Remembering and Celebrating the Life of

Debbie Lynne Gonser

May 8, 1961 – May 19, 2008

Deb went Home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, May 19th, 2008 after fighting a long and difficult battle with illness. But, that did not keep her from sharing the love and joy she found in her Christian walk with others. She lived a shortened life, here on earth, but it was one that had a great impact, not only in her local area, but upon the world. She is deeply loved, and sorely missed by all who knew her well.

She was saved, baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost on January 1, 1979. Shortly after her conversion she started singing in gospel groups that traveled and carried the gospel in song. Those groups included - "The Gospel Express", "Free Spirit & Company", "Pure Harmony", "Forgivn" and "4-Given Ministry Through Music". She had been privileged to minister in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. It was her greatest desire to offer hope and encouragement to the lost, as well as to the Christian.

Since being called to serve, in 1989, she had been a youth director, a youth pastor, as well as being quite involved as children's church minister, and a church-wide activity director. She had a heart for street ministry, and had also done active prison ministry.

Carrying a license in Music Ministry and Youth Ministry (Youth minister at "Praise and Worship Center" and Children's church director at "The first Church of God".), and as an Ordained Minister of the Gospel of Christ, she studied the Word of God through St. Petersburg Bible School (1985-89), and received her second diploma from Living by Faith Ministries in 2002.

Deb also worked as a counselor for troubled teens through various missions and worked as a counselor for abused women and children. And had the joy of having her beloved daughter, Tosh, minister by her side in “Pure Harmony”, “Someone Cares Ministry” and “Forgivn” (her mother’s heart was ever so blessed by this).

Deb believed that God had called her for a purpose in His Kingdom. Whether that be under a bridge to feed the hungry; passing out Bibles and tracts in the inner city, or reaching out to very ill children at St. Jude’s Hospital (those just mentioned were a huge part of "Someone Cares Ministry"); sharing the Gospel through women's retreats and camps; ministering the Word behind a pulpit or sing the praises He has placed within her heart, she just desired to serve Him with all that was within her being and to give Him all the honor and glory.

Outside of her daughter, Tosh, and her loving grandchildren (Gracie, Cody, Kacie) her greatest accomplishments, dreams fulfilled, were

  • Ministering on the grounds of The Great Passion Play every month, each season, for a few years (as her health allowed).
  • Helping to establish The Kingshighway Refuge Center to reach out and make a difference in her community.
  • Being a ‘home-based’ missionary; helping to build two churches in the Philippines and helping with several orphanages in India by sending supplies (toys, clothes, school items, etc.).
The reactions of her friends and associates from all around the States, and abroad, have been the same – “she made such a difference in our lives, we will miss her greatly”.

DEB'S CONTRIBUTIONS

Her writings/teachings/devotions

Deb – in our hearts – forever!

Copyright © 2008
4-Given Ministry Through Music