The Testimony of Trevor Baxter

Born in 1948, Trevor Baxter was brought up in Loyalist Tiger's Bay in Belfast. He was born into an unsaved family, church going, but no time for Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was a family affected by alcohol, where his father could be found lying passed out in their home on many occasions. Despite this, he was sent to Sunday School and the church-run Boy's Brigade on a regular basis, but he never heard the Gospel. Trevor lived in the darkness of sin until he was 17 years old old, living for the things of the world and with a filthy tongue. But it was around this time that the name of Ian Paisley was starting to be heard in Northern Ireland, causing controversy wherever he went. This intrigued Trevor, who went along to hear 'the Big Man' preach, and for the first time heard the Gospel. He realised that he was a condemned sinner on his way to hell. He knew he needed to change. Trevor decided to 'get religion', he cleaned up his life and even joined Dr. Paisley's home church, but still he wasn't saved. However, a short time later, reading through a little booklet which outlined the 'last days', as explained in the book of Revelation, he was struck by the realisation that he wasn't ready for the day of Judgement. It was then that he knelt down before God, confessed his sin and prayed for salvation. From this time he began to pray fot the salvation of his parents, who still lived in the darkness of sin. The Lord answered his prayer by saving his father a few years later, just before he died. However, it was 27 years before his mother was saved, brought to the Lord as he himself preached in a Gospel meeting. Trevor used this experience to encourage the young people of Listooder to carry on in prayer for unsaved fiends and families, reminding them that God will honour the prayers of His saints. At the age of 18, the Lord began to shape the path for Trevor's life as a believer. He got married, and has since been blessed with children and grandchildren. He also began to preach, feeling the burden of the Lord to enter the ministry of the Free Presbyterian Church. After years of refusing to yield to the call of God, he entered Bible College at the age of 25. Having completed the course, he has spent the last 40 years as a Minister, proclaiming the message of Scripture, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He now approaches retirement having pastored in Ballynahinch Free Presbyterian Church for 14 years. Trevor closed his testimony with a word on the future. His prospect is Christ, his home is in heaven and is with anticipation that he looks forward to the day when he is called home to glory. Quoting Philippians 1:21 'For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain', he reminded the young people that it is not the church that we live for, nor or families, nor our work, but we should live for Christ and for Christ alone.