Theresa Reiter

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania . Thank the Lord that both of my parents are living in Pittsburgh along with my older siblings. My teenage years and early twenties were what I consider to be my “wild times”. At the age of twenty two, I found myself addicted to drugs and alcohol; but it was this very life predicament that God would use to reveal Himself to me. I too entered Christian treatment and it was there that I was exposed to the fact that one could have a personal relationship with the Lord.  

I received the Lord into my life and had the “born again” experience. The preaching, the music, the testimonies, the intimate relationship with Jesus, the joy…EVERYTHING, was totally new to me. I was raised a Catholic and Pentecostal services were definitively a dramatic change. Still I could not deny that my life had been literally and completed changed. And so, in 1980, I wanted more knowledge of God and decided to attend a Bible College in Florida .  

During summer break, I returned to Pittsburgh , where I met and fell in love with James C. Reiter. Needless to say, I did not return to Florida , rather, I decided to stay in Pittsburgh . Jim was there! Jim Reiter was the man with whom I would choose to share my life. Jim and I dated for a year and were married on August 28, 1982. In 1984, Jim and I came to Peniel located in York Springs, Pennsylvania and have been with Peniel since that time.  

I can absolutely relate to the hurting families we serve. As a young and very recent widow with no children, I know first hand the devastation of inexpressible pain, indescribable loss and inconsolable grief. I also know the overwhelming and awesome power of restoration. There is nothing as powerful and meaningful as a caring and loving pastor and supervisor who have the anointing to penetrate crippling pain with prayer and to assist in meeting the practical needs during desperate and fearful times. Peniel did that for me. I know the value of a Godly, wise and consistent friend. Angelique Bernard was and remains a genuine confidant and comfort. (Angelique is also serving at Peniel as an administrator and primary counselor). 

Jim was my first and only love. He was handsome and extremely talented. He was my very best friend and when he died, my entire world came to an utter and crushing halt. Notwithstanding, I receive comfort and a sense of settled peace from the knowledge that Jim also trusted the Lord, Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord.  

In spite of (or maybe because of) the adversities I endured during Jim long, painful illness and ultimate death, with the help of the Lord, I was able to continue my educational pursuit. On May 13, 2005, I received my Associate's Degree in Secretarial Technology from a local college in our area. As a member of the Honor Society, I maintained high grades throughout my entire academic experience. I am also certified by the Department of Health Drug/alcohol.  

I am in full time ministry and consider serving as secretary to the Senior Pastor, Bishop Harold Spellman, Ph.D to be an absolute calling from the Lord. Pastor Spellman serves on the Board of Directors for the Peniel Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation Center, the Pennsylvania State Counsel for the Church Of God , Religious Advisor and Consultant to the Peniel staff and various other teaching and preaching responsibilities.  

I intend to continue my scholastic goal which includes, but is not limited to receiving a Bachelor of Art's Degree in Business Administration. I will be pursuing this degree from a local college in our area. This next phase is expected to take two years.