J Samuel Peterson

Biographical sketch

March 27, 2008

 After graduating from good old LHS, I attended Northwest Bible College for one year and finished my Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Minot State College, graduating in May of 1974.  During college, I met a wonderful lady named Dee England from Dayton, Ohio.  We were married on June 2, 1974. 

 We have three wonderful daughters who each married young men who we have grown to love.  Michelle married Jason Lowe who grew up in Huntsville, Alabama.  Cara married Paul Rankin who grew up in Myrle Beach, SC.  Heidi’s husband, Jason Brown grew up in northern Maine. 

They have given us four awesome grandsons - Noah & Benjamin Lowe, Joshua & Caleb Brown and four beautiful granddaughters, Kate Lowe, Ainsley & Madelyn Brown and Callie Rankin.  They are indeed precious to us.  Little Ainsley, left us 27 days after being born to spend her life in the presence of our Heavenly Father.  As hard as it was to say goodbye, God has blessed us by allowing the other seven to grow up around us.  Gatherings at our house provide exciting times with seven little ones 6 years of age and under.

 My wife, Dee, has been a wonderful addition to my life.  She has been teaching Kindergarten students for at least 25 years.  One of her greatest joys, after her time with her grandchildren, is watching her little students experience that AHA moment, when they learn how to begin putting letters together so they can experience the joy of reading for themselves.

Dee & I have been involved in pastoral ministry, as well as starting four Christian Schools since graduating from college in 1974.  I had the privilege of attending Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary where I received a Master of Religious Education degree with an emphasis in Christian School Administration in May of 1989.

  It has also been a great joy to be awarded the office of Ordained Bishop in the Church of God with headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee. 

 Dee & I are currently living in Beckley, WV, where I serve on staff at the Family Worship Center and Dee teaches Kindergarten students at Trinity Christian Academy.  If interested, you may visit the web site of the church at www.cogfwc.org.