Deborah Ann Welch

Deborah Ann Welch of Wittman, Arizona stepped into the Glory of Heaven on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 60 years of age. She was born on March 23, 1963 in Manningtree, England, UK where she lived until age 19 when she made her big move “across the pond” to the US and settled in Phoenix, Arizona working initially as a children’s nanny before starting a lengthy career in the banking industry.

In 2006 after what she describes her “radical salvation” experience, she launched Lite the Fire ministries with her initial assignment from the Lord being to pioneer 24/7 prayer in the State of Arizona. And that’s just what she did! Border to border, north to south, east to west, 52 weeks a year for 7 years, Deborah engaged churches of all denominations across the State of Arizona to “take the torch” with their congregants praying in shifts throughout the 7 day period the torch resided with them. Prayers and declarations were raised for Kingdom transformation in homes, families, cities, regions and the State. In 2012, she was joined by her husband, Jack Welch, and from then on, together they have relentlessly pursued the things of the Lord, training, equipping and counseling countless numbers of believers to understand their spiritual giftings, kingdom assignments and callings in their spheres of influence. Their ministries expanded into the marketplace with placing seasoned intercessory prayer teams in a variety of businesses to be prayed for and blessed by God. They have traveled the nation and nations in the ministry of the Lord.

In 2010, together with Rebecca Greenwood of Christian Harvest International, Deborah co-developed the SPAN training network that today literally spans the globe. SPAN is the acronym for Strategic Prayer Apostolic Network which provides the Biblically-based training and equipping of the believers in all aspects of spiritual warfare.

Deborah received her Bachelor of Practical Ministry degree from Wagner Leadership Institute (now Wagner University) in 2012; and her Doctorate of Leadership (PhD) also from WLI in 2016 and as true to her calling, has since taught hundreds of Kingdom related classes, mentored and led teams, and helped transform so many lives with her profound ability to engage the body of Christ with her vulnerable and authentic ways. She also authored and published a book in 2014 titled “Unlocking Arizona’s Prophetic Destiny, a 21 Day Devotional”. At the time of her passing, she had completed an initial draft manuscript for her second book to be published. In 2015, after several years of contemplation, she took her oath as a naturalized US Citizen!

Deborah is survived by her husband, Jack; her daughters Meghan, Alaina and Hannah; her eight grandchildren; her sister Michelle; her brother Nick; and a far reaching extended group of family and friends. Deborah was many things, all these that are listed, but to her daughters, the greatest role she played was mother and grandmother.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many intercessors who have stood in the battle with them through these past (20) months. There are not words adequate to convey the depth of the heartfelt sentiments. Each one has been their warrior and champion of valor. Thank you is the only way to sum it up at this time, but know that it is all encompassing. The compassionate caregivers along this journey have also been so very appreciated.

The Celebration of Life services will be held Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Skyway Church, 14900 W. Van Buren Street, Goodyear, Arizona 85338. Viewing at 10 am, service at 11 am with graveside interment to follow the conclusion of the service.

Deborah’s life impacted many across Arizona, the nation and nations during her much too brief years with us. Those wishing to honor and extend her legacy (in lieu of flowers or plants) with a charitable contribution may do so at www.litethefire.org and clicking on the give online button. Any communications, cards, or personal messages to Jack during this time are best sent to LTF Ministries, 13954 W. Waddell Road, #103, PMB 179, Surprise, Arizona 85379.

Deborah Welch. Apostle, prophetic, mentor, teacher, friend. Radical salvation, radical life for Jesus and radical glory in the heavens. It’s how she lived her life. Abiding in the presence of the Almighty is where she is now. In that great cloud of witnesses.

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2 “He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my strong tower. My God, in whom I trust.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.surprisefuneralcare.com for the Welch family.