Anita Bates has been part of VCF for several years and is active in our nursing group. She recently shared her story in our summer newsletter:
“In the past, my involvement was minimal—mainly receiving newsletters, occasionally opening them(!), and catching up with Ali at the shows I attended, both as a visitor and an exhibitor. It was always uplifting to see her smile, accept a chocolate or a Bible verse leaflet, and then return to my stand.
The prayer breakfast at the London Vet Show became a tradition—held in a small room together, and it was wonderful. However, in 2025, no room was available, so we listened to a devotion and confidently prayed in the passageway near the VCF stand, loud enough for everyone to hear but without it feeling like preaching. That day, I had two questions: How many people were impacted by us being visibly present and praying openly? And what if we weren’t there? These reflections led me to Matthew 18:12-14, the parable of the lost sheep:
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.”
Our hearts should be set on expanding the kingdom and setting people free. Having the right people in the right place with the right words is a path our loving Father has made clear to us. I believe it is so important that we continue to meet openly at conferences, drawing on my own experience in 2025.
I had the privilege of leading a colleague, now a sister, to Jesus. The value of having the VCF stand nearby and being able to utilise a valuable resource when my sister was in need was fantastic. I will forever be thankful to Jesus for that experience of talking someone through the prayer of salvation whilst walking the pink carpet of the London Vet Show (if you’ve been, you will know what I mean) and for collecting really helpful resources for that person who was at the very start of her Christian journey. We are now eight months on, and we talk regularly about having a relationship with Jesus, and we pray and follow Bible plans together. It highlights the importance of the VCF’s presence at shows. Not only is it a great place to fellowship and meet other Christians in the industry, but it also allows us to illuminate the goodness of God to the lost. My encounter with the Holy Spirit at this show was so encouraging that I had a newfound desire to become more active with VCF.
I attended the VCF Northern Conference in person in February and had a great time. I can see the passion that the committee and trustees have for their flock and the love the members have for Jesus and the Veterinary Industry. After talking to many, I recognised the need to become a committee member, and after a few weeks of prayer and meetings with Kerry Williams and Hannah McClintick, I agreed to support the committee.
Whilst I find my feet, I don’t have an assigned role at the moment, but I am keen to ensure that the VCF can flourish to support the next generation of Christian veterinary professionals.”