Pari Johnson

Many threads of experiences make up Pari’s Tapestry of Life.

California born, Pari (Welch) Johnson moved to Seattle Washington as a youngster. By high school graduation, she had experienced the death of her father from Cancer, the birth of 3 siblings, a loving mother and an abusive stepfather. She was raised Catholic but left 'the church' before marriage at age 20.

She and Carl attended Tacoma First Presbyterian for 4 years. Also in Tacoma, Pari trained to be a Med Lab Assistant. More threads were added over the next 26 years. Moving to Centralia, the couple at first attended Presbyterian churches. Two daughters were born.

Pari earned an Associate Degree at Centralia Community College and became a Med Lab Technician. In 1977, the family began attending Centralia Bible Chapel, a Plymouth Brethren church, where Pari got saved. She attended CEF teacher training classes, taught Sunday school and VBS. Add to the list, camp counselor, teacher and director at Shiloh Bible Camp. She and Carl directed the Chapel ACTION Club (like AWANA).

In the mid 1980’s, the family attended other churches including 2 Baptist. Pari always became involved in ministry and support services. A new thread, Messianic Judaism began in 1995 after a trip to Israel. She and Carl attended Messianic Congregations in Tacoma and Tumwater. They have been living the Messianic lifestyle and celebrating the sabbath and the biblical festivals for over 30 years. Pari and husband continue to have a Shabbat fellowship in their home.

After 1988, the family grew from 2 daughters, to 2 SIL and 6 grand children, with one now of blessed memory taken from us suddenly at the age of 23 in 2012.

Pari and hubby are now completely retired having moved from Washington to Idaho in 2022 to be closer to a daughter and her husband, and their 2 children.

The Tapestry

By A Traveling Florida Preacher at the turn of 20th century

My life is but a weaving, between my God and me,

He chooses the colors and we work steadily.

He sometimes weaves sorrow, and I in foolish pride,

Forgets He sees the upper, and I the underside.

Not until the loom is silent, and the fibers cease to fly,

Will God unroll the canvas, and tell the reasons why.

The dark threads are as needful, in the skillful workers hands,

As the threads of gold and silver, in the pattern He has planned.

Even the underside is beautiful to Pari today. She wouldn't change a thing.

She's looking forward to seeing the upper side some day!