Guiding With Wisdom. Serving With Heart.
Meet the faithful leaders stewarding the vision of I Am Matthew Ministries.
Our board members are the hands and feet of this ministry, praying, discerning, and shaping our direction. Each one has answered a call to steward what God is building here.
From Left to Right: Kaci Howard (Treasurer), Robert Howard (Board Chair), Chelsi Mendenhall (Vice Chair), Mark Mendenhall, Danielle Wigchert, Jeremy Wigchert (Secretary), Shane Midgyett, and Jamie Pauls .
Together we are the Called, the Changed, and the Commissioned.
I want to introduce you to some incredible people who inspire me daily. I’m Robert, the Board Chair and host of the podcast. If you’d like to know more about who I am, listen to the podcast.
**Kaci Howard** – My wife since 2006, Kaci has weathered many storms with me. I share our journey on the podcast, and she tells her story in “Finding Hope in Kaci’s Story.” God placed this ministry on my heart, and Kaci has played a crucial role. She supports me by managing the podcast postings, social media, and the website. She is my better half, an extraordinary woman you won’t find anywhere else.
**Chelsi Mendenhall** – Chelsi has been Kaci’s best friend for as long as I can remember. She witnessed my past and the pain I caused Kaci. However, she also saw the transformation that Christ brought to my life. Chelsi is someone who fearlessly stands in the gap, and when a task needs to be done, she rises to the occasion. If she lacks knowledge, she dives in to learn. This ministry will thrive with her diverse talents.
**Mark Mendenhall** – I’ve known Mark as long as he’s been married to Chelsi. While Christianity is new to him, he embraces it wholeheartedly despite his difficult past. His role as my blind spot analyst is invaluable; he helps refine my ideas, and we all need someone like him to challenge and support us.
**Danielle Wigchert** – I must admit, I know only fragments of Danielle’s story, and it’s a profound one. I plan to invite her on the podcast to share it fully. What I do know is that she radiates hope. She married a man who overcame tremendous struggles and embraced Jesus. While she, too, is not perfect, she faithfully follows the One who is. Praying and worshiping alongside her is a treasured experience. When I brought Jeremy onto the board, I knew Danielle would lend invaluable insight into the dynamics of marriage, just as my wife does. God made it clear that she belongs here, and I am grateful to have her on this journey.
**Jeremy Wigchert** – I had known of Jeremy since my teenage years. After my release, I was drawn to his story, which mirrored mine, but restrictions kept us apart. However, God intervened, and I found myself working alongside him. I soon learned that he loves Jesus and listens to Christian music. While no one is perfect, he seeks the One who is. We collaborated for about a year, during which I launched the podcast and he designed our iconic logo. Despite changing jobs for better opportunities, God reunited us in another workplace, aligning our missions as we embark on this ministry together.
**Shane Midgyette** – Upon my release from prison in 2018, I met Shane, a leading member of CR and a devoted worship team member at Lifepoint. God transformed his life while incarcerated and now shines brightly in God’s church. Shane is a powerful prayer warrior; he prays as long as he’s led, and those prayers are mighty. He’s a living testament that living for Christ after prison is possible. Though not perfect, he is committed to following Christ, serving as an inspiring example for those who have struggled. Listen to his story in “Finding Hope in Shane’s Story.”
**Jamie Pauls** – Jamie is my worship leader at church and has been a steadfast ally since my release from prison. His uplifting spirit and ability to infuse positivity into every situation are unmatched. Jamie trusts the Lord and His plans, regardless of their alignment with ours, and he brings an atmosphere of hope to our team.