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Our Story

Eric & Nikki

Eric & Nikki have been married 30 years and in ministry for 25 years.


They met and married in college, served and grew in ministry under Nikki’s parents Bob & Carol Montgomery, and in 2019, served and traveled with Dr. Jerry Savelle until he transitioned to heaven in 2024.

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They have a sincere desire to see all people of all ages living a life a power, authority, favor and faith.

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Eric and his wife, Nikki, have one son, Drew, and daughter-in-law, Danielle.  As a family, they love God, love people, and enjoy traveling.

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Having admired Dr. Savelle since his beginnings in ministry, Eric found favor with “Dr. Favor” and joined the JSMI ministry team in 2019.  While serving as the Assistant International Director, Eric traveled alongside Dr. Jerry Savelle and Brother Joe McCroskey, and as a team, they ministered around the world.  After Dr. Savelle transitioned to heaven, Eric Deaton, with his wife Nikki, served as the Executive Directors of the U.S. office. Today, Eric & Nikki travel around the world strengthening believers and encouraging the Glorious Church.

 

Eric has served in full-time ministry since 2002.  He began in ministry as a worship leader and youth/young adults pastor and as an assistant pastor. With a passion for Jesus' return for the glorious church, he has traveled and ministered in churches in the United States, Russia, Ukraine, Australia and in the nations of Africa.

 

An athlete and competitor at heart, Eric played college basketball and was part of a national championship team. He also has a business and sales background, holding positions in sales, regional management, and on the board of directors of a nation-wide company.  He continues to operate a successful business, which began in 1998.

 

A winning scripture close to his heart is Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

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Get to know Eric Deaton

Get to know Nikki Deaton

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Nikki Deaton has been in the ministry for over 25 years. In that time, she has served in various ministry capacities within the church, including associate pastor, youth and young adult pastor, administrator, helps director, and more. She also had the honor of serving as Executive Director at Jerry Savelle Ministries International. 
She currently travels and ministers across the U.S. and in many nations of the world with her husband Eric. She has her Masters in Business Administration and is President and co-founder of City of Faith with her husband.
Nikki and her husband are true revivalists. Called to strengthen believers, they consistently deliver messages proclaiming power and glory, while also confronting darkness and teaching practical, victorious living. Her passion is to see the church fully reveal Christ to the nations, drawing them to Him, and for all believers to walk in the riches that are in Christ. 
She has been married for over 30 years, and they have one son and daughter-in-law, with whom she loves spending time. 

Drew Deaton and his wife, Danielle, are passionate about seeing people encounter Jesus Christ and experience the transforming power of the Gospel.

Drew attended Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM) in Texas, where he completed three years of Bible School training. He then spent an additional two years studying at Bible School in South Africa, where he met Danielle, who would later become his wife. Drew has also had the privilege of traveling internationally and ministering in churches around the world alongside his father, Eric Deaton.

Danielle spent four years working and serving in ministry in South Africa while also completing four years of Bible School. Through years of ministry experience, biblical training, and a shared passion for the Gospel, Drew and Danielle have developed a strong desire to see people saved, transformed, and brought into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Their ministry focus on evangelism came into greater clarity in 2026 when they had the opportunity, through their church, The River Church in Tampa Bay, to participate in Celebrate America DC. Celebrate America brought together a team of 1,000 soul winners from around the world with a vision to reach Washington, D.C., and see 250,000 people come to Christ.

Drew and Danielle traveled to Washington, D.C., and spent nine days actively sharing the Gospel and leading people to Jesus. Together, they saw more than 395 people make decisions to follow Christ.

This experience further strengthened their passion and calling to evangelism. Their desire is to continue carrying the Gospel wherever God leads them, reaching people with the truth of His Word and helping others encounter the life-changing love and power of Jesus Christ.

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Get to know Drew and Danielle Deaton

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International travel

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