My name is Merle Baldwin. I live in Jamaica. I am the Director of Administration and Finance for Bakke Graduate University (BGU). I want to tell you a part of my story.
I was not always obedient, in fact, quite stubborn to be honest. However, time and experiences have a way of curbing folly. For about a year or two, my longing to enter meaningful ministry was palpable. I didn’t see a way. I was now alone, and, didn’t our Lord send people out two by two? I needed opportunity and a ministry companion. In 2022, following the Lord’s leading I returned to my home church after some 30 years (at my late husband’s church). After serving in various business roles, I knew God wanted me to continue to use my financial experience in a gospel-centred church or organization and almost immediately was sent on a fundraising course by my pastor. It was conducted by the Evangelical Alliance of the Caribbean in conjunction with BGU. It required writing a proposal and pitching it to potential donors. Having completed that, I thought it was over, but I had met BGU’s chancellor and things would never be the same for me again. Looking back, that was my first gift.
This was to set off a series of contacts between myself and the university resulting in me getting a job there by September 2023. That was my second gift.
I dived into the history and mission of the university and fell in love with the unique ministry I was led to be a part of. Not only a part of a local mission as I was hoping for, but now a global mission that impacts the world! I didn’t see that coming. I now had my community, many companions, and surely a great opportunity. My third gift.
Imagine a university that trains global leaders: business and urban leaders and pastors from around the world using a 10-15 day city immersion asking the question, “what is God doing through you in this city?” I find this unique experience at BGU so exciting, generating energy and passion for the Lord’s work among those that can make the change the world needs.
The repercussions of such an experience can only be fully known on the Last Day. Now, I get to be a part of the gift that keeps on giving! God uses even one small act of obedience to answer many situations. I am one of many BGU staff, faculty, alumni and students living in the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America, Asia and other majority world nations who have been given many gifts by God through BGU. I am thankful.
You too can be a part of the gift that keeps on giving! If you have been touched as I have by the tremendous unique work of BGU, be obedient and please join me in our year-end donation and continue the gift that keeps on giving to a lost world.
With gratitude.
Merle Baldwin