One on One with Annie Waller
Annie Waller heads the Administration department at Church of Christ the King. Along with her highly efficient organizing skills, her cooking prowess has blessed many over the years! Over the years, Annie has been an outstanding role model to many young women at CCK. One of them recently described her as ‘an inspirational woman of God who has such a big heart and much wisdom to share.’ Yohaan Philip, recently interviewed her, and writes..
YP: Tell me a bit about yourself, Annie.
AW: I’m married to Nigel and we have two children, Adam (22) & Frankie (17). I grew up in a non Christian home in Hertfordshire where my parents(and one brother) would call themselves atheists and now, humanists! I trained in hotel reception and worked in the hotel world for a number of years. I worked hard and played hard. I met Nigel here in Brighton whilst working at The Metropole. We married and two years later along came Adam.
My first encounter of Church of Christ the King was about 20 years ago when a friend from the hotel days invited us to her baptism. I remember laughing hysterically as it all looked and felt so weird. I filled in a contact card, and subsequently began having bible studies with a neighbor. Nothing dramatically happened, and I didn’t really change my lifestyle until years later.
I spent the next few years in a troubled and unhappy marriage. Nigel and I were both seeking legal advice regarding a pending divorce. One Sunday evening, Nigel was invited to go along to church and God broke in on his life! To cut a very long and complicated story, we began an amazing journey to restore our marriage. This year we celebrate 25 years together.. woohoo!
YP: What has been the effect of God “breaking into your lives” ?
AW: I no longer feel insecure as I have learnt to trust Jesus wholeheartedly, respect my husband, and let him take the lead in all areas of our life together. So releasing!
YP: Tell me a bit about your work. And your role in Church.
AW: I am foremost Joel Virgo’s PA. I also lead the Office Administration team at CCK and jointly oversee the personnel department. Along with my responsibilities at CCK, I play a key role in the 2 annual newfrontiers‘ conferences, Together On A Mission and Newday.
As a part of CCK, Nigel and I oversee four small groups in the North Brighton Zone. We are also involved in preparing young couples for marriage and get along side those who are either in the first few years of marriage or are just needing some input. We thoroughly enjoy doing this together.
YP: What are some of your dreams/ aspirations?
Oh to be mum who gets it right all the time!! But wouldn’t that be boring?
Being a mum of two is a huge privilege. I just love having family time – the four of us together. It’s incredibly special particularly as they get older. I know I don’t always get it right but by trusting Jesus and keeping the lines of communication open, we get through the tough times and have fun in the process.
I like spending time with young women not only in my home but also outside of work and family life. I just be myself, keep it real and give wise encouragement as we go along.
YP: What’s a dream day for Annie Waller?
AW: Wow wouldn’t that be amazing well my dream day would be.. a day to myself, walking, talking (whatever is going on in my head at the time) and listening to God.
I often walk along Brighton seafront taking in all the different cultures, ages groups etc., its such a great spring-board for prayer.
I love musicals so a trip to London to see a musical would round my day off nicely
