Susan Penning, a Word of Life Bible Institute alumna, embodies how God can use personal passions and professional experiences to shape a meaningful career and life of faith. From her early days at Word of Life Island to her current leadership roles in the military and marketing, Susan’s life reflects the profound impact of her time at WOLBI and God’s hand in guiding her path.
In this Q&A, Susan shares how her time at WOLBI shaped her faith and how it continues to influence her career and leadership today.
Q: What led you to attend Word of Life Bible Institute, and how did your time there impact your faith?
A: My connection to Word of Life started in high school when my youth group attended summer camp at Word of Life Island. I loved it so much that I spent my summers of my sophomore, junior and senior years working at The Island – first at the Snack Shack and then in the kitchen. Those summers were life-changing. The biblical training, mentorship, and lifelong friendships helped me grow spiritually in ways I can’t fully put into words. Word of Life truly changed my life.
I even met my husband, Matt (WOLBI Class of 1997), during my senior year when he was a counselor at The Island. We’ve now been married for nearly 25 years! The Island introduced me to the Bible Institute, and I couldn’t sign up fast enough. The idea of a year-round Word of Life experience was too good to pass up, and my time there remains one of the most spiritually impactful seasons of my life.
Q: What experiences or lessons during your time at WOLBI had the most lasting impact on your life?
A: Being part of the Drama Team Ministry stands out the most. We traveled to share the gospel through plays, skits, and music. Using my love for acting to serve God was a huge turning point for me—it taught me that God equips us to serve Him in the areas where we are gifted and passionate. That realization shaped how I’ve approached serving Him ever since.
WOLBI also taught me how to study God’s Word deeply and apply it to my life. That foundation has carried me through difficult seasons – whether it was being deployed overseas, facing personal loss, or navigating challenges in my marriage and parenting. The tools I gained at WOLBI gave me the strength to rely on God when life got tough.
Q: You are passionate about your work in leadership and communication. What sparked that passion, and how has it shaped your career?
A: Since childhood, I’ve loved art, theater, public speaking, problem-solving, and leading others. God planted those desires in me, and WOLBI helped shape and refine them. That foundation led me to a career as Chief of Public Affairs with the U.S. Air Force and as Director of Marketing for the Raystown Lake Region Visitors Bureau in Pennsylvania.
My roles have allowed me to travel the world, tackle leadership challenges, and use my creativity in meaningful ways. While deployed, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness up close—whether I was in the literal desert or facing personal loss, He’s been with me every step of the way. Ephesians 3:20 comes to mind often: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” God has done just that in my life.
Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of your leadership roles, and how does your faith influence your work?
A: In the military, the most rewarding aspect is setting the tone for my team and modeling integrity and service. My faith shapes how I lead—whether it’s handling conflict with grace, treating others with respect, or being willing to lay my life down for my team if necessary.
My faith gives me the strength to make tough decisions and care for my team. Even when it’s difficult, I know that God has called me to serve with excellence and integrity.
Q: What advice would you give to current students who are seeking God’s direction for their future?
A: First, pay attention in class! The professors and spiritual leaders at WOLBI have incredible wisdom, so make sure to soak it in! Take this time to focus on God’s Word and seek His direction. Once you leave WOLBI, life’s responsibilities will pull at your attention, so use this season to deepen your faith and prepare for the future.
Build meaningful relationships with fellow students. You’ll be amazed at how those connections resurface later in life. I remember being deployed in the Middle East and seeing a poster for Ordinary Angels at our base theater – directed by fellow WOLBI alum Andy Erwin! The world is small, and the bonds you form at WOLBI will last a lifetime.
Accomplishments and Recognitions:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Communications – Liberty University
- Master of Education in Psychology and Counseling – Troy University
- 2024 Outstanding Airman of the Year – 193rd Special Operations Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard
- Selected for promotion to Major – August 2024
- Led the Public Affairs team that covered humanitarian aid over Gaza, earning the #1 news story in the world (featured on major networks and the President’s social media)
- Served as a worship leader and Bible study leader while deployed
- Longtime member of her church’s worship team and chair of the Development Committee
- Volunteers at a Christian school, teaching Career Discovery and Preparation workshops
Susan lives with her husband, Matt, and their two children, Eva (18) and Eli (12), near Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania. Eva plans to attend WOLBI New York in the fall of 2025. Their Irish Terrier, Goldie, keeps life interesting! Susan and her family enjoy life with their church friends, front porch talks, and cruises on their pontoon boat.
Susan’s story is a powerful reminder that God equips us to serve Him in every season of life. From summer camp at Word of Life Island to leading teams in the military and the marketplace, Susan’s faith and leadership continue to make an eternal impact.
