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Jim and Nancy Pennington (SCA '81)

December 13, 2023 | Written by Brian Connor

Dr. Jim and Nancy Pennington were members of the first class of Regent University (then CBN University) in 1978. They met as members of the School of Communication and the Arts’ “pioneer class” and later married in 1979, becoming partners in life and ministry.

“Our years at CBNU/Regent played a pivotal role, as God shaped us for His calling and destiny,” Jim (SCA ’81, SOD ’09) recalls. “We benefited from financial aid, which opened the door to academic preparation and spiritual formation for our calling.”

Together, the Penningtons founded Firefall International, Inc., a nonprofit, Christian ministry focused on building relationships internationally, mentoring leaders, and providing resources for global outreach. Their work includes providing humanitarian aid, community enrichment for all ages, and training alongside church leaders.

“We bring resources of Biblical training, leadership skills, and spiritual mentoring as we partner with men and women whom we respect because of their deep faith, passionate prayer, and sacrificial lifestyles,” Nancy (SCA ’81) says. “Together, our goal is to facilitate vibrant, healthy churches that transform lives and communities to the glory of God.”

Firefall’s mission is to provide resources that empower communities by addressing their areas of need, both physical and spiritual. Jim and Nancy have a vision to invest in mentoring relationships with national leaders to raise up spiritual sons and daughters who will guide other spiritual sons and daughters.

“We are grateful for Regent’s ongoing vision to prepare Christian leaders to change the world,” Jim insists. “We are thankful for those who invested in us 45 years ago at CBNU. They share in the fruitful harvest the Lord is granting us by His grace.”

Through their work with Firefall, the Penningtons have traveled to more than 25 countries over the past 30 years. Recently, Jim and Nancy traveled to Myanmar where they ministered to “internally displaced people” (IDP) and sponsored the Firefall Challenge Cup. The mixed-faith soccer tournament included 144 participants. Many have come to Christ as a result of the Penningtons’ efforts to serve as a link between the church in the West and the East.

“Half were Christian; the other half were Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu,” Nancy explains. “It's an opportunity to build bridges for evangelism. God has used this event to bring young men to salvation over the past decade.”

“We feed hundreds each month in Myanmar and have for two years,” Jim adds. “Many have come to salvation there, and a church has been planted among the IDP.”

At Regent University’s Second Annual Alumni Weekend from October 6-7, the Pennington’s received the first-ever Alumni Global Impact Award. This prestigious honor is presented to graduates who have made significant contributions in the area of international missions and global service. During his acceptance speech, Jim spoke about the importance of fulfilling The Great Commission.

“I went over to the CBN Studio Headquarters Building tonight,” he began. “There's a Scripture on a plaque outside from Matthew 24:14. ‘And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’ That's there because it was [Regent University founder] Dr. Pat Robertson's heart. But more than that, it's Jesus' heart. … There's a day coming when every nation, every tribe, every tongue will worship around the throne (Rev. 7:9), and we'll be there with Him.”

Learn more about Firefall International, Inc. by clicking  here to visit their website, or go here to read their ministry blog.