Matthew Clegg

 

Although Matt was raised in a Christian family, when he reached adulthood he drifted away from the church although he still maintained that he believed in God. Many years later, after becoming a step-father and a father, Matt began to pray that his partner, Chrissie would believe in Jesus and start going to church. Matt will testify that even though he had prayed for this he really didn't expect it would happen, and he certainly didn't think it would happen so quickly!

Chrissie came home from shopping one day saying that she had bumped into Ron and Stan (our evangelists) who were running a Christian book table. They had given her a book which she at once began reading avidly, finally announcing: 'we're got to go to Goldings Church.'

Chrissie gave her life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptised. Matthew also recommitted his life to the Lord and was baptised, but there were two problems: their youngest son Liam had an incurable disease and was a very sickly little boy. Liam was not able to eat solid foods and had to have a very special liquid diet. Liam was under top hosptial consultants and had every test that they could give him but nothing could be done. It broke Matthew's heart to see his little lad so poorly.

The church began to pray for Liam and it was at this point that what can only be described as a miracle occured. Liam's problems appeared to disappear overnight and the doctors were stunned. Matthew realised that this could only be the power of God in his son's life. Today Matt's little boy is a vibrant, energentic, healthy, and very happy child at primary school who can eat anything he likes!

As the LORD had healed Liam, Matt knew there was something he must do for the Lord too. He had Chrissie had been living together as man and wife, raising a family together, but they weren't married. Matt knew that he and Chrissie must put their relationship right before God and decided to get married as soon as possible. They were married at Goldings Church on a wonderful day of celebration and happiness - the whole church pitching in to bring food and drinks to create a wonderful feast.

It's amazing how much God has done in the lives of Matt and Chrissie over the years. Today Chrissie heads the Sunday school work at Goldings - a thriving work which brings much joy to the children, their parents, and the church. In 2009, Chrissie joined the Heavenly Hands choir and has also been busy teaching sign language to our Sunday school! Matthew is currently studying a correspondance course with a bible college and is part of the preaching team at Goldings. Matthew preaches with a direct down-to-earth style, bringing many riches out of God's Word and sharing them with God's people. Matthew is also a man of prayer - with a real heart for people.

Pastor & Matthew baptising Clare