Founder DEBORAH HARRIS
President/ CEO of Deborahharrisinc.
Some years ago, my college-age children “turned into people I did not know”. Out of a motherly desperation to “save” them, I began searching for ways I could get them under “my control”. God instead instructed me to pray for them. He then led me to ask audiences to pray for my children before I presented the message. The Praying For Our Children Ministry was born.
As I travel around the world delivering messages to God's people, the congregation as a whole, individually and audibly prays for their children and the children of the world, before the message is delivered. The response has been overwhelming as men and women groan for the well-being of their children. The prayers are focused, intense, and often provide much needed relief. God is giving us a peace and strength to carry on. We have found that prayer is the most powerful tool we have to protect our children and lead them through challenging and often life changing experiences.
Dr. Deborah Harris is a motivating, refreshingly authentic, creative orator who is captivating audiences around the world. As a professional orator, she has traveled extensively, having been the featured speaker for hundreds of events within the United States, South Africa, Europe, Hawaii, Caribbean, Canada and Bermuda, to name a few.
Dr. Harris integrates personal experience with thoroughly researched topics and is
known for her ability to personalize presentations for the greatest benefit to her
audience. She is able to reach people at their point of need. She passionately
approaches her presentations with a sense of mission that uncovers the hidden
treasures in people that have been suppressed by doubt, fear and lack of
confidence. With microscopic clarity she reaches and renews the best within us.
Many view her as a plastic surgeon for the spirit. She seeks and finds the real, not
portrayed person who lives within.
Dr. Harris was university professor for 18 years, a teacher of children with special needs for 10 years and is currently President and CEO of Deborah Harris, Inc, a speaking and consulting business focusing on building collaborative systems in the workplace. She also maintains a research affiliation with the University of South Florida.
Dr. Harris received her undergraduate degree from Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C. and earned both her Masters and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned her Ph.D. in less than three years while she was a single parent with two small children.
Dr. Harris is actively involved in professional, civic, and church organizations. She has served on the Oakwood Board of Trustees, the Southern Union Executive Committee, and the South Atlantic Conference Committee. She has also served as the Women’s Ministries Director for the South Atlantic Conference. Dr. Harris is quick to acknowledge that all glory belongs to God. She only wants to be viewed as a willing vessel. Her willingness to serve has lead God to choose her to carry out a powerful “praying for our children”: ministry that is reaching the world.
Deborah is the mother of two. Her daughter, Tonya recently finished law school and lives in Orlando, Florida. Deborah’s son, Eugene is a Captain in the US Army and has served three tours of duty in the Middle East. Her daughter-in-law, Natalie is a Clinical Therapist. Dr. Harris’ grandchildren Tre’, Briana and Evan are the joy of her life.
Our mission can be divided into three areas of focus: Spiritual Mobilization, Relationship Development, and Community Empowerment. These three distinct focuses are inextricably bound and share the common purpose of supporting children and families all over the world.
3 areas of focus:
Spiritual Mobilization
Connecting people together from diverse cultures and backgrounds through prayer for children.
Relationship Development
Equipping parents and children with skills to strengthen families.
Community Empowerment
Assisting children and families that live in under-developed communities with resources and support.