By Hunter Hines
Christian Action League
February 16, 2024
Fuquay-Varina – The Christian Action League has recently welcomed Rachel Baker to its staff, marking a significant addition to the organization’s administrative team. Baker, officially hired during a Board of Directors meeting on January 16th, will serve as the administrative assistant to Dr. Mark Creech, the League’s executive director.
Rachel Baker brings with her a rich background in ministry and service. As the daughter of Rodney and Debbie Baker, both devoted church planters, Baker grew up immersed in a culture of faith and community outreach. Her father currently pastors Grace in Willow Spring, a church plant in North Carolina, following a tenure at Hopeful Baptist in Lake City, Florida. Additionally, Baker is part of a large family with 11 siblings, two of whom are in the process of being adopted.
The connection between Baker and the Christian Action League was unexpected, as she was introduced to Dr. Creech at the 2023 Annual Convention of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina by Ken Ramey, a candidate for the Johnston County School Board and Men’s Minister at Grace in Willow Spring. Dr. Creech expressed gratitude for the encounter, stating, “I don’t know how Ken Ramey knew that I was desperately in need of some help… But there I was… when Ken and Rachel showed up at our booth inquiring if I was in need of help in the office. I think I might have said something like, ‘How did you know?’ If I didn’t say that, it’s certainly what I was thinking.”
The League’s decision to hire Baker comes at a critical time, as Dr. Creech highlighted the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial strains and the director’s own health issues underscored the necessity of reinstating the administrative position. “I just couldn’t continue without some help,” Dr. Creech admitted. Baker’s arrival, therefore, was seen as a providential answer to prayer, aligning with Psalm 21:5, which states, “My times are in your hand.”
Despite her previous administrative experience, Baker’s passion for sharing her faith proved to be a sticking point in past positions of employment. She prioritized her commitment to spreading the Gospel over career advancements, believing nothing in life was to take precedence over it. Baker’s passion for Christ and how it had cost her and what she was willing to sacrifice to be faithful, said Dr. Creech, resonated with him and the League’s mission, making her an ideal fit for the role.
In her new position, Baker will work part-time (three days a week), aligning her schedule to be in the office on the same days the North Carolina General Assembly is meeting (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Dr. Creech emphasized the importance of support from friends and churches, citing the biblical adage, “You don’t muzzle the ox that treads the corn.”
“This is a step of faith for us. We believe that what God orders he will pay for. But clearly, we will need additional support from the friends of this ministry” said Dr. Creech. “We need for churches and individuals to step-up to the plate, so to speak. It’s so important!”
Baker’s vision for her role extends beyond administrative duties; she sees herself as part of a larger mission to spark a revival in the church. Quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14, she expresses a deep-seated belief in the power of collective prayer and repentance to heal and restore a culture that has moved far away from God.
Dr. Creech praised Baker’s warm and welcoming demeanor, noting that there has already been positive feedback from two or three individuals who have been helped by her on the telephone.
“It’s such a blessing having someone like that representing us. She has such an incredible sunny disposition. Believe me, with the nature of this work, where unfortunately there can be so much negative, that’s really a plus!” he remarked.
Currently pursuing an accelerated BA-to-MA Counseling degree at the College of Southeastern in Wake Forest, Baker looks forward to leveraging her skills and faith to serve the Christian Action League and its mission with fervor and dedication.