Meet the Pearls

Michael and Debi Pearl, co-authors of To Train Up A Child and founders of NGJ Ministries.

Michael & Debi Pearl

Michael and Debi Pearl were both raised in Memphis, Tennessee, in good homes, by parents who were faithful to point them to God. Mike, a graduate of Mid-South Bible College in Memphis, has been active in evangelism and the work of the ministry since he was a teenager. He worked with Union Mission in Memphis for 25 years, while he and Debi also ministered to the many military families in Memphis and pastored churches. They moved to rural Tennessee where they continued in the work by holding Bible studies in local homes, which eventually led to regular meetings of the local body of believers, and by starting the prison ministry. God eventually led them into the ministry of writing on child training and family relationships, which they now feel is their life’s work and calling. In addition to the child training ministry, the work of the prison ministry, missions, Bible studies, and family life is still ongoing. The Pearls have been married 36 years, and have 5 children and 11 grandchildren. The Pearl children have always been involved in their parents’ ministry, and in their adulthood continue to be involved in some way in ministering where they are.


Gabe & Beka with their children.

Rebekah (Pearl) Anast

Rebekah Anast is the firstborn child of Michael and Debi Pearl and author of the book Rebekah's Diary. Rebekah writes for and answers your questions on welltellme.com and 7xSunday.net. Her husband Gabriel is a web designer. He built the nogreaterjoy.org website. Gabe and Beka are so much alike we get them confused sometimes. They enjoy biking and exploring the high desert of New Mexico with their five children, Joseph Courage, Ryshoni Joy, Hannah Sunshine, Elijah Music and Chaiyah Eve.


Gabriel Pearl

Gabe & Lori with their daughter Jocelyn.

Gabriel Pearl is the firstborn son of Mike and Debi. He is a leader in the community, a man of integrity, and a fine example to the many young men whom he employs and teaches. Gabriel is a builder, hunter, owner of Pearl Outdoors, and “volleyball king” of the community. Lori is right beside him on every project, from the volleyball court to the deer stand. Gabe and Lori are parents of one daughter, Jocelyn, and are looking forward to the birth of a little one in February 2008.


Nathan & Zephyr with their children.
(not pictured: Jacob)

Nathan Pearl

Nathan and Zephyr Pearl also live in the Cane Creek community with their three children, Laura Rose, Ashley Grace, and Jacob Cody, and are expecting a fourth sometime in 2008. Nathan is the Pearls’ third child. Like his dad, Nathan has a love for study, writing, and awful puns. He is also a builder, and invests a lot of time in the young men of the community. Zephyr is Nathan’s best buddy, and if you need a rock-bottom price on anything... Zephyr knows where to find it. She also operates a webstore at PoshBEBEGear.


Shalom (Pearl) Brand

Justin & Shalom with their daughter Gracie.
(not pictured: Leila)

Shalom is Mike and Debi’s fourth child. She is married to Justin Brand, auto mechanic and metal artist. Justin and Shalom often accompany Mike and Debi on their seminars, making arrangements, driving, and selling books and audio materials. Shalom has always been the most energetic person in the family and the cheerful mediator in any situation. The Brands’ 3-year-old Gracie is as cute as a bug and just as energetic! Recent arrival, Laila Truth, looks just like her mama.


James & Shoshanna with their son Jeremiah.

Shoshanna (Pearl) Easling

Shoshanna is Mike and Debi’s fifth child. She is married to James Easling, inventor and builder. They are the owners of The Bulk Herb Store and Shoshanna Gardens. James and Shoshanna presently live in middle Tennessee with their son, Jeremiah James, where they operate their businesses. They are in love with each other and life in general, and don't seem to be able to stop smiling.