I was born on Christmas
Day of 1952 in St. Paul, Minnesota. At six months of age, my parents
and I moved to Louisiana to pastor a church. I have always been deeply involved in the work of God …
singing at the age of three at camp meetings … then, later at revivals and conventions. Music has
always been an enormous part of my life.
In 1971, I married Steve Fender, and, together, we traveled as evangelists for seven
years. In 1979, the Lord spoke to us to go to San Antonio, Texas, and found a church. We
began in our living room with eight people. The church quickly prospered and we have outgrown several
buildings in a very short time. Now, it is one of the most prolific Spirit-filled churches in San Antonio!
Our two sons, Sean and Brandon, are on our pastoral staff with us at Livingway Church.
In 2003, Brandon married Mandy Womack. Mandy is a wonderful
young woman of God, full of the Holy Spirit and enthusiasm for God's Kingdom. And through Brandon and Mandy, I have
been blessed with the two most precious grandchildren in the world! Tyler Cody was born in 2004 and Jadyn Taenelle in
2006! What great joy they bring to the Fender Family!
In 1982, the Lord began to speak to me to be a teacher of His Word. At that time, I founded “Lively
Ladies of Light”, Livingway’s ministry to women. In the past few years, I have been privileged
to minister around the world, not only in song, but also in the Word. God has given me a
heart to minister to women and I have been most blessed to be featured as soloist and special speaker at numerous women’s
conventions.
God granted another of my greatest desires when He began to use me to write songs for
His glory. My most recorded song to date is “I Give You Jesus”.
Another song that has touched many hearts is “I Am Changed”. One of my
favorites is “Whose Report Shall You Believe?” which was inspired by one of
Steve’s messages, and was instrumental in my personal healing of a tumor behind my eye. “I
Still Have A Future” has brought hope and encouragement to many. And "No Matter What Woman"
has been featured as the theme song of several women's conferences.
I occupy the role of Director of Music at Livingway and God has blessed me to be the
founder of Living Praise Choir, a dynamic group of people who love to sing praises to God. I am highly
involved in all areas of music at Livingway and is also the praise leader for all the services.
In
the midst of responsibilities of my family and the activities of Livingway, I still find time to travel and minister
both singly, and with my husband, Steve. My mother told me this at a very early age: “…
to whom much is given, much is required …” and I will be the first to testify that God has blessed me
abundantly with “much”! My greatest desire is to share the love and joy that comes from really
knowing Jesus … I hope and pray that you can hear it in my words as well as my songs!
