Featured Stories

My name is Winclous Peter Kigika. Recently I've been going by Peter a lot when i came to learn that it means 'the rock'

As he was introducing me to the Bible Study group, I found it amazing that a 61-year-old man could take his precious remaining moments of his life to seat down with High School kids and just talk and listen to us, share his experiences - good or bad - , talking about the Bible and some its stories and lessons, worshiping together, sharing our troubles and joys, enjoying Manderfields Bakery together and most important listening to each others stories.

Sincerely speaking, Tuesday is my best day in school because of this group. We talk about things that are real. Nothing like 'two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen theoretically makes water' nothing like '{\displaystyle x={\frac {-b\pm {\sqrt {b^{2}-4ac}}}{2a}}.} ' We talk about real stories, real transformations by people just like us. Loving our neighbors as we love ourselves for a better society. We all have stories to tell, some good, some not so good and by these stories, we have the unity and strength in countering life as it comes in the best way, thanks to our Chaplain, Mr. Tony. 

I was lucky one weekend and got a chance to visit an Assisted Living home that I was invited by Mr. Tony. He was conducting a devotion that Sunday morning. Trust you me, my life has never been the same again. Just standing on the bridge and seeing the other side of human life, seeing the obvious joy in those old faces when Mr. Tony was singing with them was just tremendous. I have the burden to care for others to and love others just like I've been loved by my group.

I thank God for Tony being a role model to me, my life is worth living.

"So prior to Bible Study, I'm a quiet type of dude, like to keep things to myself. I was going downhill with my life and getting really "moody" with myself. Then out of nowhere, I met a good friend and turn my life upside down (in a good way). Through her, I was introduced to Bible Study during my Jr year of HS and met people that help me find love, hope, and faith through Jesus. That's where I also met Tony. 

At first I was very conservative around 

Tony, because I had trust issues with people due to my past. But I learn to trust Tony as time went on. I learn through Tony about God by listening to his stories. He went through tough times, but he learned to trust God as he grew up and his life turned around for the good. I learned through Tony that God is there no matter what. 

Tony is a very kind guy and insightful. He always connects with us to teach. He may not be perfect, but nobody needs to be perfect to be a great teacher."

Stephen

(Note: Stephen is now serving in our military, GREAT job!)

Trinity was a leader in a student-based Life Group that meets at a local high school. She came to the group as a sophomore, looking for friendship and support.  Here is her story in her own words:

“Prior to being in the group I was very quiet.  I never wanted to share ideas or be in the spotlight. The bible study helped open up, not only within the group, but outside the group as well. It was a way for me to learn to love and care for people and  to share Jesus with them.  I’m proud to be a follower of Jesus!

When I first met Tony Gutierrez, (the group facilitator) I knew I knew he was insightful. He is genuine about things and situations in his life. I know he cares for us, and he’s very open and honest about his mistakes. He wants to help us avoid making the same mistakes in our lives.

He’s not just a teacher, he wanted to be a friend to us, and he involved everyone.  I know that he’s not perfect…he’ll tell you he’s not…but that is the best part. He’s honest and we can learn from his mistakes.”

Trinity is now a freshman in college. Her brother, Christian is a member of the Life Group which Tony facilitates after school each week.  Members of the group take turn leading in topical studies of the bible, praying for their families, encouraging one another and serving within the community.

This is my Mom, Audrey.   She was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia Mid 2007.   She has endured a slow decline in her mental and physical self.  This disease not only impacts Mom but family and everyone around her.  

As children we want the best physical care and we should want the best Christian care for our parents.   That is what we found at Prairie Home and with Tony Gutierrez and Puerta Hermosa ministry.   I feel Mom still has an emotional intelligence and want to be sure that her Spiritual wellbeing continues to be taken care.   

As a child of a parent with this disease it's difficult watching a parent decline.   Attending the Sunday services with Mom, that Tony conducts at Prairie Home has been inspiring and comforting at the same time.  It's very evident how much he really cares for the residents, and the residents enjoy seeing him. Tony is able to gently guide them through their journey, reminding them of how important prayer is.   He helps foster positive emotions with scripture readings and songs.  His excitement and energy for spreading God’s Word is contagious.  He’s able to get the residents talking about things they remember, like what it was like for them growing up, the love they shared with their spouses and their children and grandchildren.

Praise God there are people like Tony and Puerta Hermosa!!  He is a Beautiful Gate to God for Prairie Home and the residents.

Cheryl

Joe’s relationship with Tony Gutierrez goes all the way back to his childhood, when they were friendly rivals.  Joe is a Green Bay Packer fan, and Tony a supporter of one of their adversaries, the Chicago Bears.  The relationship between Tony and Joe has grown stronger through the years. They now connect as friends and brothers in faith.  Says Joe:

“Tony brings that rock reassurance and encouragement. He’s willing to help me in any way possible. He offers a different view on life. He’s somebody you can be safe asking questions of, someone who cares and helps by talking with me about the questions of life. Our relationship is more than discipleship. It’s being brothers in Christ."

“Joe is an amazing guy with such a bright future,” says Tony. “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of his life and watching him grow into a strong believer who lives his faith.”

Joe is on a football scholarship in South Dakota. He and Tony talk by phone, and spend time together when Joe is home on break.

I’m a teacher at a high school where Tony Gutierrez facilitates the student – based Life Group. Although this group has been meeting for several years, I came to know of it 3 years ago. And I can say that I have seen very wonderful things come of it. 

The Life Group meets outside my classroom every Tuesday after school. And after catching pieces of conversation and activities they were involved in, my curiosity got the best of me. I decided the next week to sit in and listen. What I heard was music to my ears. Students were talking about their feelings, passions, fears, and anything else they felt the need to speak on. Students support each other through listening, sharing, friendship, and prayer. 

As time went on, I came to understand that much of the reason they do this is because Tony models the behavior. He listens. He shares his own experiences with honesty and integrity. He accepts all students as they are. If they can only come to group twice --- that’s fine. He does not judge. He is compassionate and understanding. Because of these qualities he can accomplish many things with our youth.  But, above and beyond this he has an uncanny ability to help students “find themselves” in a way that they don’t know that is what they are really doing. Suddenly there “they” are.  

Groups like this are so important to our students because it gives them a chance to control their own destiny. It gives them a chance to bring their own issues to the table--- good or bad. It helps them find solutions and support. I thank Tony for providing the venue for our students to grow and learn about themselves. So many are in such a better place.

Sincerely,

Janine A Schnur

Menasha High School

It is my pleasure to have known Tony for a number of years and although I have now moved away from Wisconsin, the impact he has had on my life continues.

My relationship with Tony began when I was a Police Officer with the City of Menasha Police Department. Tony would often come in on his own time just to chat with the officers. He made it easy from our perspective because of his calming personality, and instead of talking, he just listened.

One of the difficulties of being a police officer is this feeling of being disconnected or removed from the rest of society as most people do not understand what police officers go through. Rather than feeling empathy from the rest of the world, we feel judged most of the time.

Tony would go on "ride alongs" with me and would just listen without judgment. I can only speak for myself, but I realized what I was missing in my life and my job was Jesus Christ. You see I always believed in God, but I realized I never knew him. Tony was a big part of this revelation, teaching me how to strengthen my faith in Christ and use the power of prayer to ask Jesus for help and guidance in my life and my job.

I truly believe God was using Tony to strengthen my faith. It is because of his strong spiritual influence on me, that after retiring from 30 years in Law Enforcement, I just completed and graduated from the International Fellowship of Chaplains and became a Chaplain. I pray that I will be able to have the same type of influence on others as Tony had on me by just listening!

My name is Joshua Gehl and I am a science teacher with Menasha High School and the faculty contract for the school's bible club.  A number of years ago a retiring colleague asked my if I would be interested in being the faculty contact for the school's bible club.  My decision to say yes is what led me to meet Tony.  It doesn't take long to see the authenticity behind the man.  Tony believes in everything the bible stands for and he glorifies God through his interactions with people.  In my case, I got to witness his warm interactions with the students during the bible club meetings and our chance meetings when times got busy.  Tony is a perfect person to mentor these young people.  He has a way to be inviting and nonthreatening towards the students.  He often has people who have no relationship with God stopping by and asking questions.  He is a great listener and gives the kids a healthy outlet to get some pressing issues off their chests.   My prayer is that Tony is provided with way to reach more young people.  He is providing exactly what so many of these kids are in search of.

Josha Gehl

Menasha High School