Who We Are

Who We Are

Current statistics reveal that there are at least 663 million people on the planet that do not have access to clean water. The divine wisdom of God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit has given the founders of Life Well International an understanding of the physical and eternal spiritual needs of the people in underdeveloped countries; and a passion for meeting those needs through active ministry by being the hands and feet of Christ.

In 2010, Life Well International co-founder John Gates traveled with Hearts for Honduras to drill a well for a rural village near Tocoa, a village without access to clean water. For a couple of years, John continued serve with Hearts for Honduras and felt a calling to share the joy and blessings he experienced. In 2012, John led a small group of people from his home church to Honduras. Each year John and a core group from his church returned to Honduras and drilled wells.

In 2016, John, along with Erik Beishir, Mark Clements, and Jim Mangels, felt a need to expand the clean water mission in both geographical reach and number of wells drilled each year. This sense of need led to the formation of Life Well International, which has now provided five wells for rural communities in Honduras.

Meet Our Crew

At Life Well International, as we continue to serve, we humbly plan our course, and rely on our Lord to establish our steps (Proverbs: 16-9).

John Gates

CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF DRILLING OPERATIONS

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Erik Beishir

CO-FOUNDER AND TREASURER

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Mark Clements

CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

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Jim Mangels

CO-FOUNDER & SECRETARY

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Rigo Andino

HONDURAN COORDINATOR

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Christy Andino

DIRECTOR OF HONDURAN OPERATIONS

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Life Well International

4355 Ventura Place Drive
St. Louis, MO 63128

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John Gates

CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF DRILLING OPERATIONS

John Gates’ life hasn’t been easy. And he wears his emotions on his sleeve…literally. John’s tattoos tell the story of his life, and his heart. And his heart is in Honduras. John has a tattoo sleeve of Honduran folk art that tells the story of bringing both Living Water and clean water to people who so desperately need it. Drilling wells for the people of Honduras has fulfilled John so completely that he hasn’t stopped sharing his story…and his story is the reason Life Well International exists.

John’s love for Honduras and for the mission is contagious. All you have to do is spend 5 minutes with John to understand Life Well International’s mission and purpose. Not only will you understand the mission, you’ll want to be a part of it. He recruited all of the Life Well International members to go on their first mission trip to drill wells. Once they went, the mission moved each of them into wanting to do more than just look forward to the next trip. John’s job isn’t difficult…anyone who becomes a part of the mission, loves the mission and loves the people who benefit from it.

John’s ‘ah-ha’ moment about the mission didn’t come when he was in Honduras drilling a well. It came when he returned home. His then 5-year old daughter begged to go to Incredible Pizza. On the drive there, John realized that his daughter could go to this fun place and eat as much pizza as she wanted…drink as many beverages as she wanted, yet the people of Honduras had no access to even the most basic resource, clean water. He had visions of other 5-year old children carrying heavy pails of dirty bacteria-filled water for miles.  Tears streamed down John’s face on the drive to Incredible Pizza and this was the moment that changed everything.

John, his wife Stacey, and daughter Izzy also participate in the mission. Stacey and Izzy share the Living Water through Bible study while John drills fresh water wells. John and Stacey also have 2 grown children, Devin and Dylan.

John Gates

CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF DRILLING OPERATIONS

John Gates’ life hasn’t been easy. And he wears his emotions on his sleeve…literally. John’s tattoos tell the story of his life, and his heart. And his heart is in Honduras. John has a tattoo sleeve of Honduran folk art that tells the story of bringing both Living Water and clean water to people who so desperately need it. Drilling wells for the people of Honduras has fulfilled John so completely that he hasn’t stopped sharing his story…and his story is the reason Life Well International exists.

John’s love for Honduras and for the mission is contagious. All you have to do is spend 5 minutes with John to understand Life Well International’s mission and purpose. Not only will you understand the mission, you’ll want to be a part of it. He recruited all of the Life Well International members to go on their first mission trip to drill wells. Once they went, the mission moved each of them into wanting to do more than just look forward to the next trip. John’s job isn’t difficult…anyone who becomes a part of the mission, loves the mission and loves the people who benefit from it.

John’s ‘ah-ha’ moment about the mission didn’t come when he was in Honduras drilling a well. It came when he returned home. His then 5-year old daughter begged to go to Incredible Pizza. On the drive there, John realized that his daughter could go to this fun place and eat as much pizza as she wanted…drink as many beverages as she wanted, yet the people of Honduras had no access to even the most basic resource, clean water. He had visions of other 5-year old children carrying heavy pails of dirty bacteria-filled water for miles.  Tears streamed down John’s face on the drive to Incredible Pizza and this was the moment that changed everything.

John, his wife Stacey, and daughter Izzy also participate in the mission. Stacey and Izzy share the Living Water through Bible study while John drills fresh water wells. John and Stacey also have 2 grown children, Devin and Dylan.

Erik Beishir

CO-FOUNDER AND TREASURER

In January of 2012, encouraged by Co-Founder John Gates, Erik went on a well drilling trip to Honduras. This trip was only the beginning of his work in Honduras, serving as the inspiration for his dedication to Life Well International. Sharing God’s love with a struggling rural village through the provision of clean water changed his life. The people of Honduras endure unthinkable conditions every day. People, including children, walk miles to access water, and even then, the water quality is poor. Despite the harsh environment, people are happy and filled with joy. The communities we bring Living Water and fresh water to are truly appreciative, thankful for not only what we provide, but for who we are.

Erik and his wife Beth have three wonderful daughters and are St. Louis natives. They are members of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. Over the years, I have served as a board member for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (Gateway Chapter), Oasis International (Treasurer), and Abiding Savior Lutheran School (Chairman).

Erik Beishir

CO-FOUNDER AND TREASURER

In January of 2012, encouraged by Co-Founder John Gates, Erik went on a well drilling trip to Honduras. This trip was only the beginning of his work in Honduras, serving as the inspiration for his dedication to Life Well International. Sharing God’s love with a struggling rural village through the provision of clean water changed his life. The people of Honduras endure unthinkable conditions every day. People, including children, walk miles to access water, and even then, the water quality is poor. Despite the harsh environment, people are happy and filled with joy. The communities we bring Living Water and fresh water to are truly appreciative, thankful for not only what we provide, but for who we are.

Erik and his wife Beth have three wonderful daughters and are St. Louis natives. They are members of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. Over the years, I have served as a board member for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (Gateway Chapter), Oasis International (Treasurer), and Abiding Savior Lutheran School (Chairman).

Mark Clements

CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Our Co-Founder John Gates approached Mark about a January 2012 trip to Honduras. The mission was to drill a water well in a small rural village that had no access to clean water. After much prayer and consideration, Mark decided to go.

The trip was truly amazing and Mark didn’t expect how much the experience would change many of his long-held views on life. He developed an admiration of the people living in that small impoverished village. Men, women, and children hardly had their basic needs met, most of whom had few or no material possessions, yet they were full of joy. Despite their situation, they were warm, kind, grateful, and appreciative.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will be watered”. Mark returned home from Honduras truly blessed, and the blessings continue to this day. Mark says he will drill water wells as long as he is able.

Mark and his wife Kim are both St. Louis natives, currently living in south St. Louis County with two of their four children. They are also blessed with two wonderful grandchildren. The Clements have attended Abiding Savior Lutheran Church for 20 years.

Mark Clements

CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Our Co-Founder John Gates approached Mark about a January 2012 trip to Honduras. The mission was to drill a water well in a small rural village that had no access to clean water. After much prayer and consideration, Mark decided to go.

The trip was truly amazing and Mark didn’t expect how much the experience would change many of his long-held views on life. He developed an admiration of the people living in that small impoverished village. Men, women, and children hardly had their basic needs met, most of whom had few or no material possessions, yet they were full of joy. Despite their situation, they were warm, kind, grateful, and appreciative.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will be watered”. Mark returned home from Honduras truly blessed, and the blessings continue to this day. Mark says he will drill water wells as long as he is able.

Mark and his wife Kim are both St. Louis natives, currently living in south St. Louis County with two of their four children. They are also blessed with two wonderful grandchildren. The Clements have attended Abiding Savior Lutheran Church for 20 years.

Jim Mangels

CO-FOUNDER & SECRETARY

Jim has traveled to many countries through his professional work, missions, and military experience, including service with the US Navy during the Vietnam War.

Jim’s upbringing and early life experiences led him to become an active member and lay leader in his church, Abiding Savior Lutheran. He has led strategic planning initiatives and served in elected positions that include Congregation Secretary, Congregation Vice President, Chairman of Christian Growth Ministry and Congregation President. He led the congregation through the purchase of land for expansion, participated in 2 associated capital fund raising campaigns and 2 building development programs.

Through the testimony of others and the leading of the Holy Spirit, Jim developed a heart for drilling clean water wells for the people of Honduras. He has participated in several trips to Honduras and has worked with the other founders of Life Well International to advance this effort. Jim is particularly excited to share his witness about why we go to Honduras to drill water wells, and how this effort has strengthened his faith.

As a St. Louis native and oldest member of the Life Well International Board of Directors, Jim’s ability to participate in the physical effort of drilling water wells may not last for many more years, but Jim is committed to being a key member of the “Home Team” as long as the Lord allows.

Jim Mangels

SECRETARY

Jim has traveled to many countries through his professional work, missions, and military experience, including service with the US Navy during the Vietnam War.

Jim’s upbringing and early life experiences led him to become an active member and lay leader in his church, Abiding Savior Lutheran. He has led strategic planning initiatives and served in elected positions that include Congregation Secretary, Congregation Vice President, Chairman of Christian Growth Ministry and Congregation President. He led the congregation through the purchase of land for expansion, participated in 2 associated capital fund raising campaigns and 2 building development programs.

Through the testimony of others and the leading of the Holy Spirit, Jim developed a heart for drilling clean water wells for the people of Honduras. He has participated in several trips to Honduras and has worked with the other founders of Life Well International to advance this effort. Jim is particularly excited to share his witness about why we go to Honduras to drill water wells, and how this effort has strengthened his faith.

As a St. Louis native and oldest member of the Life Well International Board of Directors, Jim’s ability to participate in the physical effort of drilling water wells may not last for many more years, but Jim is committed to being a key member of the “Home Team” as long as the Lord allows.

Rigo Andino

HONDURAN COORDINATOR

Rigo Andino is a missionary in Honduras with Commission to Every Nation. He was born and raised on the Northern Coast of Honduras and experienced the difficulties of a life without Christ. In his twenties he gave his life to the Lord on a fishing boat and knew from that time on that he needed others to hear the good news. He is excited about working in a ministry that uses well drilling to be a means for God’s love to be shared throughout his beloved country of Honduras. He is thankful for the partnership of Life Well International who help bring Living Water to a country in need.

Rigo Andino

HONDURAN COORDINATOR

Rigo Andino is a missionary in Honduras with Commission to Every Nation. He was born and raised on the Northern Coast of Honduras and experienced the difficulties of a life without Christ. In his twenties he gave his life to the Lord on a fishing boat and knew from that time on that he needed others to hear the good news. He is excited about working in a ministry that uses well drilling to be a means for God’s love to be shared throughout his beloved country of Honduras. He is thankful for the partnership of Life Well International who help bring Living Water to a country in need.

Chrysti Andino

DIRECTOR OF HONDURAN OPERATIONS

Chrysti Andino grew up as a missionary kid in Mexico. At the age of 12 she decided to surrender her life to Christian service. After studying nursing she felt the call to work at a mission hospital on the coast of Honduras where she met and married Rigo. Together they continue to serve the Lord along with their 4 children Anthony, Amanda, Adrian and Abigail. Although Chrysti continues to serve at the Loma De Luz mission hospital she is also happy to be part of Life Well.

Chrysti Andino

DIRECTOR OF HONDURAN OPERATIONS

Chrysti Andino grew up as a missionary kid in Mexico. At the age of 12 she decided to surrender her life to Christian service. After studying nursing she felt the call to work at a mission hospital on the coast of Honduras where she met and married Rigo. Together they continue to serve the Lord along with their 4 children Anthony, Amanda, Adrian and Abigail. Although Chrysti continues to serve at the Loma De Luz mission hospital she is also happy to be part of Life Well.