Using Her Talents

Are you a Wordivore?

Explains debi (she uses a lowercase D on her first name) Story Maddox: "Carnivores eat meat, herbivores eat fruit and vegetables, wordivores live on and by the words that are spoken."

The former Decatur woman, a 1970 Eisenhower High School graduate, is the author of "Wordivore World." She also did the illustrations.

She describes the book like this:

"It's the first in a series of allegorical tales featuring fantasy characters and thought-provoking poetic verse in a classic story of good versus evil for ages 12 to 80."

The colorful illustrations are vivid, imaginative, like nothing you've seen before. The book has been featured on numerous television and radio talk shows in Texas.

Debi, her husband Michael, also formerly of Decatur, and their son, Jesse, 18, live in rural Kaufman, Texas, 40 miles from Dallas. They head Project Peace on Earth, a non-profit organization which works with at-risk youth.

Debi tells about herself at the back of the book:

"Debi was born into an artistic family. Her father received considerable recognition as a clay sculptor. Her sister was a serious oil painter. Her mother had a natural eye for interior design. Others in her family had a natural talent for music, with an ability to play piano and other instruments by ear.

"Being surrounded by art, debi naturally flourished and art became even more important to her during her school years. In high school, debi's oil and acrylic paintings were accepted for display in the school's hallways and offices. Since then, her canvases have been exhibited in galleries, boutiques, schools, juried exhibitions and she has been featured in one-woman shows. Her one of a kind jewelry and other artistic creations have been sold in fine galleries.

"Her poetry has been a private part of her life until now. When she conceived the idea for 'Wordivore World' and began working on the illustrations, she knew instantly that the creatures could give voice to their feelings, insight and wisdom only through poetry. This book stems not only from her imagination but also from her deep commitment to a loving, compassionate Creator."

During a Jesus People rally in Decatur in June 1972, debi and Mike Maddox realized the need to dedicate the rest of their lives to telling others about Jesus Christ.

They traveled for seven years with Bill Lowery's Christ Is the Answer Crusades, then joined the R.W. Schambach revivals, Mike arranging crusades throughout the United States and in Haiti, the West Indies and Nigeria.

In May 1989 they started Project Peace on Earth. The work includes preaching and teaching, counseling, food and clothing distribution, music and art festivals and opening the farm headquarters as a prayer center. They have converted an old barn into a coffee house and art gallery.

In February, they moved two old houses to the farm, expanding the living space for the staff and the residential counseling program.

In April, debi and Mike inspected 40 acres in Oregon that may one day be used as an extension of Project Peace on Earth.

This summer they plan to conduct Jesus People tent rallies throughout Texas.

Their efforts have been recognized. Mike, a son of Tom and Beverly Maddox, has made a number of radio and TV appearances.

This is typical praise:

Joetta Keene, Assistant District Attorney, Gang Unit Prosecution, Fort Worth, Texas: "I believe that Project Peace on Earth will help save as many lives as funding and support will allow. I intend to continue to work with and refer juveniles to Project Peace on Earth. I would encourage anyone who is concerned about the future of our society's young to help Mike and debi continue their hard work."

Originally published in the Decatur, IL, Herald & Review on June 13, 1995. Reprinted here for historical and archival purposes.