who we are
Abraham Lara
Family
i’m married to a supermodel (at least according to our nephew) deborah lara. and over the last 9 years we’ve acquired 6 kids: anna (9), danielle (7), julia (5), rachel (3), sarah and naomi (b: 4.26.08). [and yes i think she's a supermodel too!]
Life Verse
John 3:30
“He must increase, I must decrease.”
What are you passionate about?
writing (blogging), community life, apple/technology, and my family
Books I’m reading/recommend
Communicating for a Change, by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones
The Love List, by Les and Leslie Parrot
Creating Community, by Andy Stanley and Bill Willits
7 Practices of Effective Ministry, by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, Lane Jones
How I met my spouse
i met her at northwest college (now university). i was a sophomore, she was a freshman. and pretty much i chased her until she caught me. (noteworthy about our relationship: we didn’t hold hands till we were engaged, and didn’t kiss on the lips till we were married)
Few People Know About Me
i used to want to have hair like “uncle Jesse” from the tv show Full House
What makes you cry?
hallmark commercials, hearing people scream “I’M DEBT FREEEEE!!” on the Dave Ramsey Show, and stories of people’s lives changed by God.
Strengths
writing (still developing though), strong convictions, decision maker, can solve rubik’s cube in about 2 min, i’m pretty good at tech stuff too, and i can name all 50 states in alphabetical order!
Education
B.A Biblical Literature from Northwest College
Apple Certified Mactinosh technician
Free time
well, i categorize two types of free time: free time with family and free time alone. with family; we like to go out to eat, talk to each other, watch movies, or go shopping. free time alone; i like to write, read, go running, or browse ‘youtube‘ clips
Ministry Experience
grew up a PK (pastor’s kid). involved in a ministry team in college. involved in leadership teams at fairwood assembly and stone church. youth pastor at south park assembly before coming to grandview assembly. i was the youth pastor here for about 3 1/2 years before taking on the responsibilities of media ministries and small groups beginning in 2007. we are now in transition to join the staff of FamilyLife.
Ministerial Philosophy
my family is my #1 ministry. after-all of what gain would it be if my ministry at church was flourishing, but my family hated my guts, or the church, or Christ?
Special Interests
anything apple, video production, and stuff from northpoint community church
Things I Dream Of
thanksgiving and christmas dinner with my kids grown up with families of their own and LOTS and LOTS of grandchildren!!
Deborah Lara
Family
i’ve been married to abraham lara since 1/2/99; we currently have six daughters- Anna (b. 9/28/00), Danielle (b. 2/26/02), Julia (b. 4/28/04), Rachel (b. 10/19/06), and Sarah and Naomi (b. 3/26/08).
Life Verse
Isaiah 40:30,31
“even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall. but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. they will soar on wings like eagles. they will run and not grow weary. they will walk and not be faint.”
What are you passionate about?
relationships:: with my God, with my husband, with my children, with my friends, with other Believers, and with potential Believers
Books I’m reading/recommend
Creating Community, by Andy Stanley and Bill Willits
Intimate Issues, by Lorraine PIntus and Linda Dillow
How I met my spouse
abraham introduced himself to me at Northwest College (now Northwest University) in the fall of 1996. but he wasn’t my spouse when i met him. we developed a strong friendship over the next couple of years, however, and we were married january 2, 1999 (because we just couldn’t live without each other :o)).
Few People Know About Me
i spent a year in texas as an intern with teen mania ministries and served as the purchasing secretary. oh, and i want to be a ballerina.
What makes you cry?
hallmark card commercials make me cry; they make my husband cry, too. so whenever we see them we look at each other and we both have tears streaming down our faces and we both bust up laughing.
Strengths
i’m creative and fun! i’m a great team player! i make my husband look good.
Education
i graduated with an A.A. from Northwest College in december, 1999.
Free time
what the heck is that? any free time is spent doing dishes or folding laundry; i like serving the Lord, play volleyball, hiking…. my favorite color is light tan and my favorite animal is poopies.
Ministry Experience
i’ve gone on many mission trips (to albania, russia, hungary, alaska, and new zealand) and participated in drama ministry; i’ve been involved with the drama ministry at every church i’ve attended for any length of time; i’ve been a pastor’s wife since january, 2003. we are currently transitioning to joining the staff of FamilyLife.
A Perfect Day
any day that i wake up and God is still in control is perfect and i am happy. God is so good and He makes every day an adventure (and i like adventure).
Special Interests
i enjoy having deep conversations with people (even phone solicitors) about life and God.
Things I Dream Of
being a movie star
