling them in a different direction. Little did they know, as they began to prepare for this new ministry, that Roe v. Wade would possibly be overturned the following year. They believe God is calling people all over the country to stand up and be the solution to the crisis that plagues our nation. It’s time to obey the mandate to care for orphans and widows and to restore families to their original design.
Mandy is affectionately called “Mama Mandy” by those that know her, and Rushton carries a father’s heart to protect, provide, and pursue. Rushton has been a firefighter for Columbia County for over 16 years and owns a lawn care business. He currently serves on the board for Abide To Love. Mandy is a night nanny who cares for newborns as well as a stay at home mom who finds joy in raising her tiny disciples. They love to create lasting memories for their children whether it be camping, cooking out with friends, swimming in their pool or praying for strangers wherever they go. They desire that their children, and the entire body of Christ, would know their identity of sonship and authority in Christ. Rushton and Mandy’s families, on both sides, have a generational legacy of outreach, hospitality, and adoption. They are honored to follow God’s leading in paving a new path for this generation.
Katie Adkins
Director of Operations
wecare@prepareforbabies.org
Board Members
Baylee Avery
Board Member & Marketing & Events Coordinator
marketing@prepareforbabies.org
Baylee and her husband, Jim, have both lived in the CSRA their entire lives, and are now raising their 2 children here as well. Baylee was blessed to grow up in a conservative, Christian family with parents who always encouraged her relationship with Christ. In 2013, Baylee graduated from what is now Augusta University with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Completing the final month of her degree while 9 months pregnant with a precious, but unexpected baby girl, is an achievement she fully credits to God, and the constant support of her family/friends. Baylee says this type of unfailing support and grace is how God began preparing her heart for Prepare for Babies long before the ministry was even established. After learning about PFB through a social media post in 2022, Baylee immediately registered to become a volunteer. When asked what sparked her eagerness to join our team, Baylee described how "absolutely heartbreaking" it is for her to imagine a mother feeling so hopeless that she actually believes she has no other option but to abort her sweet baby. Baylee says it didn't take a second thought for her to know she wanted to share the love of Christ with these moms, and make sure they know that PFB will help them get on their feet and become the mother God created them to be. Baylee's role as our Marketing and Events Coordinator happened naturally at the first opportunity she had to use her creativity and love for party planning within the ministry. Baylee and her team organize many of our community events, including our biggest annual event, Kickball for a Cause. She also designs many of our graphics, flyers and digital content that we use to promote PFB. When Baylee isn't working on a project for Prepare for Babies, it is almost guaranteed that she is busy creating invitations, or helping her friends plan parties. We can always count on Baylee to come up ideas that are fun and beneficial for the ministry.