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Vernon and Martha Pettenger
Vernon and Martha Pettenger were both born in South Africa and later served as missionaries there from 1950 to 1992. Vernon’s parents were American missionaries to South Africa from 1921 until 1965. Vernon wanted to be an engineer and worked in the gold mines for more than six years. During this time, he met Martha in a small British Pentecostal church. Her grandparents were French, Irish, and Dutch settlers. They were married in 1947 and, feeling the call of God, went to Central Bible Institute. After graduation, they returned to South Africa as missionaries. Their ministry of church planting and evangelism to the black population was in the Johannesburg, Pretoria, and metropolitan areas. Vernon used tents to start churches, and many church buildings were erected for these growing congregations. Martha did Sunday School Teacher Training and worked in Women’s Ministries. In 1966, she started the Missionettes program and also served on the National Women’s Ministries Committee for over 30 years. Vernon served as general secretary for the national church and several times was elected as chairman of the Southern African Missionary Field Fellowship. During the Apartheid era, they faced many challenges in the form of rioting mobs and buildings being bombed in the areas where they worked. While they were building churches, their equipment was constantly stolen and mobs threatened them. However, God was faithful; and they experienced many miracles and answers to prayer. During these years, Vernon had many health problems. One problem was the side effects of continued usage of prednisone for a skin problem. It almost ended his missionary career in 1972, but God performed a miracle and gave him 20 more years in Africa. This side effect caused complete blindness in 2000. They are now living in Maranatha Village, Springfield, Missouri. Their three children are in the ministry and two are missionaries in Africa. Three grandsons are in the ministry; and one of them, Todd Evans (fourth generation), is currently a missionary associate in Kyrgyzstan, Asia.
Past Profiles of Faith:
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