"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
I don't think we can ever fully realize the importance and worth of a Godly mother. Their prayerful influence is an immeasurable force that follows us all the days of our lives, and the spiritual teaching and love for God they instill in us from a young age is worth more than all the money in the world could buy. Though motherhood can seem like a thankless role that is under-appreciated, it is truly the highest and most noble of callings in a woman's life.
We first met the sweet mother I am interviewing today last summer while attending the Karen Peck & New River Homecoming. She is gentle and down-to-earth and has been so kind and gracious each time we have interacted with her. The imprint she has made on her children's and grandchildren's lives can be felt each time they minister through song as Karen Peck & New River. When we saw her again in November, I felt such a desire to get to know her better and felt the Lord leading me to ask her for an interview. She so graciously agreed, and it was such a dear blessing each time I talked with her on the phone during this process. She is such a motherly, Godly person, and I hope you enjoy getting to know her a little better, as you read her inspiring Inner Views.
The
of
Sue Peck Music
Sue: I am Sue Peck Music. I was born in Clayton, GA on September 23, 1933. My father was James Wilson Tench, and my mother was Myrtie Loue Freeman Tench. When I was 2 yrs. old, the family moved to Gainesville, Georgia where my father owned a barber shop. My mother was a well known seamstress and home maker. I had 5 sisters and 2 brothers. I came from a musical family. I played the piano for the church at the early age of 13. I walked to have piano lessons. Homer Morris was the pastor of my church. (Athens Road Baptist Church.) The church paid for my piano lessons.
While in high school, I was a star basketball player at Airline High School in Gainesville, GA. During this time is where I met Robert Ezra Peck. We were married on November 3, 1951 and eventually had three daughters: Sandra, Susan, and Karen.
Their dad was a very talented singer and Sunday school teacher. Many times in church, I would play the piano while my daughters sang. Years later, it was a very sad time when Ezra passed away at 59 years old, but we took comfort in knowing that he was in Heaven with the Lord. Several months later I had the privilege of meeting a Southern Gospel Promoter, Bill Music, from Mansfield, Ohio We eventually were married. We currently live in Georgia during the winter and spring. In the summer and fall, we live in Ohio.
Cheryl: What are a few of your favorite memories from the days when your children were young?
Sue: Vacations, picnics, camping, singing their favorite songs.
Sue: I played the piano while the girls would sing. All three of my daughters are very talented.
Cheryl: How did you feel when you realized God was calling your children into full-time ministry?
Sue: I was very thrilled that they had surrendered to the call to reach people for Christ.
Cheryl: As a mother, what has been the hardest thing for you to surrender and consecrate to God?
Sue: The hardest thing was when my children grew up and left home. However, I realized it was a part of life.
Cheryl: How did you instill such a deep, genuine love and respect for God in the hearts of your children?
Sue: I always tried to set a good example. I’ve always loved the Lord.
Cheryl: What advice would you give to parents who desire to see their children develop into adults who are willing to lay down their lives in service to God?
Sue: Teach them Godly values and always know that with the Lord’s help, you can accomplish anything.
Cheryl: What are some of the ways you currently support the ministry of Karen Peck & New River?
Sue: First of all, I pray for them and most of all I pray for the anointing. My husband, Bill, and I try to help out at the product table at the concerts.
Cheryl: What do you most enjoy doing?
Sue: We’ve always had a lot of laughter in our family. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Bill. I love cooking for my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Their favorites are macaroni and cheese, turkey and dressing, and peanut butter cake. It does my heart good to watch them enjoying my food and leaving those memories.
Cheryl: What is your favorite song?
Sue: "Finish Well"
Cheryl: If Jesus were to appear on earth in a physical form, and you had the opportunity to sit and talk with Him, what would you most like to ask Him?
Sue: Why would anybody reject you, when you’ve done so much for us?
Cheryl: Describe one of the hardest things you have gone through. How did your faith in God sustain you during that time? What were some of the ways the Lord comforted you the most?
Sue: When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had so many people tell me that they were praying. I could feel those prayers. The Lord carried me through with His strength and His love.
Cheryl: What is one of the most pressing needs among God's people in these last days of time? What can we do to make a positive difference and fill those needs?
Sue: First, to come together and pray for our nation and pray for our families to be saved. It’s important that we all live a good Christian life and spread His love and joy.
Cheryl: How can we pray for you?
Sue: Pray that I can study the Bible more, and that my mind and body will stay healthy.
Bill & Sue Peck Music
Cheryl: How did you first hear about Jesus?
Sue: My parents took me to church as a child. When I became a teenager, I began to love reading the Bible.
Cheryl: At what age, did you become a Christian?
Sue: After I was married, I realized that I had never really been saved. I accepted Christ when I was 19 years old at Pleasant Union Baptist Church.
Cheryl: Who has been your strongest spiritual influence throughout life?
Sue: My Dad.
Cheryl: Can you tell us about a special prayer warrior who has faithfully prayed for you?
Sue: My Aunt Estell Tench.
Cheryl: Looking back, what do you identify as being one of the happiest seasons in your life, so far?
Sue: My parents took me to church as a child. When I became a teenager, I began to love reading the Bible.
Cheryl: At what age, did you become a Christian?
Sue: After I was married, I realized that I had never really been saved. I accepted Christ when I was 19 years old at Pleasant Union Baptist Church.
Cheryl: Who has been your strongest spiritual influence throughout life?
Sue: My Dad.
Cheryl: Can you tell us about a special prayer warrior who has faithfully prayed for you?
Sue: My Aunt Estell Tench.
Cheryl: Looking back, what do you identify as being one of the happiest seasons in your life, so far?
Sue: When all three of my daughters were born.
Cheryl: Can you please share something special about each one of your children?
Cheryl: Can you please share something special about each one of your children?
Sue: Sandra is loyal and caring. Susan is dependable and kind. Karen is reliable and loving. All 3 have become wonderful wives, mothers, and my greatest accomplishments. I’m a proud mom.
Karen, Susan, & Sandra
Sue: Vacations, picnics, camping, singing their favorite songs.
Cheryl: When did music become an integral part of your family's home life?
Sue: I played the piano while the girls would sing. All three of my daughters are very talented.
Cheryl: How did you feel when you realized God was calling your children into full-time ministry?
Sue: I was very thrilled that they had surrendered to the call to reach people for Christ.
Sandra, Karen, Sue, & Susan
Sue: The hardest thing was when my children grew up and left home. However, I realized it was a part of life.
Sue: I always tried to set a good example. I’ve always loved the Lord.
Cheryl: What advice would you give to parents who desire to see their children develop into adults who are willing to lay down their lives in service to God?
Sue: Teach them Godly values and always know that with the Lord’s help, you can accomplish anything.
Cheryl: What are some of the ways you currently support the ministry of Karen Peck & New River?
Sue: First of all, I pray for them and most of all I pray for the anointing. My husband, Bill, and I try to help out at the product table at the concerts.
Cheryl: What do you most enjoy doing?
Sue: We’ve always had a lot of laughter in our family. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Bill. I love cooking for my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Their favorites are macaroni and cheese, turkey and dressing, and peanut butter cake. It does my heart good to watch them enjoying my food and leaving those memories.
Sue: "Finish Well"
Cheryl: If Jesus were to appear on earth in a physical form, and you had the opportunity to sit and talk with Him, what would you most like to ask Him?
Sue: Why would anybody reject you, when you’ve done so much for us?
Cheryl: Describe one of the hardest things you have gone through. How did your faith in God sustain you during that time? What were some of the ways the Lord comforted you the most?
Sue: When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had so many people tell me that they were praying. I could feel those prayers. The Lord carried me through with His strength and His love.
Cheryl: What is one of the most pressing needs among God's people in these last days of time? What can we do to make a positive difference and fill those needs?
Sue: First, to come together and pray for our nation and pray for our families to be saved. It’s important that we all live a good Christian life and spread His love and joy.
Cheryl: How can we pray for you?
Sue: Pray that I can study the Bible more, and that my mind and body will stay healthy.
Thank you ever so much for taking the time to share your heart with us, Sue! You are such a blessing and example to us all!
Dear readers, please keep Sue, Bill, & Karen Peck & New River in your prayers as they continue to serve and encourage the body of Christ.
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