IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Rev. Paul Pedrick

at home with Jesus

The Rev. Paul Pedrick, approved evangelist with The Francis Asbury Society, passed to his eternal reward on Friday, May 30, 2008. He will be greatly missed by the Society staff for his ready smile and good spirit that was so readily discerned, not only in person -- but even over the phone where so many of our contacts with him occurred.

Paul was born in a Christian home and raised in a Methodist parsonage. In August 1951, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at Malaga Camp in Newfield, NJ. Trained in music since he was 4 years old, he struggled for some time with a call to the Christian ministry. Finally, in 1955, he surrendered to God's call on his life while serving in the United States Navy. Upon release, he enrolled in college and received his first appointment - a five-point circuit in the Methodist Church. He continued to serve in the pastoral ministry for the next 18 years.

When Paul's father, who had served as a prison chaplain for 37 years, began preparation for his retirement, Paul knew he wanted him to follow in that ministry. However, he never outwardly encouraged Paul, because he was very sensitive to God's calling. After nearly a year of wrestling with that call, Paul submitted to the Lord and spent the next 25 years as the supervising Chaplain at Bayside State Prison in New Jersey. While serving at the prison, Paul also enjoyed the privilege of some extra blessings God allowed him to enjoy. He served the Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church for 13 years, provided leadership as president of Malaga Camp Meeting since 1978, and he kept active in a music and preaching ministry.

In 1996, an affiliation with the Francis Asbury Society was suggested upon retirement. God confirmed that calling by making it possible for Paul to leave his job early.

Paul and his wife, Jane, have one daughter and two granddaughters.