A Life of Faith, Family, and Service
By Michelle Vasquez | Photography by David Teran
Stephanie’s life reminds us that true strength is driven by purpose and faith. “I don’t want to please anyone but Him,” she says humbly, and in doing so, she continues to inspire others to live with the same commitment to faith and love.
Stephanie Newton’s life is a testament to grace, perseverance, and faith. As a pastor’s wife, mother of four, and dedicated volunteer, she serves as a quiet role model for many. Now living in San Antonio, Texas, after years in Memphis and Orlando, Stephanie and her family settled here. “We love to call San Antonio home,” she says. But her journey here is more than just a relocation story—it’s a story of faith in action.
One of the defining moments in her life came in 2010 when Stephanie and her husband Ed, pastor at San Antonio’s Community Bible Church, adopted their son from Ethiopia. “Adoption had long been on my heart,” she shares. “We can’t take care of everybody, but we could make a difference in one.”
They didn’t know that the journey to bring their son home would test their faith in unexpected ways. With their three young daughters in tow, the Newton family sprinted through Atlanta’s airport, desperate to catch their flight to Ethiopia. “My husband, a marathon runner, dashed ahead to the gate, hoping to convince them to hold the plane. Meanwhile, I was carrying four backpacks and trying to keep up with our girls, who had handed off their bags to me to run faster,” Stephanie laughs, reflecting on the chaotic moment.
As they reached the gate, their hearts sank—the door had already closed. “We were devastated,” Stephanie remembers. “We knew missing that flight meant we wouldn’t be able to complete the final adoption paperwork at the U.S. Embassy on time.” In that moment of desperation, Stephanie fell to her knees. “I prayed out loud at the gate, asking God for a miracle.” As she finished, the door to the plane reopened. They were allowed to board.
“I learned that when God leads us to do something for Him, He will always make a way—even when it feels impossible. God’s plans cannot be stopped.” This moment exemplifies what drives Stephanie: faith in God’s timing and provision. “Ultimately, the Lord motivates me,” she says. “When I wake up in the morning, I remind myself that no matter what happens, He’s in charge.”
Despite her significant role in the church and community, Stephanie remains humble. When asked if she sees herself as a role model, she says, “I don’t have to be perfect, but I do need to be myself.” This authenticity, she believes, is one of the most important values she can pass on to her children. “I want my kids to see me and know that Jesus is always worth following.”
For Stephanie, being a role model is not about perfection; it’s about living in a way that reflects her faith. She points to her mother as one of her significant role models. “My mom’s faithfulness was something I witnessed daily. She would sit in her chair every morning, reading her Bible. That made an impression on me.”
Another influence in her life is the pastor’s wife from their Memphis church. “She taught me how to serve family and community with grace and be a mom and wife through hardship.”
Stephanie’s life centers on serving others—whether through worship, teaching the Bible, or simply being present for her family. “I want to live my life in a way that shows I’m grateful for what [God’s] done for me,” she says.
Stephanie Newton continues to lead by example through her humility and authentic love for those around her. Her life, shaped by perseverance and grace, reminds us that true strength comes from living with purpose and trust, even in the most challenging moments.
One Response
Thank you for highlighting Pastor Ed and his bride Stephanie. All glory to God. Their life exemplifies a walk with Christ that can be duplicated. They teach The Word through their words and actions, a rare combination. We consider Community Bible Church our online home church. We watch before we attend our local church in Oklahoma.