Barefoot to Benefactor: My Life Story of Faith and Courage

by Lenny Peters M.D.

Overview

An Asian American immigrant’s journey from poverty in India to the heights of the medical profession in America—and the faith that made his accomplishments possible.

When Lenny Peters was a boy playing marbles among the lush mangrove trees in impoverished India, he had one overriding wish: to be the best at everything he did. Born into a Christian family and part of a minority population in that part of the world, Lenny was innately aware of the hurdles he faced. Wise beyond his years, Lenny embraced a simple philosophy: hard work and prayer. He could never have imagined how far his faith and his drive for excellence would take him, nor how much good he would do along the way.

In Barefoot to Benefactor, Lenny tells the uplifting story of how the youngest son from Kerala, India, worked his way into medical school, propelled himself to London, and settled in North Carolina as an accomplished physician. Not satisfied with providing standard medical care, Lenny became a world-class researcher and founded the Bethany Medical Centers, a revolutionary network that treats anyone who walks through its doors with the best that medicine can offer.

Wonders followed Lenny as faith determined his path. He turned a community college course in personal finance into a vast real estate empire and thriving medical practice. His fascination with business led him not only to establish much-needed health and research facilities, but to establish a bank for underserved communities that now operates in four states. Through it all, he battled the prejudice he encountered as a professional man of color with a “funny accent,” turning every hardship into opportunity and learning that forgiveness and acceptance bestow grace.

Most importantly, Lenny has never forgotten his roots. The Lenny Peters Foundation shares his abundance with the less fortunate, both here and in India. His story of trailblazing in medicine, finance, and philanthropy is proof that miracles come to those who have faith—in God and in themselves.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781637581964
Publisher:	Post Hill Press
Publication date:	09/14/2021
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	519,966
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

After obtaining his M.D. and practicing medicine in the United Kingdom and Africa, Lenny Peters came to the U.S. and founded the Bethany Medical Center in High Point, which has grown from a single clinic in 1987 to the largest independent medical group in North Carolina.

Peters served as the founding director of Bank of North Carolina, later part of Pinnacle Bank, and as co-chairman of the board of directors for Carolina State Bank. He has served on the boards of the Piedmont Triad Partnership, Forward High Point, and Business High Point Chamber of Commerce. The Lenny Peters Foundation provides charitable grants and donations to needy individuals in the Piedmont Triad, and to many other charity organizations in the U.S. and around the world.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 9

Prelude 11

Part I My Destiny Begins

Chapter 1 A Garden of Eden on the Arabian Sea 15

Chapter 2 Holding Court on the Veranda 24

Chapter 3 In the Glow of St. Anthony's Shrine 39

Chapter 4 Forging My Own Path 51

Part II Sent From God

Chapter 5 An Unexpected Friend 71

Chapter 6 In the Company of Royals 78

Chapter 7 Failures in Pursuit of Success 94

Part III A Series of Firsts

Chapter 8 Marriage, Divorce, and the American Dream 101

Chapter 9 An Indian Immigrant in the Old North State 111

Part IV Always a Back Door

Chapter 10 Investing in Forgiveness 127

Chapter 11 Doctor, Banker, Real Estate Developer 136

Chapter 12 Teeing Off from the Back Nine 149

Part V Through the Power of Forgiveness

Chapter 13 Not to Be Denied 157

Chapter 14 Called upon to Serve 163

Chapter 15 Success, Excess, and the Power of Self-forgiveness 173

Chapter 16 The Power of Prayer 180

Chapter 17 A Legacy of Love 187

Chapter 18 A New Beginning 193

Epilogue: My Personal Message to You 199

About the Lenny Peters Foundation 205

Editorial Reviews

"It's so refreshing to read the life story of a man who learns, aspires and finds creative ways to do good in the world. His faith in God and in others has led to great accomplishments, yet he remains rooted in his humility and generous desire to give. Dr. Peters' memoir encourages our faith and resilience. That is his gift to us."

David Mounts

"I dare anyone to read Lenny Peters's life story and not come away with a renewed sense that anything is possible when we believe. A true original, Lenny will inspire you to be your best self."

Roy E. Carroll II

"I have often wondered how Dr. Lenny Peters acquired his business acumen, his healing abilities, and his compassion for others—and through his generous memoir, now I know. With his trademark self-deprecation and large-hearted spirit, Dr. Peters relates a life full of blessings that he never takes for granted."

Rick Callicutt

"A wonderful book! Lenny Peters has led a remarkable life that can motivate us all to stay connected to our faith and our communities."

Derek L. Ellington

"Lenny Peters' faith shines through on every page of his book. It's a faith that can buoy us through the obstacles that keep us from manifesting our life's work, just as it has done for Lenny."

Anthony Atala MD