Penny’s Ministry Experience

Penny Fregeau grew up in Long Beach California and was active in church life from an early age. As a teenager she was enthusiastically involved in the “Jesus Movement,” and often attended Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California. Her vocational field of interest centered around artistic expression. As she grew in her Christian faith it became apparent that her spiritual gift was the gift of mercy. Penny pursued the avenue of Biblical Counseling, and her education was through Trinity Bible College and Theological Seminary. Soon she developed a passion for sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ through the arts.

After a couple of years of co-founding a Christian elementary school that emphasized the arts, Penny stepped onto a church staff and served there twenty-one years. There were opportunities to utilize both passions in ministry work. We live in a hurtful world, and it became the highest privilege for her to walk with people through their times of crisis, grief, and tragic circumstances. In addition, there were fabulous opportunities for creative expression through plays, painting during Easter sermons, and using visual art in multiple ways.

Troubles come to all of us, and sometimes we find ourselves in circumstances we could have never foreseen. During a dark season of life Penny found comfort and solace in clinging to God’s promises, leading a Grief Share ministry, and growing through this new season in life. She learned that our difficulties are designed to mature us and provide comfort to others. Becoming a staff member through Fishbowl Ministries in 2023 has strengthened Penny’s resolve to come along side of women in ministry to be a compassionate listener and provide encouragement when life is hard.

Penny is joyfully a mom to her active daughter and granddaughter and likes to cheer on their pursuits in weightlifting and Jiu Jitsu. Penny also feels blessed to have adult stepchildren and grandchildren in her life and cherishes her family times. Painting in the traditional realism style, restoring an old redwood house, and having a garden are activities that bring a lot of joy to her heart.