I met Debbie in a 15-passenger van heading to a Lift Jesus Higher rally in Canada back in 2009. Debbie took the 6 hour van-ride to Toronto to ask about my walk with the Lord and invited me to join her in more mission work once we returned to Michigan. She had known me for only a few hours but immediately invested herself in my life and my desire to serve the Lord. Her demeanor had a Mother Theresa-like love to it, and I knew that I wanted to know more about her. As our friendship grew, I learned that Debbie wasn’t just a friendly person volunteering her time to give talks at retreats. She was an international Catholic speaker, author of several Catholic books, co-founder of a movement called Be Love Revolution, and director of a popular Christian girl’s camp. I felt so blessed that such a strong disciple of the Lord could see the desire in my heart to serve and, not only love and befriend me but, take me alongside her within her own work to grow as a Catholic disciple.
Of course, as I got to know Debbie, I got to know her husband, Peter, and as I got to know Peter, I got to know more about the power of the Holy Spirit. Like Debbie, Peter is an international Catholic speaker and author. He is also the vice president of Renewal Ministries and co-hosts The Choices We Face and Crossing the Goal on EWTN. I realized soon after meeting him that I had never seen such zeal in someone spreading the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter challenged me to pray like I had been baptized, love like I had been baptized, and live like I had been baptized- all as an effort to know the Lord and help disciple others along the way.
When I stand back and realize the impact this Catholic-power-couple had, and continues to have, on shaping my relationship with the Lord, I can’t help but praise Him for such a gift! Their life is a constant witness as they live to proclaim the Gospel in their marriage, in their parenting, and in the way they live in the world. I am so excited to have them here at our parish to share their powerful testimony and guide us as married men and women on a journey to make disciples in our homes and community. There is still time to register for this amazing, marriage-nourishing event, so please prayerfully consider! You can call the parish office to register.
God bless,
Haley