Deidra Hughes was raised in a Christian home by parents who both shared the Gospel through music, so it is not surprising that Deidra started singing when she was only four years old. However, it wasn’t until she was 15 that Deidra knew that God had called her to dedicate her life to ministry through music.
Deidra began her preparation for full-time music ministry at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, where she led worship for the school choir, chapel and handled auditions for the vocal group Joy. Then in January 2000, Deidra joined the well-known vocal group TRUTH under the direction of Roger Breland. It was almost as if her life had come full circle since her parents, Bob and Joleen Vander Maten, had met and married in the early days of TRUTH’s ministry. For the next two years, touring with TRUTH gave Deidra the opportunity not only to grow in her talent, but also to see the impact that the ministry had on people worldwide as they toured from coast to coast across the United States, as well as overseas to the Philippines, Africa, and Hong Kong, performing over 300 concerts a year.
Deidra has had the opportunity to share the stage in ministry with artists such as Natalie Grant, Melissa Greene of Avalon, Anthony Evans, ZoeGirl, Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, and Women of Faith. Deidra has also ministered with Evangelists such as Perry Stone, Dwight Thompson, Apostle Price, Dr. Tony Evans, and Benny Hinn to name a few.
After meeting and marrying her husband, Trent, they spent time in the church as Youth Pastors, as well as Deidra serving as a Worship Leader. During this time, Deidra gained an undeniable passion for today’s youth and families. Deidra says, "My heart is to minister within the body of Christ. My passion is to see our churches whole again fulfilling God's ultimate plan to spread His Word. I hope not to just present a concert, but to present the One who is truly famous and that is JESUS!"
Although Deidra’s heart has always been for church ministry as a whole, she emphasizes a very specific message for today’s youth and young adults to share the importance of following Christ in a day and age where they are bombarded on a daily basis by everything from drugs to sexual immorality. Deidra encourages young people to, “Think about your choices, everything matters! I know and remember well what it is like to be driven by what is going on around you. Friends come and go, but your family and your choices are always there. Keep the Lord as your focus and life won't seem so hard. It is always best to have a mentor or someone that holds you accountable – parents, youth pastor or youth leaders. It is fun being a teenager! It's even better being a Christian! Have fun being both!”
I think that Deidra’s thoughts on her calling resonate with most of us when she says, “I feel privileged and honored that He would choose me. I also feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to honor Him the best I can with the gifts He has entrusted me with.”
Deidra currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and two children where she is pursuing her calling in full-time ministry.
For Booking information please contact
The Lane Agency
www.myspace.com/thelaneagency
www.thelaneagencyonline.com
