Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Addington.
Hi Deborah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began at birth, growing up in a Christian home where my father pastored a small church in Rockdale, GA. At eight years old, I gave my heart to Christ, and during the four years my family served as missionaries in Jamaica, I came to understand that being a Christian is both a privilege and a call to obedience. At sixteen, while at a Christian camp, I committed my life to Christ not only as my Savior but also as my Lord.
God has given me a natural gifting and deep love for working with children. Though I married right after high school and did not attend college, my church invested in me by sending me to conferences that helped sharpen my calling. I launched the first children’s worship program at my home church and later taught K-4 for four years. In 2001, I was called to serve as a full-time Children’s Director, a role I held for nearly 18 years across two churches. I also served as an Area Director with Child Evangelism Fellowship before stepping into my current role as State Director of a nonprofit ministry in July 2020.
For over 43 years, I have been humbled to see how God has led, equipped, and expanded my opportunities to serve Him through children’s ministry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Two of the greatest challenges in my life came during very different seasons. The first was the tragic loss of my only brother, age 16, and my younger sister, age 13, who were both killed in a train accident at the beginning of my senior year of high school. Navigating such grief at that age was incredibly difficult, yet the strength of the Lord and my parents’ unwavering faith sustained our family. They modeled what it means to trust God fully—even in the darkest times—without anger or blame.
The second challenge came years later, after 15 years of marriage and with two children, ages 12 and 9. My husband was diagnosed with schizophrenia and paranoia, and despite counseling, he chose to leave and pursue divorce. Becoming a single mother with limited financial support was a heavy burden. Yet once again, God proved faithful. He provided through the love and generosity of our church family and continually reminded me of His promise that He would never leave me nor forsake me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about IGNITE 3:16, Inc.?
IGNITE 3:16 brand is based off of the definition of IGNITE (catch fire) and the verse John 3:16, with the first and foremost desire to spread the Gospel to all children everywhere in every school.
IGNITE 3:16, Inc. exists to partner with churches to host an after-school Bible club in elementary schools. When a church partners with us we:
1. Create the bridge between your church and the school.
2. Provides the school with legal documents.
3. Provide required yearly conferences, background checks, and t-shirts for the
IGNITE 3:16, Inc. ministry team members for up to 12 team members.
4. Provides liability insurance.
5. Provides ongoing communication and support to the IGNITE 3:16, Inc. team.
6. Choice of one approved curriculum for the school year
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Atlanta is a great city to visit as it has a rich history with arts, music, and theatre. Also, even though Hartsfield-Jackson is such a huge airport, it is a huge plus as well. Great for travel.
The least thing I like is the traffic and delays due to that.
Pricing:
- 1800.00 per club/per year
Contact Info:
- Email: ignite316forkids@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ignite316.YOU
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-addington-8a855623b/
- Other: https://www.addingtonministryconsulting.com
