Pastor Valerie Wright-Robinson

God Called Me

I was raised in the church by my mother, Bernice Wright-Champion. She taught us to love God, pray and respect the saints, the people of God. She took us to church, it seemed, every time the church doors were open. I remember being ashamed for my friends to see us walking to church. They would call me the "Tough Church Girl". I have always wanted to be saved, but I said first I'm going to do a lot of sinning and enjoy myself then I will get saved. Well, as you would know it, that was not the plan of God for my life! In the fall of 1975, I was a student at St. Louis University and I met the man of my dreams. We got engaged and planned to marry in June 1977. He was graduating from St. Louis University as an engineer. I tried so hard not to listen to the Lord because I had just begun to live the life I wanted. I knew from growing up in the church that there were too many things you would have to give up and I didn't want to. From the Spring/Fall of 1975 to March of 1977, Jesus was calling me. I remember telling my fiance that God has something for me to do in this life. He didn't understand, but I was compelled to accept the call of God to salvation. In March/1977, I received the gift of the Holy Ghost. I can't say my road has been easy, but I would not have done it any other way. I love God too much and I'm so glad He choose me!