Debby: I have always felt compassion for people in need. This developed as I got involved with the disabled during my high school years, which led to training in nursing and then later full-time charity work.

I am a teacher (preschool to high school) and ESL (English as a Second Language). I’m a life coach, entrepreneur, and businesswoman, managing two home-based businesses. I’m also a community volunteer with refuge centers for women and children.

Richard: I have always had a desire to use my life to help others in some way, though it took a lot of twists and turns along the way. I searched for a plan, but did not find any clear goal or real purpose until I found Jesus through the New Testament and received Him as my Savior. It was then that I decided to work as a missionary.

Why I am a member of the Family International

Debby: With all the desire I felt to help people, I found it difficult to share my love for the world in confined workplaces with so many regulations and strict protocol. When I met TFI, I found flexibility that enabled me to help others; I could reach people in a way I felt was “me,” adding Jesus to the picture as the solution giver, as He was to me. A whole new world opened for me and I have not found another organization to match it, so after 30 years I remain a member.

Richard: I became a member because, through the organization, I found a way to follow Jesus that connects to my goal in life, which is to help others. I have been a member for over 40 years now.

How I live my faith

Debby: My husband Richard, and my daughters (along with any young people willing to join us) and I share “free hugs” and distribute Christian literature in the city a few times a year, usually on special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day. We then document it on our website, which brings in traffic. So many people come to our website and download the material we make available there; some pray the salvation prayer, leave comments, or write in.

We’ve been sending consignments of prostheses for breast cancer patients annually for the past six years. Home educating my 16-year-old daughter and involving her in our mission work is also very inspiring. In addition, I work part-time with a health science business. So I am preaching the Gospel, healing the sick, and feeding the poor! I love it!

Richard: I share my faith with those I work with and come in contact with through my work, as I find sponsors for the charity work I and my wife, Debby, do, as well as managing the accounting.