The Good Newspaper
- October 31, 2012
John Petrilli '82, recently corresponded with us. He told us his improbable story of becoming a writer at a local Christian publication, after years in the secular work world.
"When I graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1982 with my degree in Evangelism I was ready to conquer the world for Christ," he said. "Little did I know that God would allow me to go through a waiting period of three decades before I'd finally put my training to full use.
"But my time in the work world wasn't at all wasted," he explained. "I learned many valuable lessons. I called it my 'post-grad degree in Applied Bible.'
"In 2004, God began to move me in a direction I had never expected," he told. "Although I had zero training or experience as a writer, I casually submitted an article to a local Christian publication ... and they printed it! The editor encouraged me to keep writing, so I did. Now I'm a staff writer for two such publications. I absolutely love my work, it's a perfect fit for me in every possible way!
"I'm also teaching a membership class and a class in Personal Evangelism at my home church," he continued. "In the interim, I began doing tract ministries, and now do intensive outreaches using tracts at major community events. I even design my own tracts to fit the specific audience and occasion."
"I share this to let fellow alumni in God's 'waiting room' to encourage them that God does have a place for you, and that it's wise to be open to alternative ways He may want to use you and your training," he said.
You can find John's articles at the websites below: