Valerie Baldwin
My Name is Valerie Baldwin and I am a member of the Word of Life Wesleyan Reform Union Church in Ashington, together with my husband Graham, we are experiencing the beautiful graciousness of God.
I was born into a loving Christian family, and surrounded by aunts and uncles. My Grandfather and my Father were Methodist lay preachers. I remember as a child looking up to my Father when he was preaching and feeling very proud. I attended our local church, in the Sunday school and was tutored in the Scripture Union exams. I have known Jesus all my life from being a little girl. I got married at the age of 22 to a Navy Officer who was away at sea for six months of each year. Just before the wedding, my father advised me not to marry this man, but I ignored his advice. After 10 years and much heartache, where I experienced mental cruelty and a loveless marriage, we divorced.
As I look back on this period of my life, as a child, I was protected from worldly things and was quite ignorant of the evil that was around. In fact I was the Prodigal daughter and wanted to taste the things that the world had to offer, so I became quite rebellious and left the church. When my ex husband and I divorced and sold the house, the lady who came to view the house and subsequently bought it told me of Jesus and His love for me. Well my heart jumped and leapt, as she was talking about the Jesus I knew as a child. I went with her to the church and cried the whole service through and at this point I was born again. The people all helped me move and I got baptised at this church.
During this time of struggle, feeling lonely and searching for love and comfort, I had an affair with a married man, which ended up with me becoming pregnant with his baby. I told my parents, who were shocked but were prepared to support me. I was devastated, I stopped going to church, as I knew I was an adulterer, but most of all I was upsetting my relationship with Jesus, yet I still continued in my sinful way. I was told that the church never stopped praying for me and one or two of them called to see if I was ok.
Then one day I suffered a miscarriage and had to have a D & C operation, but the porter who took me down to the operating theatre was a member of my church! How the Lord is always with us is a miracle, his footsteps are beside us all the time whatever we do and wherever we are. I repented and renewed my life in Jesus and His church.
This was 35 years ago and now, as I was asked to write my testimony, I feel very ashamed and humbled to remember these events, indeed I have never put them down on paper, as I find them painful because I knew the love and peace of Jesus but gave it up for my sinful nature. As time went by I felt the love and forgiveness from my friends and from God and I dared to pray for my heart’s desire, which was “for a Christian husband please and, if possible a baby Lord”. God answered in his gift to me of my lovely Graham and at the age of 41 and 43 had 2 beautiful children, my son James and daughter Katie.
Prior to this happening, I had come to the decision to put God first in my life and leave my special prayer in His hands. This was Christmas 1985, and I had already met Graham but did not realise the significance of this meeting. We met again at a New Year party, but still no special interest until one evening after he had introduced me to his parents, it was literally like the curtain was raised before my eyes and I knew I was falling in love with this gentle loving man in front of me. I think Graham would admit to the same thing was happening to him.
Soon after that Graham proposed to me on Valentine’s day 14th February 1986 and we got married on the 30th of August 1986 and by November James was on the way! Then in July 1989 Katie arrived which was my bonus gift from God.
Eight years ago in March 2009 Graham and I moved from Watford, Hertfordshire to Hadston in Northumberland. It was an essential move as Graham had been struggling with his insurance job and he could just not face going to work anymore. We had previously been to Bellingham on holiday and loved the area. We took a trip to Barters Books in Alnwick and proceeded to Druridge Bay for lunch, and when we looked at the beach, it took our breath away. Little did we know that in 2009 we would be living here permanently and we have loved it ever since.
Moving so far away from our friends and church was quite an adventure. We knew that we would need some income, but how? God’s provision was amazing. We became friends with a couple who owned a shop in Amble selling a beautiful skincare range and as this was my area of expertise, we came to a good business arrangement, which provided income for us until we received our pension. It is also wonderful that Beverly and Philip are good friends of ours to this day.
Life is not always easy and I have at times, been angry, rebellious and questioning. God has put me through the fire of refinement using various situations. More recently I attended another church and felt “controlled” and not free to be me, it was if God had tied me up for a while, but just at the right time God released us into the Word of Life WRU Church in Ashington, where, at last I have a purpose and where God can wholly use me.
Even whilst writing this testimony, I have been so convicted regarding my own self-righteousness, judgement and proud attitudes for which I have no right at all to contain. For God in His grace and forgiveness has made me what I am, and still doing. He has blessed, protected and provided for me all of my life and all I have shown Him is complacency and pride with some prayer thrown in. He has walled with me and loved me and I have taken it all, so now is the time for me to surrender completely all of my life to Jesus and I will
Amen
SUMMER PRAISE EVENT
We held our Annual Summer Praise Event on Saturday 21st July. A wonderful night for all of worship praise food and fellowship. Thank you for all who supported this event. A church full of people worshipping our awesome God.
Verse for Today
Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
Good morning. The verse of Scripture above simply tells us how to live our lives. As His dear children we are to imitate His essence. Jesus is God revealed so we are to model Him. How? Love; forgive; graceful; Merciful; obedient; Caring; gentle; Patient; Peaceful; Joyful and powerful. When we choose to live like Jesus we will walk in His power and reflect His glory! Hallelujah! Have a Christ like day. God bless.
Alpha Course
We are holding our first Alpha Course, commencing on the 5th of September starting at 6 o clock. We are delighted to be able to commence this course as part of our outreach. If you know anyone who would like to come, first ask them and bring them along with you. The sessions will begin with food and then discussions. The first session will be "Is there more to life than this.". In this session we will be discussing, what does Christianity have to do with life today? What Am I doing on earth? What is the point of life and where am I heading?
Conference Update
Lindsey and I had the pleasure of attending our 4th WRU conference at Swanick in Derbyshire. We had a wonderful time meeting with great friends from throughout the churches of the union.
We were privileged to lead worship on the Monday evening segment, leading to Colin Braithwaite's induction as the new president.
There were some excellent sessions at conference including the business, and teaching. Colin's address was about what does Church look like, and it was very revealing and challenging.
Lindsey and I were accepted onto the General Committee and were also selected for the Overseas Missions and Home Missions sub-committees, respectively. We are so looking forward to being involved in these committees and weare excited to learn of what has bee achieved in the past and also what we can bring in the future.
The times of worship were wonderful, prayer groups were powerful, and fellowship wonderful too. We thank Almighty God, that we are part of this excellent Union of Churches.
Presidential Visit
We are delighted to announce the visit of the New President of the Wesleyan Reform Union to our church on the 22nd of July 2018. Colin Braithwaite who retired as the General Secretary of the Union two years ago is the new Union President. We look forward to his visit, and I am sure we will all welcome him and what he will bring to share with us.
Word of Life Mission House
Our Mission House, of 73 North Seaton Road, the annexe to the church has now been completed.
We are using the building for a variety of things such as a Christian retreat, where specific programmes can be tailored for each group of people staying. Examples of the type of programmes we will be delivering, will be Leading Worship, Prayer, and a wide range of other Christian Programmes.
While staying here visitors can use it to be simply a place of rest, meditation and prayer, or take part in the church programmes, or take part in a specially designed retreat bespoke programme.
We will also be using the venue for Debt Management, helping those in need, as well as music lessons, job searching and basic IT programmes.
We are very excited about this development, and if you require any further information, please contact us either by email or by telephone on 07879253072 or 07854 820012. The cost for staying here is £30.00 per night. Donations are also welcome.
Nigerian Evening
We held a Nigerian Evening in the Church on Saturday the 17th of February. A wonderful night of Nigerian Worship, Culture, food and fellowship was had by all, led by the Akinsola Family. Pictures below.
Friday Diner
Our Friday Diner at church is on the last Friday of every month from 12:00 till 2:00pm. Soup and sandwiches and a range of other hot meals will be available for each of the coming months. This is an outreach for those who may be lonely, or who maybe are just in need of company. There is no charge for the food but donations are welcomed. All donations from this monthly event go to Arab World Ministries Yemen
Pastor Michael's Ordination Service
The ordination service of Rev Michael Hedley took place on Saturday the 25th of November 2017. It was led by Phil Hartshorn the WRU President of 2017/18, with input from Rev Ian Fall chair of the ministerial committee. It was a wonderful day for all concerned. A very special privelege that this service was delivered in our home church and not as it is usually done at conference. Thanks to all who participated and a heartfelt thanks for the wonderful gifts that you have given us both
Reverend Michael & Lindsey Hedley.
Gordon Brown's Baptism
Once again this year it was a great priviledge for our rapidly growing Church Family to witness yet another baptism. Gordon gave his life to Jesus in July earlier this year and he went through the waters of baptism at Bedlington Trinity Church. A fantastic time was had by all and we truly rejoice that his life is now heading in a new Holy Spirit filled direction.
Baptism Service
We held a Baptism Service on Saturday May 27th at Bedlington Trinity Church for Caroline Taylor who joined our fellowship earlier this year. We had a wonderful time in God's presence and the service went so well. Pictures of the event are below this text.
BREAKING NEWS
Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday and forever
Hebrews 13:8
This is not just breaking news, it is the news from yesterday, today and tomorrow and guess what? It is forever. Hallelujah!!!!!
GET INVOLVED
Contact us at:
Word of Life Church
Wesleyan Reform Union
North Seaton Road, Ashington Northumberland NE63 0AG
Tel: 01670 814425
Mobile 07879253072 Michael
Lindsey 07854820012
E-mail: wordoflifechurch@hotmail.co.uk
Or use our online contact form.
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