Peter Fretheim, class of 1987–1988
Peter went on to earn a business degree from Pepperdine University and began working in New York City. He was climbing the corporate ladder and pursuing the kind of life many dream about. Yet God was stirring something deeper. “I remember looking around and thinking, ‘Is this really what I want to give my life to?’”
At 25 years old, Peter was older than many of his classmates, but he quickly found that the experience was exactly what he needed. Because of his age and hunger to grow, leaders such as Jack Wyrtzen, Harry Bollback, and George Theis took a personal interest in him. Their mentorship, combined with the intensive study of God’s Word and hands-on ministry opportunities, deeply shaped his life. Peter describes his year at Word of Life Bible Institute as “ the most trans- forming year of my life. ” It was there that God stripped away his self-reli- ance, clarified his calling, and led him to dedicate his life to missions.
Peter later attended Dallas Theolog- ical Seminary, where he met his wife, Miriam. Together, they began to pursue the possibility of serving overseas. In January 1999, they moved to Nigeria with a vision to reach vulnerable children and families, as well as the unreached, with the gospel. What began as a step of faith became a lifelong calling.
One thought stuck with Peter that he couldn’t shake: “I want my life to count.”
One thought stuck with Peter that he couldn’t shake: “I want my life to count.”
After coming to faith through Young Life and spending several years studying business at Pepperdine University and working in the corporate world, Peter sensed that God was calling him to something more. As he was being discipled by a pastor in Stamford, Connecticut, Peter shared his desire for his life to count for God. In response, the pastor encouraged him to attend Word of Life Bible Institute.
15 The Word of Life Experience
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