CCK Life blog

Lena Newman reviews The Women’s Day event conducted on the 13th of Feb..

It was absolutely amazing and so encouraging to see so many women gathered in one place last Saturday, united despite clear differences in age, race, culture and background – but all desiring to meet with God, engage with the word and expectant to hear His voice.

The sense of momentum and genuine excitement built as four hundred women realised that being sold out for Jesus in this city could change it’s face forever.

Admittedly I felt for the handful of males in the room, (who were outnumbered by a hundred to one!) and I was very grateful for their willingness to serve us.

After a brief intro by our lovely host Kate Virgo, we kick-started the day with amazing worship and met with the Spirit in a powerful way.

We got straight into the first session with Livy Gibbs powerfully teaching from Genesis, explaining to us the foundations of the God-given authority given to women as well as men from the beginning. She took us right through the New Testament and admonished us to use our authority and leadership, explaining that although headship is rightly gendered, leadership and authority aren’t, and pleaded with us to take seriously Jesus’ commission to do greater things than he did.

After a short break, Wendy Virgo took the next session, and preached from Esther, on the same topic of authority – but with a different perspective. Wendy brought to life the story of Esther as a woman of faith with humble beginnings, and vividly explained how God used her to redeem and save a nation. Their very different approaches to authority, and the different generations they were brought up in complemented each other wonderfully and gave a very rounded picture of what authority looks like for us.

Finally session three was an open time of worship and prayer, and different ministries and areas affecting women of all ages was brought to God in fervent, passionate prayer. It was particularly moving and right to see the older generation honoured in such a wonderful way – as those in their twenties and thirties gathered around them to pray for renewed faith and calling for the future.

It was truly refreshing to go to such an equipping women’s day, with solid biblical teaching on theology, spirit-filled worship, and fervent prayer. Throughout the day there was a clear sense of being commissioned as women to come alongside the men, as together we fight the battle to win this city to Christ! What an absolute privilege.

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