My name is Debra (Bishop) Walker.  I'm a born and raised Buffalo, New Yorker who grew up in the projects.  I first realized I liked to sing while vacuuming for my mom; no one actually heard me, of course!  I used to sing along with records (remember those?).  My family was quite musical and on occasion I would reluctantly and fearfully get up and sing as they played in clubs or at family gatherings.  This is where I get my fondness for standards and classics.  In my late teens, I joined a rock band and, subsequently, a wedding group.  This was just a hobby and it paid well for something I enjoyed doing.  It was during this time that I gave my heart to Jesus but didn't quite surrender my life to Him.  I accepted Him as Savior of my life but not as Lord of my life.  After my marriage to Ray, I moved to Lewiston, New York, just outside Niagara Falls.  We began attending a Bible teaching church and we grew spiritually by leaps and bounds.  The Holy Spirit got a hold of my heart and I realized if I were to continue singing, it should not be for me and others, but rather for an audience of One.  There is a vast difference between singing versus ministering.  Moving to Arizona in '91 was a step of faith for Ray and I.  We are so blessed to be part of a wonderful church that has been very encouraging. 

Although there were periods of time in my life I wasn't in God's will, I look back and clearly see how His hand worked within a less than desirable situation and transformed it to shape me into what I am today.  The Lord took a timid, frail, quiet girl with little self-confidence - from the projects and her vacuuming days - to the club days - to the foot of the Cross, and the pay couldn't be better!  Thank you Lord.