Christian Leaders Student Story
Debra Brock: Finding Purpose Through Faith and Service
Through family, hardship, service dogs, ministry, and a lifelong trust in God’s protection, Debra Brock discovered a calling to encourage others and serve couples through Christian ministry.
Debra Brock
Christian Leaders student from Salem, New York
Family and Community
A Life Rooted in Family, Farming, and Service
Debra Brock lives in Salem, New York, near the Vermont border. She and her husband have been married for more than four decades and are blessed with four daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.
Together, the family operates a dairy goat farm as well as a dog rescue and sanctuary, creating a life centered on family, responsibility, and care for others.
A Faith Formed Early
Learning to Trust God Through Life’s Dangers
Debra grew up moving frequently because of her father’s work, but church remained a constant part of family life. Some of her strongest childhood memories involve her mother leading Vacation Bible School programs.
As a child and teenager, Debra survived several serious accidents. She looks back on those events as reminders of God’s protection over her life and the lives of those around her.
A Spiritual Turning Point
Finding Their Way Back to Christ
Marriage, work, and raising children eventually pulled Debra and her husband away from regular church involvement. Over time, they realized something important was missing from their family life.
During a period when Debra’s mother was gravely ill, Debra stepped outside the hospital to pray. Near a fountain, she says she felt Jesus assure her that her mother would recover and return to the family.
That experience became a turning point. Debra, her husband, and their children returned to church, committed their lives to Jesus Christ, were baptized, and became active in youth and prayer ministry.
Faith Through Every Season
Following Christ Beyond Denominational Labels
As their family moved to different states, Debra and her husband worshiped in churches from different denominations. For them, the most important issue was not the name on the church sign, but whether the message centered faithfully on Christ.
Through many family trials, they continued leaning on their relationship with Jesus for strength and hope.
A Family Mission
Raising Guide Dogs for the Blind and Military Veterans
For more than 16 years, Debra’s family helped raise and train guide dogs for people who are blind and for military veterans.
Watching those dogs become life-changing companions reinforced the family’s sense of service. Some traveled, skied, and even cruised with their owners, becoming vital partners in daily life.
Strength Through Hardship
When a Service Dog Became Her Lifeline
As an adult, Debra experienced additional accidents, including one that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. The injury left her with memory difficulties and occasional balance problems.
Shortly before the accident, one of the guide dogs she had raised was unexpectedly returned to her. Debra sees the timing as providential because that dog ultimately became her own service dog.
“She keeps me steady and has given me back my independence.”
A Ministry of Hope
Turning Personal Challenges Into a Calling to Encourage Others
Debra believes God has called her to encourage people facing difficult circumstances similar to those she has experienced.
Her goal is to remind people that they are not alone and that God’s grace and presence can bring hope even in seasons of pain, uncertainty, or disability.
Another Way to Serve
Serving Couples Through Christ-Centered Weddings
Debra is grateful to serve as a Licensed Wedding Officiant and sees wedding ministry as another way to honor God through service.
“I look forward to helping couples fulfill their dreams of having a Christ-centered wedding that honors God.”
Debra and her husband believe Christian Leaders Institute became one of the tools God used to help them continue answering His call to ministry.
Explore Your Calling
Could God Be Calling You to Serve Others?
Explore Christian Leaders Alliance wedding officiant ordination or review the New York guide for information about preparing for Christian wedding ministry.
