Talking to Debbie Sanders and Barbara Lee is like talking to the same person. Although Sanders was raised Methodist and Lee was raised Baptist, both women began playing piano at a young age and have a deep desire to minister through their music. They even use many of the same words to describe appreciation and love for their calling.
For the past 22 years, Sanders and Lee have served together playing the piano and organ, respectively, at First Baptist Church, Oak Grove, in Sylacauga in Coosa River Baptist Association. The two became a team in 1985 after Sanders substituted for the former pianist.
“It wasn’t until after I was saved at age 16 that I really saw that God had called me to church music and gave me a very special gift,” Sanders said.
Lee was saved at age 9 and felt God calling her to play during a revival service. “It was then I started studying and working, and (I) started playing for church at age 15.”
Both Sanders and Lee believe the Lord brought them together and created an inexplicable bond between them.
“We think alike and … put our emotions into playing (the same way),” Sanders said. “It’s something only the Holy Spirit can do. We are like sisters.”
Lee believes she and Sanders complement each other. “She can help me if the music is hard, because I don’t have the formal training that she does, and I can help her with things that need to be done by ear. I’ve never played with anybody like her that I can bond and communicate with. We are a team.”
Pastor Max Buttram said both Sanders and Lee have a close relationship with the Lord and great talent. “They are always faithful,” he said. “They just love to do what God has gifted them to do, and we appreciate them very much.”
Sanders and Lee hope to continue glorifying God and blessing others as long as they are able.
“I plan to play until God takes me home or cripples my fingers,” Sanders said. (TAB)
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