Debbie Irby
Debbie Irby, from Meridian, Mississippi, USA, became a born-again believer and follower of Jesus Christ in 1965. Her heart’s desire is to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and to share Jesus wherever He leads.
Born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, where she is one of seven children, her family’s lives took a big turn from the blue-collar workers of her father to being one of a pastor’s daughter. Moving through three different states in the southeast USA, their lives were difficult. Pastors are not in the money-making business, but the soul-winning business! She watched her father struggle as a bi-vocational pastor while tending the sheep in the church and making ends meet for his family of seven. God always provided!
After moving to a church in the hills of Tennessee, God convicted Debora L. Irby of sin in her life when she was an eight-year-old girl, and she surrendered her life to Him. That was the beginning of her journey as a follower of Christ. Throughout her life, God has faithfully provided, even during difficult times. She and her family have always kept their eyes on Jesus.
One night, her dad prayed, “Lord, if you will move me back to Mississippi, I will be happy and serve you until you take me home.” God honoured his request, and they moved back to Mississippi, where he pastored for fifty years until God called him home. She and her family have learned and are still learning, as they strive to continue following Him.
Having served in the field of education for over 30 years as an elementary and middle school teacher, she views teaching as a calling, not to be taken lightly. Throughout her career, she has had numerous opportunities to share the love of Christ with many students. Through these experiences, God has provided her with growth in wisdom and discernment.
She is a retired educator but still serves as a university supervisor for student teacher interns. She and her husband, Dave, are involved in their local church in music ministry and lead a Bible study group. Dave is a member of The Gideons International, and she walks beside him in service to the Lord. They remain very involved in ministry, using the gifts God has given them to share the gospel with the lost, and are blessed to speak in order to encourage and challenge the Lord’s people to carry out the Great Commission.
Debora L. Irby, BS Ed., MS Ed., has had the privilege of serving the Lord through various opportunities, including travelling and singing for Him for twenty-five years. In 2006, the Lord changed her direction, leading her to write articles of encouragement for women of all ages. She has been writing for the past twelve years, with articles published in the Mississippi Gideon newsletters. Debora’s heart’s desire is that in all things, Christ will have the preeminence, wherever He leads. She currently serves as a university supervisor for teacher interns at Mississippi State University.
