After her father's return from the army, Joyce was shattered, as he abused her not just sexually but mentally, emotionally and verbally as well. He was a controlling person.
The exploitation left a deep imprint as she developed a derogatory sense of self. Though she looked perfect to onlookers, she had become a victim of multiple personality disorder. She went to school but could not concentrate, neither was she allowed to participate in any after-school activities.
At a young age, she was filled with a sense of self pity. She was hardly manageable and developed a manipulative, insecure and harsh behavior. She experienced a feeling of guilt and adopted a negative thinking that was powered by suspicion. Worst was that she never felt safe anywhere.
Despite being victim of the maltreatment, Joyce did not give up on her studies and completed her graduation from O'Fallon Technical High School in St Louis.
Following her graduation, she got married to a part time car sales man but the marriage hit the rocks in just five years. She then married Dave Meyer in 1967. Meyer had an influential effect on her, who with his support and encouragement calmed down a bit.
She was driving to work in 1976 that she claimed to have receive a personal message from God. The incident left a deep impact on her as she discovered a real love for God's words and inculcated an ability to understand and comprehend it completely.
She became an active member of Life Christian Center. Soon she was appointed as the church's associate pastor. Her teachings of the Bible gained so much popularity that the church became one of the leading churches in the area.
In 1985, she resigned as an associate pastor and founded her own ministry.
In 1993, her husband, Dave Meyer persuaded her to expand her network to television as well. Television ministry was started under the name, 'Enjoying Everyday Life' which became a huge hit.
Over the years, she has authored nearly 100 books, which have been translated in more than 100 languages and have catered to about 12 million readers and critics have led her to become one of the New York Times best selling authors.
She claims that it's through her teachings that she aims at meeting the needs of the suffering and make people reach out to Gospel in a practical way.
In 2009, Joyce Meyer Ministries received accreditation from the Evangelical Council For Financial Accountability(ECFA).
