Every Day Deeper and Deeper in Faith by Terry Pettengil



Growing Up in Faith

I cannot remember a time when I did not believe in God. I attended church with my family, went to Sunday School, and joined Vacation Bible School. I was happy whenever I was part of church activities. When I said or did something wrong at home, I felt it deeply. Usually, I cried and said I was sorry. Didn’t everybody?

In high school, I was the Youth Fellowship leader. I felt like I truly belonged when I was involved in church. We attended rallies, and two of them especially strengthened my faith. At one rally, there was an altar call. I wanted to go forward, but I was scared and stayed in my seat. Even so, that moment made a strong impression on me. The other rally brought together many churches in Maine. Youth Fellowship representatives were sent to Auburn, Maine. It was right after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. We watched it together on television. Oh my! I felt a strong connection to this man’s faith. I was also moved by the youthful energy and the concern for justice for Black people. It was a full day of meetings, prayers, and speakers. I had always prayed, but after that, my prayers became more passionate.

In college, during my freshman year, I attended campus church services with my roommate. Later, when Ted and I began dating, we also went to those services together. Ted’s mother was a remarkable Christian woman. She nurtured my faith and helped it grow stronger. When Ted went to Vietnam, I prayed many times each day for his safety. I had never prayed so hard for anything. I also wrote to him faithfully every day.

I graduated from UMO on June 6, 1970. One week later, on June 13, Ted returned from Vietnam, and we were married one week after that, on June 20. Those were busy and exciting weeks! We then drove to Fort Carson, Colorado, where Ted would finish his military service. A few weeks later, my father sent a telegram saying that my grandfather had died of a heart attack. His mother, my great-grandmother, had died just before our wedding. I was devastated, heartbroken, and so far from home. My prayers, my faith, and Ted helped me through that long night of tears and through the rest of the summer.

 

Raising a Family in Church

As our children were born, we knew it was important to have them baptized and to keep attending church. I taught Sunday School for many years. Sometimes it was hard to teach my own boys, especially in Junior High, but they knew church was where we wanted them to be. I do wish we had done more teaching about God at home. We did read Bible stories, pray at the table during Advent and Lent, and sing songs like Jesus Loves Me and Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory, Glory each morning. Children watch their parents and learn from them. Now, as I see my sons as adults, I can tell that God is working in their lives, though each one in a different way.

Being in church on Sunday mornings was what I thought I needed to get me through the next week. I used to say it was like a shot in the arm! As parents and grandparents, we all face struggles and trials. How wonderful it is to know that God is with us all the time, helping us.

 

Growing Deeper in Faith

Over the years, I thank God that my spirituality has grown. Each time I read the Bible, I realize that we are all in different places in our faith journey. I love to sing hymns based on Scripture. Each one lifts me up in God’s love and purpose. Sharing my love and God’s love with others is something I always try to do.

My faith began to deepen in a special way when Pastor Nick was here. His first Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services were full of emotion. I experienced a transformation I had never known before. I felt alive, free, peaceful, and surrounded by unconditional love as I fully realized what Jesus did for me on the cross. Wow!

Other pastors who served here also helped shape my faith. Reverend Perley Odell taught me about giving my life to Christ. Pastor Tom Chandler helped me truly feel Spirit-filled. Sending cards became a ministry God called me to do, so others would know I care and feel God’s love. The discipleship classes led by Pastor Tae Sung Kang were gifts that led me to facilitate a Bible study and become involved with Bread of Life. As Lay Leader for Pastor David Dyrenforth, I knew Christ was calling me to be a witness. Serving communion during services and to those unable to attend church was a blessing. Reverend Dan Blevins showed me true reverence through the deep care he gave to everyone. Pastor Joyce has taught me about honor and adoration for our Lord. She has deepened my prayer life and encouraged me to worship with devotion and awe.

Being part of this caring congregation means so much to me. I am thankful that I have grown in so many ways through knowing and loving all of you. I am also thankful to my Lord for His love and trust in me as His disciple. I am deeply thankful to have a husband who shares God’s love with me.

In the book Jeanie gave all of us, The Cross and The Empty Tomb, there is this quote: “A believer comes to Christ; a disciple follows Him.” I hope I will always live by those words, even in uncomfortable times. I pray that others will know my Savior, my Lord, and feel His joy and love, as I do.

 

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