Meet DeAnna Fields

You may think you know our next profiled pastor, but you're in for a treat, as you are about to get to know her even better!

DeAnna Fields is the Women's Ministry Pastor at Beltway Park, and she is the leading creative mind behind many of the projects you participate in at Beltway, from the S.H.A.P.E. Retreat, to the Released Retreat, to women's Bible studies, and even the upcoming "Let's Get Together" event, scheduled for September 26 at 6:30pm!! (not that we're trying to plug that sure-to-be-amazing event, or anything...)

DeAnna has been married for 27 years to Doug, and they have 3 daughters (Taylor - 24, Jordan - 21, and Kaitlin - 18).

While she never really anticipated becoming a pastor, she always loved being in church and serving in various capacities.  She is a natural fit for pastoral ministry, as she has spiritual gifts of Shepherding, Teaching, Creative Communication, and Leadership.  She actually majored in Business Marketing at Texas Tech, and planned to work in the corporate world, planning events, or working in promotion.  But, the Lord had different plans for her (surprise, surprise!).  Thanks to her heart of surrender to His will, He has been able to place her in the perfectly suited position, capitalizing on the gifts He has imparted to her, along with her experience, skills, and educational background!  

It's no wonder, with the way He has moved in her life to fulfill His will and purpose, that He has, in the meantime, instilled a passion in DeAnna to usher other women into their destinies in the Lord, as well.  "I love encouraging women of all ages (children, youth, college, and adults) with the truth of God's Word.  I also love encouraging and teaching women to find their SHAPE and dream about what God's plans and destiny include for them."

It actually took an huge leap of faith for DeAnna to even end up in Abilene.  She and her (now) husband had stopped dating, and had recently begun talking again.  Doug had recently moved to Abilene, to take a new job, and he wanted DeAnna to move from Midland to Abilene.  Not knowing anyone in Abilene, and not knowing the security of her future with Doug, she found herself face down in the floor of her apartment, begging God to show her the way she should go. "I was so confused and was afraid to make the wrong choice.  I hated Midland, but Abilene was a stretch for me.  God opened all the doors.  I found a job, found an apartment with an old college roommate, Doug and I began dating again, I found a church, and God is good!"

Yes, He is!!  What a blessing DeAnna has been to Abilene, and especially to Beltway Park!!

DeAnna took another leap of faith, in agreeing to be on the Pastor Search Team for Beltway.  "I felt I was too young to help choose a pastor.  I didn't know anything about picking pastors, and I felt very insecure, at first, being on the team with 5 other men, and just 2 women.  The Lord spoke to me clearly that I was to be on that team, and He met me all the way.  He taught me so much and blessed us tremendously by bringing David McQueen into our midst."

What a testament she is, of one who seeks God's face, faithfully trusting Him to turn His countenance toward her in the midst of the most difficult circumstances and decisions!!

DeAnna is a shining example of one who listens for the Lord, and walks in obedience to His voice.  She admits that she once had a tendency to pick up other people's offenses.  For instance, if an offense was directed at her husband or children, she would absorb the offense.  "The Lord really did a work in me regarding forgiveness and letting go of those wounds.  My heart is to try and see God's perspective in most things, and be quick to ask for forgiveness and extend it to others."  Choosing forgiveness is a daily process for DeAnna, in her walk of freedom in Christ.  She pays attention, as the Lord reveals things to her, and she quickly confesses inappropriate responses, forgives others, and is learning to bless others.

It is because of her effort to stay attuned to the Lord, that she was able to take a mission trip to Israel, which was something she never anticipated experiencing.  "I don't like to fly.  I didn't want to go and leave my family behind for 12 days, but the Lord impressed upon me strongly that I was supposed to go.  The process of hearing God, walking that out in obedience, and the Lord preparing my husband and family to release me to go was amazing.  The trip was wonderful and changed my heart in ways so that now I have been able to release my children to experience short term foreign missions.  Between the three of them, they have been on 13 short term mission trips."  So, thanks to her obedience, DeAnna is not only a world changer, herself, but she is raising up generations of world changers!!  Hallelujah!

When she is not at work, DeAnna enjoys going to the movies, spending time with her family and friends, whether over a good movie at home or out shopping, hanging out with friends, cooking out, and enjoying good music.  She loves singing, and she is an avid college football fan!  (We can all guess who's her favorite team!!)

There is so much more to learn about this woman of excellence, so we invite you to join us for the aforementioned "Let's Get Together" night at Beltway Park.  (Be sure to ask her about her most embarrassing moment.  It's a doozie.  I'll give you a hint, in her own words:  "...I think that's why I'm always harping on young women to please pay attention to what they are wearing, and what kind of material it's made from."  Now, see?  With a cliffhanger like that, surely you want to know...the rest of the story!)  See you Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6:30pm!!  You don't want to miss it!!