Christian Peterson
Reporter@riverbendnews.org
Doug Mabey was born on July 3, 1965 in Worcester, Ma. He was raised in Natick, Ma., which is a suburb of Boston. He graduated from Natick High School in 1983 and began his journey to what would become his home church. After graduating from high school, Mabey moved to Wellesles, Ma., he attended Massachusetts Bay Community College where he earned his Associates in Criminal Justice. Then he transferred to Westfield State College where he earned his Bachelors in Criminal Justice. While professing to be a Christian, Mabey was not living the life of the religion he claimed. Then, at his cousins wedding on March 12, 1988, he had an experience and began living the life he professed to live. He attended The Village Bible Institute where he received certificates in Local Church Ministry and Applied Christian Service.
The first church that he served at was Fisk United Methodist Church in his hometown Natick, where he served as an altar boy. He then moved to Oak Hill Bible Church in Oxford, Ma., where he was a Deacon, Missions Chair and the Youth Pastor. Then, in 2004, he was contacted by his brother-in-law who asked Mabey to come to Live Oak and start a youth ministry. Mabey agreed, then moved to Live Oak and began working at First Advent Christian Church. He currently serves there as a Youth Pastor and Elder.
Mabey has been happily married for 33 years to his wife, Lynn. His oldest daughter, Christine, is 27-years-old and her husband serves in the US Army. His second oldest daughter, Amanda, is 26 years old and lives with her husband in North Ga. His third child, Bethany, is a paraprofessional at Riverside Elementary School and is currently engaged. Their youngest son, Alex, is 16-years-old and a Junior at Suwannee High School (SHS). They have also opened their home to foster care, they are currently caring for their foster son, Keith, who is also 16-years-old and a Junior at Suwannee High School.
Mabey’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 37:4-5 which says, “take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of his heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.” His favorite book of the Bible is Romans. He is also currently the SHS Men’s Head Junior Varsity Soccer Coach, marking his third year in the role and his tenth-year coaching soccer. September also marks 30 years of Youth Ministry.
First Advent Christian Church is located at 699 Pinewood Dr. SW, in Live Oak. Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays and Worship begins 10:30 a.m. The youth group meets every Wednesday right after school at 2:45 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. There is a Fellowship Supper the last Wednesday of every month starting at 6 p.m., everyone is invited.