"We all have different gifts that God has given to us by His loving-favor. We are to use them. If someone has the gift of preaching the Good News, he should preach. He should use the faith God has given him. If someone has the gift of helping others, then he should help. If someone has the gift of teaching, he should teach. If someone has the gift of speaking words of comfort and help, he should speak. If someone has the gift of sharing what he has, he should give from a willing heart. If someone has the gift of leading other people, he should lead them. If someone has the gift of showing kindness to others, he should be happy as he does it.  Be sure your love is true love. Hate what is sinful. Hold on to whatever is good. Love each other as Christian brothers. Show respect for each other. Do not be lazy but always work hard. Work for the Lord with a heart full of love for Him. Be happy in your hope. Do not give up when trouble comes. Do not let anything stop you from praying. Share what you have with Christian brothers who are in need. Give meals and a place to stay to those who need it."
                                               - Romans 12:6-13

Rusti Garcia

Rusti is the President of House of Mary. She was blessed with the vision of this ministry in 2013 and loves every moment of it. Rusti has lived in Livingston all of her life, except for the two years she attended Texas A&M University. She moved home upon receiving the news that she was unexpectedly pregnant with a son. She believes that God is using her past experiences to help others in similar situations. Rusti married in 2012, has her energetic son and a vibrant daughter. She is extremely thankful to be a part of God using House of Mary to love, teach, and change mothers and the next generation of God’s children.

Cyndie Schmidt

Cyndie is the Vice President for House of Mary. She and her husband married in 2007 and together have three adorable kids. One afternoon, after months of discontentment, Cyndie prayed for clear direction on how she was to be involved in the community and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Less than 4 hours later she was presented with the opportunity to be a part of HOM. She is excited to be involved in this ministry that has the potential to impact the next generation of her community.

Suzonna McFarlain

Suzonna has lived in Livingston her entire life and was a single teenage mom. She not only experienced God’s grace through her life experiences, but also developed a passion for ladies ministry. Suzonna leads a weekly women’s bible study and hopes that her own experiences will be used to bring others closer to God. She is married with four children and works as a Technology Integration Specialist for Livingston ISD. She hopes that God will use her and her family to show His love and grace to those that enter the doors of the House of Mary.

Anna Cain

Anna is the treasurer of House of Mary. She moved to Livingston in 2013 with her husband, Ricky. Anna has a heart for building relationships, Jesus, and loving on the community. Upon moving to Livingston, God began to reveal His plans of the house for pregnant women and teens. Anna has been praying for it ever since, and is thrilled that God directed her to this ministry! She is excited to see big changes and God’s grace in the lives and hearts of the women and teenagers who come to the House of Mary.

D'Ann Haffner
D’Ann and her husband Michael moved to Livingston in 2013 with their 2 children Claire and Cole. A year later they added their 3rd child, Callen, to the mix. Michael is the Children and Family Pastor at FBC Livingston and D’Ann loved serving alongside him in the church. She also enjoyed volunteering for HOM with various fundraisers and supporting it however she could.  In January of 2017, D’Ann’s pastor encouraged her to pray “If God was their purpose, what would He call them to do to change Polk county?”  Two days later Rusti approached D’Ann about joining the board of House of Mary.  From then on, she faithfully served believing that God was up to things that only He could do in this community through this ministry.  D'Ann won her battle with cancer in June of 2020, and is now celebrating with Jesus.  Though we miss her immensely, her impact and legacy is realized daily as we continue forward with our ministry.

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