There is someone you really ought to know….

Let me introduce Karen Banner. Karen was born number four of six children; two girls and four boys. Her father was in the US Force when she was born at Itazuke AFB, Japan. Her parents raised her to have a fear and respect for God’s Word, and to attend church regularly. She admires her mom and dad for working hard to raise six children for remaining loyal to each other, and for the wonderful sense of humor and magnetic personalities which they passed on to her. She is a person who loves and enjoys people and is so cheerful. She loves to laugh and is very pleasant to spend time with. Spend five minutes with her and you come away feeling like you have known her forever. However, even with her cheerful demeanor, life has not always been easy for Karen. However, the “joy of the Lord” is her real strength. She loves the Lord and wants to
please and serve Him first and foremost.

For many of her growing up years, she lived in Illinois, and attended what is now SW Illinois University, obtaining an Associate of Science in Business degree. She and her retired Air Force husband, Art, have been married for twenty-two years and have five children. Their first grandchild is on the way and will be born in July!

Art and Karen were stationed in North Dakota from 1999-2001 and attended our church during those years. God in His sovereignty placed them at the Grand Forks Air Force Base when a Commander with cancer had to step down, and Art was chosen to fill his position.

They have lived in, and traveled to, many interesting parts of the world where they have met many people whom they love and with whom they still keep in contact. Yet, here in North Dakota, is where they believe that God would have them live. Here they have been nurtured, edified, and greatly helped by the wonderful teaching, preaching, and fellowship of NTBC. Karen enjoys the rugged beauty of North Dakota with its huge sky, beautiful sunsets, prolific wildlife, and friendly, moral people.

Karen enjoys reading informational books, especially about topics regarding nutrition, health, gardening, and chickens…yes, chickens. They own a small farmstead where they have a horse, cats, dogs, and chickens. (“e-i-e-i-o”) In addition, she concocts her own soaps, lotions, etc., and also enjoys creating greeting cards. Volunteering her time in the Christian school has been both fun and rewarding for her.

Romans 12:1,2 ---“ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”-- is especially meaningful for Karen, because those verses were used to lead her to salvation. God showed her that she was living for self, pleasure, and conformity to the world. She turned from her sins, then in repentance and faith, and gave the Lord the reins to her heart.

One of the Bible people that she admires is Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene was saved from a life of horrific sin, yet what a humble and grateful spirit she had for Jesus Christ. She had a sensitivity and depth of understanding regarding spiritual matters that even the disciples struggled to comprehend. She poured that expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and washed them with her tears and hair. She was present at the Cross. She was the very first to see Him resurrected and was given a revelation there. She is a picture of God’s great love and mercy toward a lost and dying world.

Karen’s goal for the rest of her life is to walk with the Lord and to be a servant. She has found that life falls into place when Christ reigns supreme in her heart. She wants everyone to know that true success is having your sins forgiven, sweet fellowship with the Lord, and a will that is broken, contrite, and yielded to HIM.

We are so thankful that you are a part of our church family, Karen! We want everyone to know you as we do.