Who are you and how did you become a Christian?
Hello, I’m Vicky Widdows, married to James and with two almost grown-up children. I’m part of Grace Church Dulwich in southeast London and have been involved there since the church was planted 19 years ago. I work as the church administrator part time, co-lead a mid-week Bible study group and help out with outreach work at a local care home.
I was brought up in a church-going family and went to university calling myself a Christian. It was there that I first heard faithful Bible teaching explaining the gospel clearly week by week at church and the Christian Union and really understood what it was that Jesus had done for me. I turned to him in repentance and faith.
Why did you decide to become a Trustee?
I’ve been a member of Crosslinks for over 20 years, always praying for and interested in the work of the Society and supporting individual mission partners through the churches I have attended.
During lockdown, I was asked to become the clerk of the Board of Trustees, attending meetings on Zoom and taking the minutes. I really enjoyed seeing behind the scenes of Crosslinks’ ministry – how exactly our giving is spent, hearing firsthand from mission partners who joined the meetings remotely, listening in on strategic decisions being made and discussions about the future gospel direction of Crosslinks. Then, after a couple of years as clerk, I was asked to consider becoming a Trustee. I was delighted to say yes and was pleased to be voted in at the AGM in 2023.
As a Trustee, I attend around six meetings a year (some in person, some online, and one residential meeting). There are papers to read beforehand – finances, strategies, policies – but it’s time well spent. I’ve recently been involved in drafting a Trustee Handbook and interviewing prospective mission partners. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with the finer details so together we can make wise decisions.
What would you say to someone considering serving in this way? And to someone who isn’t?!
What a wonderful way to serve the Lord! The Board of Trustees needs all sorts of different people on it, so if you think ‘I wouldn’t be suitable’ then you probably would be! It’s also serving that doesn’t necessarily look very ‘glamourous’ or even obvious, yet it’s of great importance to maintain the gospel legacy of Crosslinks. If you are passionate about the mission of Crosslinks, are comfortable in meetings and have a few hours to spare a year (many workplaces give you time off for Board of Trustees work as part of charity involvement) then it is a really valuable and fulfilling thing to do.
