Annie Legett
1. How did you become a Christian?
I was brought up in a Christian family and my parents pointed us all to Christ. However, it was not until I was 19 that the Lord worked in my life. My father became acutely ill, resulting in his death two years later. During that time, I saw my parents faith in action and this, coupled with reading Marks’ Gospel with a Christian friend, led me to believe that the Jesus who my parents were trusting in was the Jesus I could trust in too.
2. What lessons have you learnt since that you would want to pass on to a younger Christian version of yourself?
To keep trusting in Jesus and His word, and going His way even when you might not feel like doing so. To develop friendships with others who also love Jesus and who care about your walk with Him and vice versa.
3. How would you describe your prayer life?
I wish I could write that I am up at 5am every day – but I am not. I find prayer is a battle: I am easily distracted when I am on my own. Writing down my prayers often helps and also reading prayers of others such as is found in Valley of Vision. However, it is also a privilege, and such an encouragement when God answers prayers. I find it much easier to pray with others.
4. Which two or three Christian books apart from the Bible have most influenced your faith?
Knowing God by Jim Packer helped me establish a clear understanding of who God is, who we are and what it means to be a Christian. The Cross of Christ by John Stott helped me understand what happened on the cross – especially propitiation. More recently, Tim Keller’s book Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering.
5. Who or what have been your biggest Christian influences?
My parents and family, friends; ministers who have fed me week on week. Others would be books by J. C. Ryle. Biographies, for instance ones on Hudson Taylor and Martyn Lloyd-Jones, that helped me step out in faith. Hearing John Chapman give clear Bible talks on evangelism encouraged me to speak up for Jesus. Puritan literature to point me to God in tough times. More recently, Dane Ortland and Mike Reeves.
6. What are the main challenges you believe Christians face today?
Living in an increasingly secular world and the challenges that brings to living as Bible-believing Christians individually and together. Being busy in the church serving the Lord, but neglecting our personal walk with the Lord. Comfort and the challenge to take up our cross and follow Jesus daily.
7. What encourages and what discourages you?
It is wonderful seeing God working in other’s lives, bringing them to repentance and faith. Seeing how God lifts someone out of dire circumstances and places them in a good place and seeing them thrive. Seeing the power of the gospel working in Christians who are living with ongoing challenging circumstances.
It is discouraging when people turn away or their hearts seem to be hardening to Jesus. I also am discouraged by my own failures and when I mess up – which is quite often actually – like daily!!
8. What makes you laugh?
Being with family and friends and sharing funny stories or situations – having fun with children. Seeing the humorous side in life, and being able to laugh at situations that I seem to end up in.
9. What would you want to say to the wider evangelical world?
To treasure the cross and allow that to shape everything. That our leaders will continue to preach the word in and out of season.
10. Which Biblical person (other than Jesus) do you most look forward to meeting in glory and why?
There are lots, but Ruth stands out as someone who I would love to meet because she uncompromisingly trusted God, despite the vulnerable position it put her in.
Annie is the Women’s Worker at King’s Church Chessington where she oversees the women’s ministry within the church. She spends time teaching the Bible in groups and individually and seeking to share Christ.
