Meet our team
Mandy Metzler
Executive Director
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.
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Follow Mandy on social media
Ansley Evans
Director of Communications
Board Member
ansley@prepareforbabies.org
A mother herself, Ansley is eager to help local mothers establish their families as well. She counts it a blessing to be part of God's unfolding plans for Prepare for Babies. She knows the Lord will use this program and the hearts and hands of those involved to build relationships, edify the body of Christ, and glorify the name of Jesus as He builds and restores families. Ansley enjoys spending time with her husband and their precious children and leading worship in song at her church and other community events.
Charles Welch
Board Member
Charles is a retired teacher and basketball coach who has loved and followed Jesus for over 50 years. He continues to minister to people through his Discipleship Coaching and Counseling Ministry, CORE Life. The mission of CORE Life is to help men know and live from the Life of Christ in them.
“I am proud to be a part God’s work through Mandy and Rushton Metzler in 'Prepare for Babies' as we support families in their desire to give life to their unborn children!”
Lisa Stoms
Board Member
Lisa Stoms is the founder of Aspen International Ministries and has a heart to reach the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ. She and her husband Danny have 3 children, all adopted from either the US or Russia. She also has two beautiful grandchildren, Luke and Emma.
Monica Sotolongo
Board Member
Monica Sotolongo is married to the love of her life, and together they have 8 children. Monica and her family have internationally adopted, fostered locally in the state of Florida, and hosted orphans from around the world. Monica and her husband are the cofounders of Abide to Love, a non profit organization with the goal of diminishing injustice by restoring family. They strongly believe that there is a move of God to shift the culture of family here in the United States and in the nations, and they are excited to partner with Prepare for Babies to raise up a culture of strong families in Georgia!