Frequent Questions

Where is it that that you come from?
I live with my Wife Jill, and our 2 Children; Abbi (17) and Jack (14) in a small town in West Lothian – Uphall. We have been there for 16 years. It is about 4 miles west of the Edinburgh City Boundary.

What is your Church Background?
Our Home Fellowship is Ladywell Baptist Church in Livingston.
As a child I was brought in the Christian Brethren in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire.
In my Teens I attended The Baptist Church, also in Coatbridge.

When did you become a Christian?
In April / May of 1980 Luis Palau conducted an Evangelistic Crusade in our area. I made a mental note that I would not be attending any meetings….and in reality I only missed one of the 15 nights. On the 6th of May I received the LORD JESUS as my Personal Saviour! I have never regretted that decision in any way!

How did you become involved in Preaching?
Very soon after I became a Christian I sensed the call to Preach. It all began in humble surroundings. The first dozen ‘preaching engagements’ were in Old Peoples Homes, Sheltered Housing units etc. I studied for hours to present a 5 or 10 minute epilogues.
Other people in my then home Church ‘Coatbridge Baptist Church’…took me out and provided further opportunities.
I do, however, have to mention one individual. Alistair McGibbon, then a man in his 50‘s, took me under his wing. He was a tough, honest, but wonderful mentor.
Through His guidance, advice, and yes criticism….I developed as a preacher and through the years the ministry grew. I firmly believe the help which I got from Alistair was one of the reasons, humanly speaking, that I became involved with preaching in the long term.

Are you a member of any Preaching Organisations?
Yes. I am a member of The Scottish Baptist Lay-preachers Association and an Associate with The Prophetic Witness Movement International, which of course was founded by F.B. Meyer.

Have there been any individuals whose teaching has inspired you?
Allan Redpath. Stephen Alford. Billy Graham. Alistair Begg, Eric Scott. Luis Palau, Dick Saunders and Duncan Campbell

In these days of Change within Church Circles, how do you view Scripture?
That’s simple! I believe the Bible is the Inspired, Inerrant, All sufficient Word of God. That will never change!
When we begin to view the Scriptures as anything else….we are in deep trouble. We need to stand firm on the Scriptures.

Do you have any particular subjects that you enjoy preaching on?
I always find it beneficial to do an exposition of a particular Book in the Bible. In recent years I have taken 3 Churches through Pauls letter to the Church at Ephesus..
I do have a particular interest in End Times Bible Prophecy. My Dad bought me a book called The Scroll of Time when I was 17. I read it in 1 sitting and since then I have been hooked.
I have been accepted as an Associate Speaker with The Prophetic Witness Movement International..Over the last 2 years The Lord has provided the opportunity, and the privilege of Teaching on these matters all over the U.K and over in Eastern Europe.
The fact that Jesus could return for His Church….any moment! WoW!

Obviously you travel widely, is there any where, geographically that you wouldn’t go to, in order to preach the Word?
One word….NO!

What keeps you going, week in, week out! Month in, month out? Does it not become a bit mechanical?
Never! It is very humbling, as well as a great privilege, to be given the task of teaching the Word of God. If I can help anyone to understand just a little bit more about the Bible, The Lord Jesus, what lies ahead both for the sinner and the saint, then I am satisfied. Its not my work…its the LORDS!

Do you ever get tired…..or just plain fed? You have a full schedule.
Tired…sometimes! Fed up? NEVER!

Is there anything or anyone that you rely on as you go about preaching?
Prayer! I cannot stress that enough. I am very fortunate to have a small army of people who are very faithful in their prayer support. I cannot mention them all by name, however I would like to mention 2:
My wonderful Mum….and my older sister! They are a tremendous support and they pray for the work faithfully.

But I cannot move on without mentioning my precious wife: Jill. Her patience, ‘longsuffering-ness’,(I know that’s not a proper word, but it’s the best description I can think of), not to mention her love, is above and beyond the call of duty. I could not to this work but for her unconditional support.
She becomes more precious to me every passing day.

As we bring this interview to a close are there any other individuals you would like thank for their input during the journey thus far?

Fraser Edwards for managing The Truth To Live By Ministries website.
(www.itinerantpreacher.co.uk)

Eric Scott for inviting me to join him in his travels to Romania. He, and his wife Nancy have been a great encouragement to us. It is always a blessing and a privilege to enjoy His Ministry

John Brand for his mentorship and instruction during my time at Bible College.

Alec Passmore for his help and encouragement with regards the The Prophetic Witness Movement International.

Major Donald Cameron for his encouragement and indeed for the fantastic Books he has written on The Prophetic Scriptures.

Alistair McGibbon for his input in to the life of a young, raw preacher. I will be forever grateful for his assistance.

Eddie and Isabell Woods of the Arbroath Town Mission. They are precious friends whom we love and appreciate greatly.

John and Sadie Weir of Benhar Evangelical Church. They extended the invitation to speak at Benhar when I had just commenced this preaching ministry at the age of 18 . Their friendship and support through the years has always been treasured.

David and Moira Cleland are good friends, prayer supporters and always have a word of encouragement no matter the situation we face as a family,

Last but not least, couple whom we, as a family met 6 years ago: Hugh and Margaret Burrows. They are dear friends to us a family, and are faithful in their prayer support of The LORDS Work!

Thanks to all who have extended to me the privilege of speaking in their Church or Assembly. None of these opportunities are taken for granted.

Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
Oh, that’s difficult! I have lots. However there is a text on the wall in my Mum’s house; and it has been there for as long as I can remember:
“In all you ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.”

Any final comment you would like to make?
I am very thankful for every passing day that I experience of this Life. As a child of only months old, I was seriously ill. On one occasion my parents were told that I only had 1 hour to live.
God has graciously given me 50 plus years that I was never expected to have. My late Father used to say ‘Charles, you were spared for a purpose!’ I used to laugh….but he was right! I feel now that, that purpose is now being ‘worked out in my life!’ I feel Greatly Blessed!
One of my ‘heroes’ as a young boy was David Livingstone. Before setting out on his Missionary Expeditions to Africa, He prayed a prayer that I have made my own.

“LORD, send me anywhere….only Go with me.
Lay any burden upon me…. only sustain me.
Sever any tie, save that which binds me to your service.”

Dr Allan Redpath once made this statement: “The Will of God….Nothing less…
Nothing More….nothing else.”

If some-one wants to invite you to preach, what is best way to do so?
Our land-line number is 01506 856205. An answering machine may ask for a message….please leave a message! Alternatively you can send an email to drcharles.sommerville@sky.com