A Chat with Val Batchelor
What was growing up like for you?
I was born in Rugby in a non-believing family although my father had a Catholic background and my mother, Methodist. My mother sent myself, two sisters and my brother to the Methodist chapel but did not attend herself. I attended a large Comprehensive school in Rugby and left home at 17 ½ years to join the Army.
When did you join the army and why?
I joined the army in 1966 as a private soldier and trained as an Experimental Assistant Gunner to work on missiles on the Anglesey firing range. My school directed the girls into careers in nursing and secretarial work, but I wanted something more exciting. I was the first girl from the school to buck the trend. I intended to take a commission but first wanted to experience life as a soldier. I was commissioned in 1969 into the Intelligence Corps as a photographic interpreter working on top secret material during the Cold War.
When did you come to faith and how?
In my 50th year, Christmas, December 2000, I said the sinner’s prayer in my home having been convicted by the Holy Spirit the night before to read the Bible. I attended church from time to time but thought nothing of it. As I read, the Bible came alive. It was a completely new experience. I returned to Glasgow where I was working, went to a Church of Scotland congregation and left without anyone talking to me or showing any friendship, so I did not return. I prayed every evening for whatever was needed to be a fully committed believer. In February I was baptised by the Holy Spirit whilst on top of a 3,300ft Scottish Munro, Beinn Ime. A wonderfully puzzling experience since I did not know about Holy Spirit.
I was born in Rugby in a non-believing family although my father had a Catholic background and my mother, Methodist. My mother sent myself, two sisters and my brother to the Methodist chapel but did not attend herself. I attended a large Comprehensive school in Rugby and left home at 17 ½ years to join the Army.
When did you join the army and why?
I joined the army in 1966 as a private soldier and trained as an Experimental Assistant Gunner to work on missiles on the Anglesey firing range. My school directed the girls into careers in nursing and secretarial work, but I wanted something more exciting. I was the first girl from the school to buck the trend. I intended to take a commission but first wanted to experience life as a soldier. I was commissioned in 1969 into the Intelligence Corps as a photographic interpreter working on top secret material during the Cold War.
When did you come to faith and how?
In my 50th year, Christmas, December 2000, I said the sinner’s prayer in my home having been convicted by the Holy Spirit the night before to read the Bible. I attended church from time to time but thought nothing of it. As I read, the Bible came alive. It was a completely new experience. I returned to Glasgow where I was working, went to a Church of Scotland congregation and left without anyone talking to me or showing any friendship, so I did not return. I prayed every evening for whatever was needed to be a fully committed believer. In February I was baptised by the Holy Spirit whilst on top of a 3,300ft Scottish Munro, Beinn Ime. A wonderfully puzzling experience since I did not know about Holy Spirit.
What changed for you then?
Everything, my whole outlook on life. When I went into the office following this new experience, the staff all knew something had changed in me. I looked different. It changed my relationship with them, and a number came to faith. I started attending Queen’s Park Baptist Church, Glasgow and eagerly sought after Jesus in this excellent teaching church. I also joined the Armed Forces Christian Union (AFCU) where I learnt that they had been praying for my salvation for 3 years, through Jan Ransom being a member.
How did you get involved with Flame?
Jan and I worked together, and I helped her with the AFCU Ladies weekends she was running. When Flame was being set up Jan asked if I would be a Trustee. I knew before she asked me that God had called me to this work.
What keeps you going with missions and the Forges?
Seeing the power of God’s healing and the transformation of lives coming into freedom. God has given me a heart for the oppressed and those who are suffering from war and conflict. Also, this ministry, through the Forges especially, is so needed in the UK.
What have you learnt about God from working with Flame?
The truth of his word and his faithfulness. He is who he says he is, and he will never break his Covenant.
What stories of transformation most stick with you?
Clearly my own transformation. I have also seen sight being restored to those who cannot read their Bible; useless limbs being made strong; prisoners walking free.
I recall a baby brought to a convention. The child had not moved her limbs or uttered a sound since birth. After prayer, by one of the local team, she was instantly fully restored. Trauma binds and holds our spirit, soul, and body in bondage, but Jesus is the healer, and the Holy Spirit breaks the shackles.
In a church in Hull where we were running a healing day, the administrator could not walk without the support of a frame and was at the back of the church because she could not sit for any length of time. Towards the end of our time, she came running down the aisle of the church shouting she had been healed. She never went back to using her frame.
Everything, my whole outlook on life. When I went into the office following this new experience, the staff all knew something had changed in me. I looked different. It changed my relationship with them, and a number came to faith. I started attending Queen’s Park Baptist Church, Glasgow and eagerly sought after Jesus in this excellent teaching church. I also joined the Armed Forces Christian Union (AFCU) where I learnt that they had been praying for my salvation for 3 years, through Jan Ransom being a member.
How did you get involved with Flame?
Jan and I worked together, and I helped her with the AFCU Ladies weekends she was running. When Flame was being set up Jan asked if I would be a Trustee. I knew before she asked me that God had called me to this work.
What keeps you going with missions and the Forges?
Seeing the power of God’s healing and the transformation of lives coming into freedom. God has given me a heart for the oppressed and those who are suffering from war and conflict. Also, this ministry, through the Forges especially, is so needed in the UK.
What have you learnt about God from working with Flame?
The truth of his word and his faithfulness. He is who he says he is, and he will never break his Covenant.
What stories of transformation most stick with you?
Clearly my own transformation. I have also seen sight being restored to those who cannot read their Bible; useless limbs being made strong; prisoners walking free.
I recall a baby brought to a convention. The child had not moved her limbs or uttered a sound since birth. After prayer, by one of the local team, she was instantly fully restored. Trauma binds and holds our spirit, soul, and body in bondage, but Jesus is the healer, and the Holy Spirit breaks the shackles.
In a church in Hull where we were running a healing day, the administrator could not walk without the support of a frame and was at the back of the church because she could not sit for any length of time. Towards the end of our time, she came running down the aisle of the church shouting she had been healed. She never went back to using her frame.
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