Ultimatum that transformed my life...

Dawn Robinson was on the verge of suicide when a word from God transformed her life, sparking 26 years of energetic community ministry that continues today

With vodka and pills in hand, Dawn Robinson planned to commit suicide. As she readied herself to swallow them, she gave God an ultimatum: “If you’re the God my mum says you are, stop me doing this.”

Little did she know it was an ultimatum that would transform her life.

Years of childhood abuse, spiritualism, occult, addiction and violent relationships had led Dawn to this moment.

“One day I told my mum, ‘I can’t do this any more, I can’t stay as dirty and ashamed as I am now,’” she says.

“I was always very violent, very vola-tile, so Mum knew I was serious because I wasn’t shouting. She began to pray.” No sooner had Dawn issued her challenge than she heard God speak.

“Dawn, there’s a reason for you being here. There’s a purpose for your life,” he said.

It was the intervention Dawn needed. Over the months that followed, her life changed beyond recognition. After hear- ing American preacher RT Kendall speak at Spring Harvest, she gave her life to Jesus. She also felt called to mission and was on a plane to Egypt with YWAM 12 months later.

Eventually, Dawn returned to her home town of Barmouth and married Mark. There, in 1997, an Elim church was strug- gling and on the brink of closure. Elim Regional Leader David Woodfield asked, “What’s your vision for Barmouth?” When Dawn voiced a f lurry of ideas he said, “You’re a frustrated pastor! Will you take the church?”

Seven months pregnant with her first son, Dawn agreed and started training to be a pastor. So began a quarter century of ministry at Barmouth Elim, and compassionate outreach to locals, many with equally troubled lives.

Dawn’s life before finding Jesus included addiction, left. The food bank team from Barmouth Elim

Barmouth Elim grew rapidly under Dawn’s direction. From meeting in a small room at the back of a theatre, it set up base at a former factory, the Elephant Works. It took one unit then eventually bought the whole building as new projects including a bookshop, mental health support group and a food bank were launched. A day- care nursery with 12 members of staff and work experience students was also added to the mix.

“God told us we needed to have a home because he wanted us to be a community church,” Dawn says, listing a dizzying array of projects the church is involved in today, all of which show its compassion for struggling families.

“We have a furniture place where people who have left violent partners and need rehousing can get goods and furniture.

“We had a warm space over the winter and we do a food share where we work with a supermarket to give away food that’s going out of date. We also give out as-new school uniforms to families who are struggling.”

There are a host of activities at Barmouth Elim for all ages

The church also presents ‘Open the Book’ in the local primary school and is helping Ukrainian refugees, while outside agencies visit or signpost people to the building, with CAP, Welsh Water and social services among them.

“We’re not a big church but we have a lot of faith and big hearts. I have an amazing leadership team, which includes my mum,” says Dawn.

Justice system

Dawn has a particular concern for those in the justice system and regularly undertakes advocacy, psychiatric and prison visits and court appearances. She acts as an appropriate adult for people who have no one to represent them.

“I would regularly get called in to help with one particular girl. She would kick off and it took three or four police officers to sort her out. I went in and she laid on my lap.

“We work with a few homeless people and addicts too. Because of my background I don’t judge them. They know I had a drink and drugs problem and that I love them.

“One girl told me, ‘You’re the only consistent person in my life.’ They need that. It’s really important in Barmouth because it’s a little community and I’ve built up trust with people and the council, the police and other agencies.”

It can take years to build respect, but this commitment leads to results, Dawn says.

“We had one guy who was living on the beach and would sit snoring at the back of the church. We managed to get him a flat and counselling and he gave his life to Jesus. He was a clever guy and eventually went to university in Aberystwyth – he was awarded their ‘learner of the year’. He got clean, married and was able to travel again.”

This doesn’t just happen in North Wales either. One time, Dawn and her family were in London and she got talking to a Big Issue seller.

“He said, ‘Aren’t you Dawn the reverend from Barmouth? You helped me get my life back on track and I’m doing really well now.’”

Big ideas

Dawn might be approaching 26 years in ministry but her ideas keep coming. She has her sights set on obtaining grants to develop a conference centre, launch a lunch club, set up ‘eat well spend less’ courses, organise afternoon teas for the elderly and isolated and set up a scheme to feed kids from struggling families during the school holidays.

Outside the church, left, and Dawn with MP Liz Saville, who is supporting a grant application, right

She is thrilled that her newly ordained church leader Faye Bentham is taking on more responsibility as Dawn looks for ways to help other leaders.

“My heart is to pastor pastors. I know from my own experience that 26 years is a long time to stay on fire, especially if you don’t have other leaders around you.”

Managing to do that has all been down to God, she says.

“The whole thing has been founded on Jesus and he’s kept me going and believing throughout.

“People from the town have said to me, ‘We might not believe what you believe but we can’t deny God has changed your life.’

“So as long as I’m doing what he’s asked me to do and he’s pleased, I’m happy.”

This article first appeared in the April 2023 edition of Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.

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