Penny is born prematurely but survives only to suffer double pneumonia at six. The family suffers through the Depression, but Penny goes to Bible college where she meets George. They marry, graduate and go into ministry. Four children are born, but the youngest is murdered at 19. After George dies in 1989, Penny serves with missionaries in Mexico. James Wilkins is a guest speaker at a meeting, and she prays that he would desire marriage to her one day. She nearly dies in a car accident with her sister but survives and continues to pray for James. They marry in 1996, and now they serve the Lord together.