Penny Laird

Children's Ministry Leader "Do not underestimate a solitary life lived to God's glory. Lord, I may not be very much but I am one. I can't do everything but I can do something. What I can do I ought to do. What I ought to do I will do."
- author unknown

I have always been fascinated by the great Christians that have gone before us . . . like George Meuller, Amy Carmichael and Jim Elliot. It has taken me a long time to understand that an extraordinary Christian life is one that is lived in daily obedience, doing the little things that God brings for us to do instead of waiting for something big to happen.

I was raised in a Christian home where my grandmother and mother often taught Bible club to the neighbourhood children. Because of my mother's influence, I accepted Christ as my Savior at a young age. I went to the Christian Academy for grade school where I met remarkable, godly teachers that taught me basic Bible doctrine and encouraged scripture memorization which I am grateful for today. After graduation I attended Heritage Bible College when it was known as London Baptist Bible College. I didn't really know what to do with my life and followed the advice of my pastor to pursue a teacher's certificate at college. I also met my husband while I was at college. I graduated in May ( or was it April?) 1990 and was married in June.

O.K. salvation, schooling, marriage . . . after Dan and I were married I wanted to teach in a Christian school, but that wasn't God's plan. Instead I worked in a Before and After school program in London. After five years ( Yes, five. That wasn't my idea either but God has His timing. ) my son Eric was born. I became a stay at home mother and learned the joys of serving my family. Two years later Emily was born. During the year 2000, Erin was born in April, I was in the midst of homeschooling my son Eric and Dan and I were both involved in the start up of a place named SouthWest Community church.

Both as a stay at home mom and a homeschooler of three kids, I have learned that God grows us strong through trials. My kids are now at a Christian school and are doing very well. I am grateful and amazed how God has prepared me for my role as Christian Ministries Leader. I thank you for letting me have the privilege of serving you and your children in this role.

And now for some trivia about Penny:

Quick take: child of God/wife/mother/Sunday school teacher/taxi cab driver/laundress/house cleaner/ school librarian . . . this isn’t going to be real quick

Born: In a hospital.

Nobody knows: my greatest achievement is to recite the alphabet backwards.

I hope heaven includes: chocolate and time in a cozy chair to read a good book.

Best childhood memory: spending summers at my grandmother's cottage in the Muskokas.

I'd like to say to the people of Harvest: Jon hates cats. If you take the time to read the rest of the bios, then be warned: these guys aren’t just trying to be amusing or charming . . . they really are that crazy!

Passion: the Word of God, prayer, my family.(519) 668-1977