Benjamin Pent

Benjamin Arnold Pent was born on April 24, 1935. He was born and raised in the jungles of Peru, 3000 miles up the Amazon River, the sixth child of pioneer missionaries. At age thirteen, he and his identical twin brother (Joe) first came to the United States to attend Ben Lippen boarding school, just outside Asheville, North Carolina. It was there, at the age of sixteen, Ben heard the call of the Gospel and submitted his life to Christ and to His service. After high school, he attended Moody Bible Institute. It was there, during his second year, he met his future bride, Virginia Bennett. They were married, June 21, 1958. From there, Ben went on to attend Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois and earned a BA in Biblical Studies. Later in his ministry, Ben earned a Master’s degree from Denver Baptist Theological Seminary. After graduation, Ben entered the ministry as a pastor in the Evangelical Free Church. His calling as pastor led him to many church bodies throughout the course of his ministry: Washington Island, Wisconsin; Itasca, Illinois; Broomfield, Colorado; Watertown, Minnesota; and Redding, California. While in Redding, Ben served as an adjunct professor in Bible and Theology at Shasta Bible College for over thirteen years. From Redding, Ben and Ginny moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to a home on Piatt Lake. He continued to serve his Savior over many years as pulpit supply pastor, interim pastor, he led Bible studies, and generally poured his life into the lives of others so that they might know his Savior too. Ben had a heart for people; he was a gifted shepherd/teacher, a man of deep conviction, and a man of prayer. His love for the Lord Jesus permeated every aspect of his life; he was a humble servant of his Savior who wanted all he came in contact with to know the joy of a restored relationship with God.

Ben entered the presence of His Savior in the early hours of August 6, 2026 at the age of 91.

He left behind his loving wife (Ginny) of 68 years; his 6 adult children and their families: Mark (Mary), Mike (Mary), Karen Benson (Jim), Connie Spafford (Kelly), Kevin (Jennifer), Katy; 20 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren. He also left behind many dear friends and loved ones. Ben’s desire was to run well to the end. In the words of the writer to the Hebrews, “and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Ben left behind a legacy of service to His faithful Savior. His work on earth is done, he ran well to the end, but the fruit of that work still lives on. He would want us to know this truth from the Apostle Paul, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Those who knew him, lost a precious man but his gain is immeasurable.

Friends may visit at Community Bible Church, 29529 W. Hungry Hollow Rd, Eckerman, MI 49728 on Saturday, August 15th from 10 a.m. through time of his funeral at 11:30 with Pastor Josh Shelpman officiating.

Memorials may be given to Community Bible Church in memory of Pastor Benjamin Pent.

Online condolences may be address through www.beckfuneralhome.org