Elder Debra Anita Thomas was born June 19 in Lynchburg, Virginia to William and Yvonne Hill Thomas. She was educated in the Lynchburg Public Schools graduating in the E.C. Glass High School Class of 1975.  In the late 1970’s , while she was a member of the Fellowship Church  of Christ under the leadership of Bishop Alfred Kee, Sr., her life was changed.  It was during this time that she made confession of her faith and acceptance of the Lord Jesus as her personal Savior.  It was also during this time that she was baptized by water according to Acts 2:38, receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.

 

Elder Thomas served the Fellowship faithfully until she heard the voice of the Lord speak to her concerning a change.  She then united with the New Birth International Christian Ministries under the pastorate of Bishop Frank Williams, Jr.  It was there at New Birth that she accepted the preaching call on her life and God himself began to do a “quick work” for her.  She was licensed to preach the Gospel by Bishop Williams and the New Birth Church.  In September of 2001 during the Holy Convocation at the mother church she was ordained to the office of Elder by her Presiding Prelate, Her Grace, Bishop Olive C. Brown.

 

At present Elder Debra Thomas is assistant pastor of New Birth International Christian Ministries and works diligently with the leadership of Bishop Frank Williams, Jr. and Co- Pastor Paulette Williams.  Elder Thomas shares the vision of New Birth and the passionate pursuit to make a difference in the community.

 

Elder Thomas enjoys ministering to women of all ages.  She is compassionate for those women and children who suffered abuse and neglect.  Her desire is to reach out to them; building confidence and engaging them to pursue their true destiny in Christ.

 

Elder Thomas is the mother of  three daughters: Keisha, Starshema and Nina.

 

In her seldom leisure time she enjoys reading, walking and being grandma to her three grandchildren, Marvin, Sidney and Lauren.

 

Elder Thomas is a firm believer and lives by the scripture Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”