Stephen Baldwin, Actor

Proflie on: Stephen Baldwin, actor

faith_baldwinAs a former Hollywood bad boy now on fire for Jesus, Stephen Baldwin personifies the “unusual suspect” – the last person in the room you’d suspect of being a sold-out, hard-core Christian.

The youngest of the renowned Baldwin brothers acting family, Stephen has appeared in over 65 films and dozens of television roles. According to Stephen,

“growing up Baldwin was like the Brady Bunch on a whole bunch of espresso.”

In his early days as an actor and model in New York, he earned a reputation as the life of the party.

He was one of the great playboy nightlife people in the annals of Manhattan nightlife,” says his oldest brother Alec. “He was like having a panther for a pet – he was just this exotic animal who was so beautiful and everyone loved him.”

I never really did anything too bad,” Stephen counters. “I didn’t commit any crimes that anyone was able to…convict.”

With his Baldwin-good-looks, an incredible singing voice and a broad acting range, Stephen soon established himself in the New York acting community. He met the girl of his dreams, Kennya, on a Manhattan bus.

I said, I just met the girl I’m going to marry and she’s gonna have our kids.” he says. “And what we never could have known then that we understand now is that it was all part of God’s plan.”

He did marry the stunning Brazilian beauty (he and Kennya now have two young daughters), but he also encountered another risk of the show business culture – an addiction to drugs and alcohol. His pastor, John Carter, says:

“He had a lot of stuff in his life that was messing him up and even though he had fame and he’s a handsome guy…he had a beautiful wife…all the things that everybody thinks you gotta have…he still wasn’t happy inside.”

Kennya issued an ultimatum:

“(I told him) I needed somebody who was going to be straight and who was not going to be lying to me and…living a double life,” she says. “I realized it wasn’t working and it wasn’t okay.”

Stephen entered a 12-step program and has been sober for 16 years. He recognizes now that God had plans for the two of them.

Looking back in retrospect – (it was) all totally the hand of God orchestrating a series of events and scenarios that would lead to who I am today,” he says.

The Baldwins moved out west to Arizona when Stephen landed a role on a television series called The Young Riders. Long days on the set, combined with the demands of a young family, compelled them to hire a Brazilian housekeeper named Agousta. The woman, an outspoken and joyous Christian, told Kennya (in Portuguese) that she was definitely NOT there simply to clean their house. As Stephen remembers it:

“So my wife comes to me and says ‘uh, you know, honey, I was talking to Agousta and she says that someone in her church in Brazil said she should come to America and work for a couple who will become born-again Christians and be involved in Christian ministry.’ What do you think of that?”

I mean, you know, I was dialing 9-1-1,” he says.

First, it was Kennya who was curious about her housekeeper’s faith.

Agousta would always talk about Jesus and I said to her ‘I want to know about this Jesus. Who is this Jesus?’” she asked. “I dealt with my hang-ups, with my fears, with my arrogance, my pride. There was so much in me that God showed me I had to change.”

At first, Stephen was an observer as his wife began her new walk in Christ.

“I was cool with it, and at some point it registered in me somewhere that it was genuine,” he says. “Something was changing in her, and it was real. Then 9-11 happened.”

“It was a day and an event where, for me, the impossible became possible.”

Very soon after 9-11, Stephen Baldwin dedicated his life to Christ.

When I decided to become a Christian, it was a full-on, gloves-off, throw-down, kick-boxing match between me and God.”

It’s been a wild ride since that decision day – from the creation (with Kevin Palau) of the Livin It action sports ministry to White House prayer sessions to the National Republican Convention. His first film for PalauFest ProductionsLivin It – became one of the most successful action sports DVD’s ever produced in the genre: the sequel, Livin It L.A., is set for release in mid-2006. He’s developing printed outreach tools as well, from graphic novels to testimony anthologies to his own autobiography.

Coming from an outspoken family better known for their liberal views, he’s at peace with his brothers and rock solid in his purpose.

My whole family, including my brothers, from a spiritual perspective has been very supportive of me.” he says. “Now, when my faith-based motivations led me to support the re-election of the president at the Republican National Convention….let’s just say the boys were a little concerned.”

His mother Carol points out:

When Stephen was inside speaking at the Republican Convention, his brother Billy was out on the sidewalk protesting.”

He’s developed a special respect and appreciation for the action sports athletes – and their legions of young fans and followers – that are an integral part of his Livin It films and national tours.

“I really feel that these are the people that God has called me to relate to,” he says. “The Livin It skateboarders and BMX’ers are hard core, but God has gifted them to communicate the Good News, especially to kids.”

“Who I am today – and I hope this doesn’t sound too hokey – I am the guy that I couldn’t become on my own. I couldn’t become the man that I wanted to until I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I am in no way perfect but I’m a far better husband and father. I’m a person who understands what their purpose is.”

“The Bible says God creates us, first and foremost, to do what? To love Him first, to seek His will and serve Him. This is a point of time in my life that is so far beyond the word ‘best’ that I couldn’t even use words to describe it.”

Have you ever felt like you’re looking for meaning in all the wrong place? Are you circling round and round but still not finding happiness? Perhaps it’s time you asked Jesus to help you take stock of your life before a crisis hits. If you don’t know Jesus, we encourage you to pray the following:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person you want me to be.

16 Responses to “Stephen Baldwin, Actor”

  • Jennifer McElroy says:

    I am sure you won’t personally read this, but I guess I needed to write this for myself. I was released from prison in 2006 after doing 5 yrs for helping my child’s Father escape from jail. (don’t recommend it!) While in custody my spiritual life grew by leaps and bounds. Seeing you in some of the christian movies was very inspirational. Have to tell you, you were not my favorite Baldwin growing up. Then I found out you were my brother in Christ and it made a huge impact on me. I started Bible school and got out and have registered at the University. I am starting pre-law in January and my heart is for God’s people. I long to serve my Lord and Savior and have more guts than I ever thought possible. However He chooses to use me remains to be seen. But I am thankful to those who visited me while prison. Thank you for your visit-Love, Your sister, Jennifer

  • Steve says:

    Hey Jenn….

    I am drug free and living the best life I have ever known. God is so good and the power of forgivness paves the way for us to forgive ouselves. The doors that God opens are created only by Him who has called us. God is crazy enough to allow us to go to prison in order to reach our hearts. Give away whats in your heart and know what you typed reached another human seeking Gods will…..

    Your brother in Christ…

    Steve Ewing

  • Constance says:

    How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ears. It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds and wipes away his tears. I do understand how liberating it is after wasting such a long time running from Him and finally to discover that what we needed all along was to run to Him. God bless you bro Steve for sharing your story. What an instrument for evangelism in a world where man is trying everything but the real deal to fill the aching void of the soul without Christ.

    Constance

  • Steve says:

    Wow…its so much later since I wrote that…I was in starbucks and just seeking out Gods will…Since then I have lost my job…lost getting a house I was closing on and now im still unemployed with 33 days to my wedding….I have been going to schools and churches and giving my testimony..Jail…Drugs..Suicide..all sorts of pain and horror but I have been free for 12 years and what I am facing now is nothing compared to the Grace of God…..That girl posted that and I read it that day and it spurred me to do many great things….for God….thanks for responding and when I get my miracle ill be sure to share….Love Steve

  • Ken Ventura says:

    I would like to meet with some of his handlers so can possibly talk to him about some solid opperunities.

  • Steve says:

    Wow again…I am back to say I got married!!!….we are closing on a home feb 4th!!!….I got a sweet Job and i am going to Paris for 13 days in March!!!)the wife is coming)….so waaaay back on my first post in Dec 8th 2009 I was unemployed…facing a wedding with no idea what God had in store..I am so glad i stayed linked to this page and was able to share what God has been doing!!!…Dont Ever Quit!!!…God will always see you thru!!!

  • Cindy Hulsebus says:

    I just saw you speak of your faith on Fox News with Megan Kelly. Thank you for stating your faith so clearly. We need more people to speak proudly as Christians. Thank you

  • I’m happy that one of the baldwin brothers settled down and found faith. I’m remember watching Steven on the Apprentice and feel he is at piece with his faith.

  • Alfred says:

    What a beautiful story of Stephen’s life! God also has a plan for your and for my life!
    It sometimes amazes me to realize how God will orchestrate a person’s turn-around. Every saint has his past, and every sinner has a future. It is up to us (Christians) to pray for those who need a turn-around, and to be open to God’s leading. HE will do thew rest; and may even use us to answer our own prayers for that person! Time is too short to waste it on selfish activities!

  • Jennifer says:

    Steve-
    This is your sister Jennifer. I forgot I wrote this. It has been awhile. My goodness. Out of the clear blue I received an email saying there was a comment on here. Your last comment was in 2010, but I hope you are better since that post. I will keep you diligently in my prayers until I hear from you and know you are okay. I am so glad that my walk touched your life. It is awesome to know God uses us even when we are unaware. Congrats on your wedding and I hope you have continued to serve the Lord despite any obstacles. Ephesians 6:13 says, “When you have done all that you can to stand. Stand…” My dear brother that is what you must do. I am still doing the same thing. I am in school which I think will never end.lol Nonetheless, wherever God sends me I will go. Until me meet again. Your sister in Christ, Jennifer

  • Steve E says:

    Jen!!!..
    What a journey!!! Life is good and God is most faithful!!!…we are settled in our home and expecting a baby!!!…yes!!!…The other day when day you responded I was laying on the couch thinking of how things are getting scary at work, yes my new job is talking of cutting my position….after all that I have been thru in believing in getting married in 2010 after getting laid off and losing our home and worried of no place to live, we got an apartment for that year and I got a new job and we moved in and now she is having a baby and now yes now they are talking of letting me go in January-Febuary….you responded with Ephesians 6:13 says, “When you have done all that you can to stand. Stand… I have been working so hard and really doing my best in serving God and doing everything whole heartedly and now this? Just when my heart was sinking your post came…STAND!!!….LOL!!!….This is wild!!!…this thread started in 2009 and now we are wrapping up 2011 with so much in between!!!….I usually am the one who says “God will handle this” and for the first time I started to sink and doubted God and your response has given me POWER!!!….I feel bad for hogging this post but It has done so much for me thru the years in re-reading what has been going on and how God has come thru….Be Blessed Jen!!!…I pray ( and now my wife too) for your success and wisdom in school!!!..

    Bro Steve

  • Sharon says:

    good article of stephen baldwin

  • Jennifer Mcelroy says:

    Steve-

    Omgsh!My dear brother in Christ it has been some time. I wish I was notified in 2011 you had commented back on here. Maybe I did but did not get the notification. Either way please email me [it is our policy not to publish personal contact information] and update me further as it is three years from the last update. I am so happy for you and hope you are continuing to fight through some the ever present life difficulties we face on this earth. Much love to you and yours. your sis in Christ, Jennifer

  • Tamara C says:

    I just read this–what a story. I am seeking prayer for both my boys–they are very close–23 & 20. My oldest flunked out of college his senior year–got involved with pot and alcohol–lost all motivation. He had been a top student — such a devastating blow to his dad and me. We just don’t understand what happened–he has shut us out emotionally–actually estranged himself from us for 17 weeks. However, his younger brother was helping him–actually was the one (unbeknownst to us) to give him a ride back to college–would provide food for him, etc. The younger just wasn’t ready to see him for who he was becoming. Anyway, when his rent was running out, he agreed to come home. Once home, he simply would not make a concerted effort to secure full time work….he had a small part time seasonal job, but when that ran out, he went back to his old ways of sleeping late, going to the gym, watching TV, staying out all night, etc.—and when my husband finally insisted he secure 40 hrs. of work each week, he told us he had decided to join the Army. Such heartache really–I struggle so wanting to know what happened–it’s hard not to take it personal–we raised our boys up in the church, attending AWANA’s, church youth groups, church summer camps, etc. Both boys were compassionate towards others and made us feel loved. That has all fallen by the wayside. We need prayers

  • Chris says:

    tamara c….i pray that jesus first of all gives you the consolation you need from his promises in scripture. romans 15, that just as the prodgial came home in his heart to his father, so too your children will be restored to you, our first concern being restored to their heavenly father and in being so will be restored to you too. our faith challenges arent necessarily easy but they are worth it to see the glory of our God in the land of the living.psalm 116. there is no need to faint. jesus promised if we kept insisting in prayer, justice would come to pass. luke 18. in jesus name i pray amen

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