Debbie Draffin
What a blessing it is for me to work alongside so many faithful brothers and sisters in Christ! After more than 20 years teaching high school mathematics, God has given me an opportunity to serve Him by assisting FBJ’s ministries in communicating His message to our church and community.
My husband, Mike, and I have two adult children, both married to wonderful spouses, and two beautiful granddaughters. It is a joy to be part of a Life Group here at FBJ that is also our ‘extended family.’
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Damaris Acosta
I’ve been a member of the Hispanic ministry of FBJ since October of 2005. I joined the church staff back in 2010 after I had my third child. I was looking for something closer to home and God opened a door to serve in my church! What a blessing it has been!
I enjoy teaching, ministering to others alongside my husband, and spending time with my family and friends. I often cook and invite people over to pray and have quality time with them. We’ve had the best conversations at our dinner table, and we’ve seen God change people’s lives for eternity.
God is constantly at work!
Juliana Temple
Originally from Florida, Juliana has been a part of the FBJ family since 2012 and was brought on staff in 2014 after working for 6 years with WinShape Camps. She majored in Elementary Education with a minor in Bible and has found her sweet spot helping people connect and get plugged into ‘life together’ at First Baptist Jonesboro. If you are looking for a place to serve in the church, Juliana is the one to contact. She would love to talk with you and help you get connected.
Juliana is married to her handsome and talented best friend, Austin. They are the proud parents of a son and a daughter. She is bilingual and loves her family, traveling, missions, puzzles, ice cream, and cats.
Lanny Loe
God’s call on my life to ministry occurred as a teenager. Unknown to me, and 200 miles away, God was calling my wife, Isabel, to the same ministry. Meeting and marrying in college, we began our journey together, serving first in Arizona with the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. We were privileged to pastor several churches, to serve among the Ute Indians of Utah, and to be involved in church planting and revitalization. In 2001, we came to First Baptist Jonesboro to lead the Missions Ministry, which includes five language congregations. Beyond the mission aspect of my call, I work closely with our Senior Pastor to give leadership to the FBJ staff.
Isabel and I are blessed with two daughters and sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren, all of whom live in their native Texas.
Lora Roby
Lora is an original Jonesboro resident, a graduate of Jonesboro High School and then Georgia State University. Lora began working in the finance department, then took a year off to help her husband, Mike transition from their insurance business into full time sports ministry with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Lora returned in 2013 to help with the growing media department and has seen great advancements in media and communications here. In 2016 she returned to the finance department and continues to love serving on staff.
Outside of church you will see Lora cheering on her son, Lucas in whatever sport is in season and serving along her husband, Mike with FCA.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. This reminds us that we are to live in God’s will for our lives and find the joy in all circumstances.
Marcia Pundsack
Marcia grew up in First Baptist Church Jonesboro, attending with her parents, two sisters, and grandmothers. She is a graduate of Jonesboro High School, and earned a degree in Business Administration from Shorter University. After working in the business world for 25 years, the last position being a Regional Finance Director for a water/wastewater engineering firm, Marcia joined the staff at First Baptist in 2000. She is teased quite often about her love of spreadsheets. She and her husband have been married over 40 years. When not working, Marcia enjoys spending time with her family, especially with her nieces and nephews.
Her parents’ witness in her life continues through her mom’s life verse, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24