Debbie Emerson
Hometown: I was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, where both my parents grew up. We also lived in New Martinsville, West Virginia, and Scottdale, Pennsylvania. I spent middle school and high school growing up on the South Jersey shore in Linwood, New Jersey, which is about two miles from the beach!
My Story: My first memory of Jesus is from my grandmother, who taught three-year-old Sunday School at what is now Pikeside UMC in Martinsburg, West Virginia. I grew up in the Episcopal Church and as a child felt God’s presence most when I was at Peterkin, an Episcopal church camp in Romney, West Virgnina. Despite being born in West Virginia, I am a Jersey girl who will always have south Jersey sand between her toes. I started dating my husband my freshman year at the University of Maryland. (GO TERPS!) We married 5 years later and moved to Olney and started coming to Oakdale soon after. I had a 10-year career in sales with a company selling computer networking solutions. I began growing in Christ again after my first child was born and my sister-in-law sent me a Devotional Bible and card of encouragement. I have had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom for 14 years now. God’s purpose and direction for my life continues to challenge me and stretch me. I don’t always want to do what He asks of me but have experienced incredible joy when I follow His path for my life. The Bible verse that gives me encouragement when I am down or just plain out of gas is from Hebrews 12:1-2: …let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Ministry Area: I am currently the Lay Leader for Youth Ministries and also co-leader for Moms In Touch, which is a prayer group that prays weekly for our community schools.
Family: I have been married for 23 years to my husband, John, who is also actively involved at Oakdale. I have three awesome children. Matt is a senior at Sherwood and also plays in the youth praise band, Dependent. K.C. is a sophomore at Sherwood and has a heart for children. Dean, is in the 8th grade at Rosa Parks, and will be using his musical gifts for the next up and coming youth praise band.
Passion: Loving and praying for teens in our community
Favorite Pastime Activities: I love cheering for my kids' many sports teams, spending time in the outdoors marveling at God’s creation, and hanging out with my husband, who is my best friend.
Little-Known Fact: I am an expert skier (I love the black and double-black runs at Cooper Mountain and Breckenridge, Colorado), and despite growing up at the beach, I have never been water skiing.