New Believer # 3 Interview

This interview was with Deon, who prayed the prayer of salvation February 7, 2009, when Johannes was here, and plans on getting baptized. She wants Gabe to help dunk her.

1) Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?

"It started when Becky (her girlfriend) took me to youth group to date Ben and with going to church. It really developed here (Freedom Valley) and with reading the Bible. It sunk in more here. Heart and soul paying attention and internalizing everything."

2) What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?

"When Jon and I separated. All the pain I was going through helped me to connect better. A deeper level of belief. It was a process."

3) What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?

"The hope and freedom I have. Knowing that no matter what I do, I'm forgiven. I have a clean slate every day. I feel like I have a higher purpose."

4) What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?

"Keeping a routine going. Making sure I pray and read my Bible every day. Staying connected with everything that's going on in my life. It's the hardest thing I've ever done."

5) What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?

"Having people around me like you (Elizabeth) and my friend, Heather, at school, to keep me focused. To keep looking ahead."

6) What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?

"To have patience for people you're trying to bring to Christ and quiet persistence. For new believers: have a time and schedule to read and pray. Surround yourself with people who love you and support you and help you get to church every week."


Deon holds a special place in my heart since she's the mother of my grandson. She feels like one of my own and I connect with her in a way I can't explain. Her hurts have been my hurts; her joys my joys. The feelings I have for her in no way take away from the feelings I have for my son and his wife, although I think it's a little difficult for them to understand sometimes. It has been my great privilege to be her second mom, to be someone she could turn to, the person who's shoulder she's cried on, a person she has turned to for guidance and for prayer. It gave me a lot of joy when she came and grabbed me by the hand to go up front with her to say the prayer of salvation and ask for baptism in the Holy Spirit when Johannes was here. This may sound strange, but I feel as though I gave her away in marriage.

It also gives me pleasure and satisfaction knowing that my grandson has a mom, a dad, and a second mom (in my daughter-in-law), all of whom love Gabe and desire to raise him up knowing the love and admonition of the Lord.

It is my desire to continue to be an influence to Deon (as it is with all my kids)and to watch her mature in Christ. It feels to me as though anyone you invest in spiritually, becomes your child spiritually. It's wonderful to know that you have been part of the process in influencing someone for Christ. I hope to have a million more.